La Conchita is not all hippies and surfers
Who are the people of La Conchita? When our small town was hit by a massive mudslide in January we were described in the news as a free loving commune of musicians and surfers. But we are so much more.

We are a community of hard working families and retirees. My neighbors are carpenters, a fisherman, businessmen—one commutes to Burbank the other Chatsworth. The 9 to 5 guy, the chef, the retired government worker. We have a few third generation families living there.

La Conchita is not a hippie commune, and it’s not paradise. It’s home to many good people.

Hermeine Gallardo
La Conchita

God bless freedom of speech
Our local publication provides us with the opportunity to have input from our fellow residents and other interested parties through the column “Your Views.” Thus it was a shock to read in two consecutive letters from two individuals who heaped shame on and demanded an apology from Mr. Bud Fink, who had written a letter printed on Jan. 13, 2005, voicing his concerns with the current policy of the governor of California.

I had read the letter by Mr. Fink and it caught my eye as I had voted for our governor in the recall election and I still hold hope that he will make inroads to stop the terrible corruption involved in the politics of California.

The comments of Mr. Fink about the rise to power of an Austrian seemed reasonable to me as so many citizens of our country agree that the United States is presently perched on the doorstep of fascism.

Hopefully we learn something from historical events. This cancer of corruption eats not only at California and throughout the United States, but also at much of the rest of the world as our “leaders” send out “contractors” to any country they please. It is disgusting that our predominant export product seems to be war.

As I read the letters critical to Mr. Fink my limited vocabulary forced me to the dictionary for a better understanding of the usage of such words as: promiscuous, hyperbole, crass, perspective, bigoted, racist, offensive and hateful. From the definitions of these words I came to the conclusion that Mr. Fink’s attackers were describing their own letters as they attempted to describe his own letter.

My thanks to the Coastal View News for making it possible for us to read differing views and make our own decisions. Propaganda in the press is nothing new and we need access to all opinions so as to hopefully sort out the fact from fiction. I choose to believe that in his letter Mr. Fink speaks only for himself in the same way that I am speaking only for myself.

No apologies, please, just the truth!

James E. Finch
Carpinteria

Don’t play the racist card with me
Gosh, it sure is nice to know someone actually reads my memos to the CVN.  Regarding Mr. Theule’s response (CVN Jan. 20, 2005) to my “Slippery Slope” memo:  Did our narcissistic, body building governor not:  1. Pronounce the legislature unnecessary or at best part time and that he could govern better by going directly to the people through propositions? 2. Refer to those who disagree with him as “Girlie Men”? 3. Immediately increase the state’s indebtedness by $3 billion more than it was when he was elected? 4. After stating that he was rich and did not need “special interest” money-accept more than $23 million from PAC’s making his predecessor look like an amateur as a fund raiser? 5. Counter to the Pope and the 10 commandments (See “Thou shalt not kill”) refuse to commute the death penalty just two weeks ago?

It would appear that we Californians were in a messianic mood, looking for someone to lead us out of the wilderness with easy answers to complex problems when we elected our “Action Hero” governor. 

Were he a true man of the people he would, as did good Republicans Ronald Reagan and Pete Wilson slightly increase the income tax rate on the wealthiest 1 percent of the people and let them pay sales taxes on their yachts as we do on our cars; and return the state to fiscal responsibility without his draconian cuts to education and highway funding.

As regards to Mr. Chamlee’s acidic memo (CVN Jan. 27, 2005), I would suggest that bigotry and racism are in the mind of the reader. Nowhere in my letter did I mention either racism or bigotry. 

Thank goodness for the Coastal View News that gives us all a chance to express our opinions, even racist and bigoted such as Mr. Chamlee’s.

Bud Fink
Carpinteria

La Conchita gratitude
My name is Janell, I’m a 29-year resident of La Conchita. I’m writing this letter to say thank you to the city of Carpinteria.

I remember in 1995 when the first slide hit, Carpinteria opened their hearts and their doors to La Conchita residents. Now 10 years later here we are again. And once again Carpinteria has opened its doors to help.

Just to name a few—Yvonne has been letting La Conchita resident’s shop for free. Anthony with Dominos pizza was out handing pizza vouchers. I also remember him doing the same thing 10 years ago. And last but not least, Motel 6. They have let us bombard them for a second time, never a problem.

These are just a few of the many that have pitched in to help us. I believe I can speak for the whole town when I say Thank you so very much Carpinteria! From a very gracious La Conchita.

Janell Beck
La Conchita

Thanks for allowing us our vacation
Three years ago when my husband and I set out to open our business in Carpinteria we set some standards for ourselves. The first was that Maia, now 6, had to have a safe, fun place to play so she could be with us. Second was that I would have a comfortable place to nurse the child, Julia, I was then carrying. That we could bring Tasha, our precious dog, and lastly, that when it came time, we could post a sign, lock the door and go on vacation.

And so it has been this last three years. Once in winter and once in summer, we pack the kids, dog and ourselves in the car and depart for destinations where time runs into time, where school, schedules, and the nine to five are taboo.

When we closed that first time I was worried our customers would go elsewhere while we were gone and stay there. I have to tell you it was an awesome feeling to come back to the answering machine full of messages; “Good for you! Here’s my order, send it when you get home!”

I should not have underestimated our customers that first year. It is an incredible thing to have the kind of support of our business and by extension our family that we have found in Carpinteria.

I must say, a week of vacation is heavenly and this year was no exception. Our customary week in Lake Tahoe this winter was absolute bliss.

The snow was beautiful, the knitting relaxing, and with no threat of school the kids played together for hours on end! Yet even with all the sledding, snowwomen, skiing, dining, and sleeping in, it is good to be home. Home to our comfy house, our friends, our growing business and our loyal customers.

Thank you for making this one more wonderful vacation to come home from. The support and friendships we have found in Carpinteria is extraordinary. As is the town itself. We are privileged to know and serve you.

Sarah Hinton
Rincon Floral

Iraq speaks
America, let’s celebrate. On Sunday, there was an historical election in Iraq. The brave people of Iraq voted for freedom. Over 60 percent of them voted. Amazing. The citizens of Iraq have taken the first step toward democracy. I am so proud of them.

The price of freedom in Iraq has been costly. America has lost many brave soldiers and citizens. So has Iraq. All of these people are heroes.

Freedom does not come easy. It didn’t come easy for a young America. It didn’t come easy for Japan or Germany. It won’t for Iraq.

However, the people of Iraq are on the right path. There will be many more steps in their march toward freedom. However, it will take time, sacrifices, persistence and faith.

Diana Thorn
Carpinteria