Letters to the Editor

Stand up and oppose proposal to eliminate planning groups

I strongly recommend Ramona citizens stand up and oppose the recent proposal to eliminate Community Planning Groups. Their elimination would effectively silence the voice of citizens in helping determine their own community’s future and destiny.

Effective democracy requires that our government maximize the opportunity for ordinary citizens to be heard and ensure all perspectives can be freely expressed. Only then can elected officials better make sound and well-considered decisions. Robust citizen participation provides extra eyes and ears to the process and helps promote open and responsive government.

Those who truly understand American history know that the communication paths between those who are governed and those who govern should be maximized not minimized, and the current San Diego County Community Planning Group system has generally served both citizens and elected officials well.

If citizens fail to speak up, the county supervisors will then assume we do not care about preserving our right to be a part of local decisions that directly affect us.

History has shown that liberty and democracy are usually lost a nibble at a time due to apathy/inattention.

I urge that citizens contact our county supervisor, Dianne Jacob, at dianne.jacob@sdcounty.ca.gov today to encourage her to convince all members of the Board of Supervisors to remember the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln on this matter—and support government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

George Eastwood, Ramona

Not Your Grandma’s Senior Center

I am a business administration major and in a leadership class. One of our projects is to work with a non-profit organization to see how a student would be able to bring value to the organization.

I came across the “Ramona Senior Center” and thought I would like that. I asked the center’s executive director, Ray Cardona, to allow me to work with the center and see what I could do.

At first, I expected it to be like an “old folks” home. I have lived in Ramona for many years and have not heard much about the center. Let’s just say, I was completely misguided in my assumptions about the Senior Center. It’s classified as a nutrition center to provide meals for seniors. So I know what many are thinking:

•This is just for really old people, right?

Wrong! Let’s admit it, 60 is the new 40. Baby boomers are more active and social than any preceding generation. The term “senior” scares the wits out of many, but it is just a name, just like 60 is only a number and that never holds anyone back.

The Senior Center is a place to make friends, play billiards, cards, take various classes, and have a great lunch.

•This is only for the people who need financial assistance, right?

Wrong! Anyone can come in. There is a suggested donation of $4 for lunch, but nobody is turned away for not being able to pay. The center program also delivers hot meals to homebound in the region who might not otherwise have any meals provided to them.

The center encourages everyone to come in and have lunch while helping those who are less fortunate in the process.

So, if you are looking for fun, you are at least 60 years young and have a few hours to spend, come to the center. You will be surprised by what you find and you may just have a new hangout.

Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not your grandma’s senior center.

Kristen Rice, Ramona