Letters to the Editor Oct. 2, 2010

Fond memories of surfing and Bev Noll’s kindness

I grew up outside of Newark, but the spell of a faraway land had invaded the Garden State and hypnotized us with Dick Dale, the Beach Boys and a thing called surfing. You could have wrapped a cowpie in cellophane and stamped “Made in California” on it and we would have bought it.

I recall buying my first board at RonJon’s surfshop on Long Beach Island, a 9’8” Dewey Weber, as well as a butt whipping I took for epoxying a poster of Greg Noll, dropping in on a 30-foot face at Waimea Bay, on my old man’s freshly painted basement wall.

Years later I was practicing law in Orange County, still escaping to the sea. Then I moved to be with my Mom, dying of Alzheimer’s in Brookings. I landed in Crescent City.

I recall my first night in the Royal Roman Motel on Front Street, never feeling so alone and empty. I saw a theater was showcasing a surf movie, “Riding Giants.” I remember my disbelief in reading that Greg Noll and Gerry Lopez would be there.

That night found me peering in the theater windows as the heroes of my teenage years mingled with the locals. Suddenly a slight woman was next to me, inviting me in. I told her I had no ticket. Sometimes you meet people who can read the book by the cover, because they have a heart that goes out to others.

She took me by the hand and walked past the usher and into a fourth row seat, next to Gerry Lopez. The only exchange I heard was, “It’s OK, he’s with me.” And the reply, “Oh, allright, Bev.” Only later did I learn her last name — Noll. By evening’s end, I had recaptured something from my past. Not just the thrill and balance surfing always brought, but the spirit of the people drawn to it. A spirit that has at its roots respect, sharing and a oneness with this earth. I walked out, seemingly alone, but hardly lonely. All because of one little woman with a big heart.

I ended up staying. Mom has gone on across the bar and sometimes I grow sad with missing her. Then I remember the kindness of a lady named Bev Noll and how I will celebrate this weekend in her name. And I know that the truly good things in this life never die. Mahalo.

Jon Alexander

Crescent City

Drossel has mentoring skills and prosecutorial experience

Bob Drossel is a prosecutor and has been for 23 years. He was back in the office in 2008 and 2009 taking on tough cases during a staff shortage when there were too many cases too prosecute.

He was a mentor to the staff and they liked his knowledge and leadership skills. He is the only candidate who has been a district attorney with extensive budget experience. Bob completed a successful term as DA.

Alexander was only a prosecutor briefly. His job is now to defend criminals, not prosecute them, and yet at election time claims defendants get sweetheart deals, deals he fights for. That is not the case when you learn the facts. 

Prosecution versus defense. Not a tough call. Del Norte County is now the laughingstock of California, go look on Google, because of Alexander running for DA. No question, Drossel is the best candidate!

Yancy Bates

Crescent City

Schaad took care of Sheriff’s Office, will do same for county

It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter in support of Clint Schaad for county auditor/controller.

I first met Mr. Schaad when I began working with the Sheriff’s Office in 2003. Since that time I have developed both a professional and personal relationship with Mr. Schaad. I have routinely seen how Mr. Schaad has been able to not only manage the budget for the department but also be able to appropriately enhance and ensure that the members of this department obtain necessary equipment.

On a personal note, I have seen how Mr. Schaad believes in giving back to the community. We share a joy of sports both at a national level as well as more importantly at a local level involving community members. Mr. Schaad has continually shown leadership qualities as demonstrated by serving as a captain for the Crescent City Volunteer Fire Department.

I will regret losing Mr. Schaad at the Sheriff’s Office, but I realize that he will provide excellent service to the county as the next auditor/controller.

 Mike Henderson

 Crescent City 

With impeccable past, Drossel doesn’t need second chance 

It has been my experience in life that mistakes made require consequences, and while I commend Jon Alexander for the wonderful change he has brought about from his former life of drugs and other problems, and for his giving back to the community, my question is this: Why should he be given a second chance over Robert Drossel, who has an impeccable past and a work history that is second to none?

One letter writer wrote, and I quote, “I’m sure that all the other candidates have experimented with drugs or stole something.” Where is the proof to such an outrageous statement? Statements like this are akin to libel, and I’m amazed that this paper would even print it.

Vote for Mr. Drossel for district attorney, as he is obviously the best choice.

Tom Lee

Smith River

DA race: Focus on issues, not backgrounds or service

I have not made up my mind on who I am voting for in the upcoming election for district attorney.

I do want to comment on an opinion printed on Sept. 24 regarding Mr. Alexander’s background. Good grief, who doesn’t have something they’re not proud of in their past?

I am not against background checks. In no way do I want pedophiles, psycho murderers, etc. working and living in my city.

Mr. Alexander has never lied about his background issues. He offered no excuses.

Mr. Drossel, I have heard you speak. I believe you to be a good candidate.

I don’t want to hear how many hours of community service a candidate puts in, nor who’s spending what on their campaigns and why courtrooms aren’t full.

If Mr. Alexander falls off the wagon, fire him. If Mr. Drossel screws up, fire him.

Candidates, this is our town! We want to know what you’re going to do about child molesters, rapists, murderers, domestic violence, meth, corruption, medical collectives within blocks of our schools, gangs entering our city, bullies taking over our children’s lives. What about public defenders spending less than 30 minutes on their cases?

