Peters’ constituents appreciate his hard work
The continuing scurrilous attacks (Letters, Aug. 24, 2006) on Scott Peters’ integrity for approving the construction of Regents Road Bridge reveal more about the writers than about the councilman. If they truly believe wealthy developers were behind his decision, their heads have been in the sand for the past several years.
Most of the community recognizes the absurdity of these accusations. If developers had wanted the bridge, it would have been built 30 years ago. The truth of the matter is this: thousands of UC residents want the bridge and have worked hard for the past two and a half years to finally bring to light the logic, wisdom and common sense of this project.
The decision to support the bridge, by Scott Peters and five of his colleagues, was based on testimony presented by public safety officials, transportation experts and residents of this community, not by developers. For six years, Scott Peters has worked hard to improve the quality of life in University City as well as other parts of his district. When he recommended the bridge project, he added an extra $4 million for the protection and enhancement of Rose Canyon. By so doing, he demonstrated his concern for the well-being and safety of all residents.
One letter writer asserts that District 1 residents should initiate a recall of Peters, while another suggests that Peters would never again get the support of District 1 voters in any future bid for office. Who appointed these people spokespersons for this District? What arrogance to believe their opinions transcend those of the 4,000-plus residents who signed petitions to build the bridge! Many of Councilman Peters’ constituents appreciate his hard work, integrity and fairness. If looking for votes in the future, he will have plenty of support from District 1.
Is it not time for this community, north and south, east and west, to convene in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill? This combined energy could produce many positive results. We can begin by joining forces to keep Miramar free of a commercial airport!
Marcia Munn, University City

South bay runways
Although I have the utmost respect for Walter Munk and Frieder Sieble, I cannot agree with their proposal to building a floating airport offshore (“Scholars float idea for airport,” Village News, Aug. 17, page 1.] The cost would be prohibitive and technically, in my opinion, is not feasible. However, I do agree, as they propose, with leaving the Lindbergh terminals and parking for check-in and transport passengers to the remote runways.
I propose two 12,000-foot-long parallel runways to be built in the south bay, primarily on the existing salt evaporators (Map shown in previous Letter to the Editor, “South SD bay airport site,” Village News, July 27, page 8, with the runways inadvertently not shown). The advantages to this location are obvious: Take-off over the ocean and landing in a relatively uncluttered (no high-rises) final approach. There are several options for passenger transportation: (1) high-speed passenger ferries to the south bay, (2) special passenger buses on the Interstate 5 freeway, (3) extend the existing trolley line (4) construct a newly developed Maglev railroad along the east bay shore and finally (5) a San Francisco BART-type underwater light railway direct to the site.
The Naval Radio Station shown on the western portion of the map contains the AN/FRD-10 Wullunweber Circularly Disposed Antenna Array (CDAA). The Navy built 16 CDAAs around the world, starting in the early ’60s. Most have been dismantled, with the Imperial Beach installation built in 1964 to be removed next year. Thus this site should be readily available for the extension of the runways, including offshore if further length is desirable in the future.
William A. Daly, La Jolla

Less is not more
A study in 1997 established the harbor seal colony at the Casa Beach with a population of 250 with 192 individual animals photo-identified. Seal counts from 1999 to date have not peaked above 180-185 seals. This is a 28 percent drop in less than a decade ” 3 percent yearly. The California population of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) is also in decline according to the last census.
Marine mammal populations are declining worldwide due to terrestrial habitat encroachment and destruction by humans, toxic waste, hunting and industrialized fishing. This year 335,000 harp seals were shot and clubbed to death by Canada for pelts and penises and their situation is worsening by melting ice due to global warming trends.
At present, Namibia is clubbing and stabbing over 85,000 Cape fur seals ” mostly nursing pups. Japan, followed by several other nations, is resuming commercial whaling for “scientific study.” The last 100 Western gray whales are threatened with extinction as Shell Oil plans offshore platforms and pipelines located in the whales’ only feeding grounds.
Harbor and gray seals are routinely shot by fishermen in the U.K. due to the ignorant belief that the seals are reducing fisheries. California sea lions are falling prey to toxic algal blooms caused by agricultural runoff, found illegally shot, caught in drift or gill nets and other marine debris. There are only 2,000 West Indian manatees left in Florida and their numbers are dropping dramatically due to habitat destruction and boating.
Southern resident orcas in Vancouver now number 89 due to the effects of bio-accumulative toxins, vessel traffic and noise ” while some of their directly related family individuals live abbreviated and captive lives in chlorinated concrete pools in San Diego.
Here in San Diego County we are blessed with much diversity of plants and animals with diverse habitats, yet we have the dubious distinction of having more endangered plant and animal species than any county in the U.S. Also, sadly, two of the top most endangered habitats; coastal sage and vernal pools, native to Southern California, are all but gone. Unchecked development and a complete disregard for habitat interconnection and biodiversity are to blame. It is not a stretch to say there is pressing need for applied conservation and a new respect for nature in our area.
The San Diego harbor seals at the Casa Beach are an important and essential part of the big picture. They are the second largest wild mammals (California sea lions and bighorn sheep are less numerous and harder to see) available in the county for us to see in their natural environment. The respectful viewing of the seals, with no intention to disturb or displace them in any manner, is an opportunity for everyone to participate in the active conservation so badly needed in our times.
Patrick Lee Hord ll, La Jolla

People have spoken
Why can La Jolla have an alcohol ban and Pacific and Mission Beach can’t? The people have spoken and are clearly against alcohol on the beaches. If Kevin Faulconer wants to keep the alcohol, let him do it in his neighborhood. He can deal with the drunks, noise, trash and lack of parking. Another study ” come on. The smoking ban was passed in minutes; now how about the alcohol ban.
Penny Campbell, Pacific Beach