Letters to the editor

Good reason to incorporate

This letter was sent to each of the five San Diego County supervisors.

Last supervisors meeting, four of you voted in favor of the solar major use permit and Dianne Jacob voted against this intrusion into our rural Ramona.

Four of you do not know the meaning of “compatible” or “harmony.”

You four did not listen to what Ramona unanimously was stating, but you did listen to your staff, the developers (an LLC) and the landowner who will profit from this ugly project. None of you people live in Ramona! Even the property owner does not live in Ramona.

What a slap in Ramona’s face. We asked you to find another location. We offered many other locations that would not be as intrusive into the heart of Ramona’s Valley of the Sun. Evidently, neither your staff nor four of the supervisors comprehended that the sun shines in places other than Ramona Street and Warnock.

When Dianne Jacob asked if any of you four would consider moving your decision until other locations were investigated by staff, you all indicated you would not support that motion. Even the new guy flipped-flopped for some reason I could not understand.

It appears that the Board of Supervisors only listens and agrees with their planning groups when it benefits the county’s tax base—when it pays the bills.

Didn’t you all realize there are 1,473 acres of solar projects in the works in Southeast County that will produce 168.5 megawatts of electrical power?

And you proceeded to dump a solar farm on Ramona that will produce a mere 7.5 megawatts.

Our planning group has learned to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. We’ll be ready for any other profit-oriented LLC solar power venture that wants to stick another project at a highly visible location.

If there has ever been a good reason for Ramona to incorporate, this item will be our war cry: ”Remember the Solar Farm.”

I hope Bill Horn’s constituency is aware that he stated he does not have to go out in person and look at major project developments in his district. What kind of representation is that? There should be a state law that requires elected officials to leave the comforts of their office and visit, in person, any major development site.

You still don’t have a “solar power ordinance” that makes any sense. You’ve been asked for a better ordinance than what exists months ago and I do not believe you have started the effort. Currently, these ugly projects can be placed anywhere. Com’on, staff, get off your butts and write a better ordinance! Spare other county communities the agony of defeat. It’s too late for Ramona and we’re mad as hell.

Joe Minervini

Ramona

Volunteer efforts made it happen

Each of us is faced with situations/problems that either bother or cause angst for us, so much so that on occasion we become motivated to take the next step and try to do something about the bothersome matter. Often this leads us to find others with a similar concern, and then join hands to “do something about it!”Thus we end up as a volunteer on a committee and work with others — such was the San Diego Country Estates Association Water Project.Circa 2005, I was asked to address the problem of how we would irrigate the golf course in the San Diego Country Estates. Eventually several of us became involved, a committee was formed and each of us wanted to contribute in a different capacity or amount of work. But to achieve success, someone had to give direction and lead the effort. I was asked to assume this role.Many of us have been lucky enough to serve as leaders of similar volunteer efforts — a lot of work but very fulfilling.The Sentinel recently published an article describing a major milestone for the SDCE community — approval of improvement of their infrastructure, which will enable distribution and storage to accommodate recycled water well into the future. This was the effort of a volunteer group of dedicated homeowners — all pro bono!As chairman of that committee, I have received much credit, but as a popular saying goes, “it takes a village!“ In this case, a whole lot of people made the above happen. Maggie Johnson was a partner and shared in much of the work from the very beginning; also Niki McGinnis, Don Schumacher, SDCEA golf superintendent Pat Shannon and such stalwarts as Flip Rodine, Chuck LeMenager, Eileen Castberg as well as water board representatives Bob Krysak, Red Hager, Brian Wadlington and the many SDCEA board members and management who supported the project.A special kudo must go to engineer Gene Cook, who had the experience, know-how, and patience to educate and guide us through the technicalities involved in enabling us to return this very valuable resource — water — to our community.It has been an indescribable pleasure for me to work on this project and with these fine people.Thank you.

Ernest Garrett

Ramona

More than a one-horse town

The week after I wrote my article titled by the Sentinel as “Ramona’s No Longer a One Horse Town,” I was disappointed that I didn’t get the response I had hoped to incite. This last week I was pleasantly surprised at least two Ramona residents read my article and responded, although they seemed to miss the point and tone of my writing.While I would really enjoy a point/counterpoint approach, this really isn’t the forum, so I address just a couple salient points.Mr. or Mrs. Runyon (I can’t tell because Chris can be either male or female) failed to see the humor in my “head of steam” comment. The statement was directed at the individuals who are opposed to the solar project, basically to drive past it and look the other direction assuming it is constructed at all. If you are moving a bit faster you would pass the “eyesore” in a shorter amount of time. (Get it?) I didn’t expect nor intend for anyone to take me seriously. Obviously, my attempt at humor failed for some of you.As for Ms. Pritchard commenting on my “firewood for all” comment, yes it is ridiculous. That is exactly what I intended it to be, funny. Again, my humor was apparently lost on some. I find it satisfying and somewhat amusing the two individuals who responded took this so seriously. To me it was clear I was attempting to get a rise out of people and, hey, guess what, I did!A good portion of the people who write in to the opinion section are whining about something. Now, before those of you who don’t write in whining ask me to relocate, please note I said, “A good portion,” not all. Everyone is so quick to get their panties in a bunch!Before I go, I’d like it to be clear, I know there is more than one horse in town. I live close to at least six or seven. Maybe this article can be titled I KNOW THERE IS MORE THAN ONE HORSE IN RAMONA, OK?Oh, and to your suggestions I relocate — Nah, I’m good right here. I, too, chose to move up here for similar reasons. I just tire of some of the nonsense I read. Please don’t take this as an apology or a retraction of any kind. It is neither. It is merely written to express my appreciation of your attentive reading.Thanks for your heartfelt replies I enjoyed reading them and they made me chuckle.

Thomas W. Cook

Ramona