You both are experienced, bright candidates, personally and professionally. How are you going to make me proud I voted for either one of you? Tell me my kids, my family, are safe in this town.

And to the people, if you agree you want a campaign based on the issues, do you want to clean up this town? It’s time to take back our town from criminals no matter who they are. Would you show your candidates this by posting a sign in your home, work or car that states, “It’s our town”? Would you still post that sign, would you change your mind, if I told you I had a background?

Summer Moore

Crescent City

Overwhelming evidence fluoride is safe, beneficial

Several medical breakthroughs of the past century have clearly led to decreased disease morbidity and mortality, as well as an increase in our longevity. Some of these innovations include the development of vaccines and drugs to treat cancer.

Fluoridation of water is one public health measure that not only has led to a significant decrease in dental caries, but also, indirectly, has had a positive impact on other health issues, including cardiovascular health.

The fact is that nearly all water on earth contains some level of fluoride, which may be higher or lower than that from a community water fluoridation system. The process of fluoridation adjusts this level to one that is both safe and effective for the prevention of dental caries (0.7-1.2 parts per million). No adverse health effects have ever been shown to result from the exposure to this low of a concentration of fluoride in water. Moreover, no adverse health effects result from the types of commonly used fluoride containing additives in water.

Yet, the benefits of water fluoridation that we reap as a society are immeasurable. As physicians, we always consider the benefit-risk ratio when treating patients. In the case of water fluoridation, the benefits to society undoubtedly outweigh the risks.

As pediatricians in Del Norte County, we certainly respect the right of every individual to make their own choices regarding their health. However, fluoridation of water is not about individual choices; it is about the overall benefit to society, which directly or indirectly impacts everyone’s quality of life, including those who would rather not have fluoride in their water.

Because of the overwhelming scientific evidence that fluoride is beneficial to human health with minimal or no risk, we as physicians who care for children, strongly support water fluoridation as a necessary public health measure.

Dr. Carla Nelson

 Dr. Alex Wade

Dr. Christopher Chang

Crescent City

Nice ‘ad’ for gold/silver show, but it pays pennies on dollar

Regarding the Ohio Valley Gold and Silver Refinery, I certainly thought that was a nice gesture for you to advertise for them with a one-third front-page color photo notifying the public that its event will last through Saturday!

I only hope that the public realizes outfits like theirs generally only pay pennies on the dollar for family treasures/heirlooms, silver bars, etc.!

                            Fred Schultz

Crescent City

If Leighton thinks auditor job is part time, who will do work?

I heard something at a recent candidates forum involving Clinton Schaad and Jeffrey Leighton, candidates for auditor/controller, that concerns me.

Mr. Leighton says that the auditor/controller’s job would only take part of his time per week to accomplish and that if elected, he will continue to work his current private business at the same time. This seems kind of odd considering that every department head for elected county positions is considered full time, with the auditor’s position being particularly labor-intensive.

If Mr. Leighton is considering this as a part-time job, who will do the rest of the work and is he also willing to consider part-time pay?

 Bill Steven

Crescent City

Editor’s note: Bill Steven is a commander in the Sheriff’s Office.

Something needs to be done about Lake Earl Dr. speeding

Something needs to be done about people driving too fast on Lake Earl Drive.

A lot of people take their daily walk there, jogging, bike riding, kids riding bikes to the little market, etc.

In some places it is posted 40 miles per hour. Some are going 65-70 miles per hour. Some are talking on cell phones and not really paying attention no less.

Please, someone listen. Someone, someday, is going to get hurt or killed.

Sally Thompson

Crescent City

Crime rate grew as Drossel, Riese traded head DA job

I have read and listened to all the attack pieces against DA candidate Jon Alexander. The focus on his years-old bar record, his probationary status and his campaign spending are nothing more than the symptoms of desperation.

While Jon Alexander has steadfastly discussed the issues confronting this community (the drug epidemic, domestic violence, gun rights, the homeless, property crimes, homicide trials, etc.) and refused to take the low road of character assassination and negative politics, his critics have done just that.

As a mother, a wife of a Pelican Bay corrections officer, family partner in the Wraparound Program and a citizen of this county, I care far more about the safety of my streets, schools, kids and husband than Mr. Alexander’s past or his dependency recovery, which, however laudable, is equally irrelevant to my concerns. What is important to me is the safety and well being of my family and community and which candidate will do a better job protecting those things.

Over the past decade, the DA’s Office has failed to do that, letting this county become more crime-ridden each year. During that decade of decline, only two DAs, Mike Riese and Bob Drossel, ran that office, intermittently trading off the head job with each having the other to work for him. Mr. Alexander had a reputation for being a tough prosecutor, especially in the area of narcotics.

Mr. Alexander has continued his practice, while staying involved in numerous community improvement projects like CCPD’s Crime Free Housing, providing free legal work to neighborhood watches, mentoring “at-risk”€ kids and running his “Jobs For Kids” program, to name a few. When you strip away all the smoke, mirrors and red herrings of the attack ads or the ignorance of straight party affiliation-voting and look at the candidate who’s going to bring needed change to the DA’s Office and has a real record of doing that in this county already, there’s only one candidate that has proven he’ll do that and it’s Jon Alexander.

 Valarie Wenning

Crescent City