Letters
Fireworks feud
To the Editor:
I would like to express my horror and disbelief of the attitude of some of our citizens. I am totally appalled and do deplore the ugly behavior of some of the citizens who are fighting to maintain fireworks in Downey. That is their privilege. However, removing yard signs of those who are against fireworks is a criminal act. Three young men threatening to burn a lady's home because she caught them removing a Yes on L sign from her yard is against the law and is un-American. There have been many threats to the Yes on L group.
Our group, Citizens for a Safe Downey, has too much class and honor to engage in such atrocities. This is what happens when fireworks lobbyists contribute money. They have unlimited funds to spend on maintaining the sale of fireworks in communities. These lobbyists do not live in Downey and they could care less about Downey. As far as they are concerned this is all about money.
Lobbyists have come into our community like Pied Pipers spreading their filthy lucre to some of the clubs who, in my opinion, are selling their souls for a pittance. Selling fireworks and making $160,000 for clubs will not compensate for burned homes as in Judge Johnson's home, Elwayne Smith's home, and others. The clubs could never replace a life or limb nor heal burns. Our Police Chief and Fire Chief have pleaded with Downey city officials to eliminate all fireworks. Fireworks are very costly to cities and taxpayers; and, if eliminated, we would no longer be hostages in our home. Then, as a community we could enjoy a fireworks display together.
-Neville Kilpatrick,
Downey
Bike lane request
To the Editor:
I'm a student at Griffiths Middle School. Every day, many students ride bikes to go home, and sometimes I ride mine also. But I always worry about car accidents, and I wish the City of Downey would make a bike lane beside the sidewalk.
Most students ride their bikes dangerously. They ride bikes through store parking lots, go through roads, and some students don't wear helmets. Not wearing a helmet is illegal, and students know that, but they're not wearing helmets because they don't want to mess up their hair. Actually, teenagers want to look cool, so they don't wear helmets. But, if they fall or get in a car accident, it'll be horrible. The City of Downey should have a solution for this, and I think it is to make a bike lane. If bike lanes were made, then students would ride their bikes in the bike lanes for their safety, and they won't get in car accidents. The City of Downey could make a bike lane with material that isn't hard, such as rubber, then students won't get hurt when they fall down. I wish the City of Downey would make bike lanes for all bikers.
-Kim Ji Hoon, student,
Griffiths Middle School
Lauds Redfox
To the Editor:
This letter is in reply to Jayne Smith's comments on Jason Redfox. Ms. Smith commented that Mr. Redfox "should not malign the organization that has made it financially possible for him to exercise his artistic talents." In a sense, the Rose Float is a big billboard for the city of Downey. It shows the sense of community and compassion, also our thrive for excellence. It is people like Ms. Smith that Mr. Redfox is leaving the organization altogether. Mr. Redfox is expected to be the very best at what he does. He has won many awards that have proved he is the very best. He is expected to design a billboard for our city and at the same time be a puppet for those organizations that supported him. When you give backing to someone, it doesn't mean that organizations own you, it should mean they support your talent. In the past Mr. Redfox was criticized for taking the credit for even designing the float now Ms. Smith is criticizing him to biting the hand that feeds him. Leave Mr. Redfox alone. This is the reason why our younger people of the community do not get more involved in activities. Nothing is ever good enough for some.
-Mario Mendoza,
Downey
End Letters