Long Beach letters

DWI is a nightmare

To the Editor:
Regarding the Herald's editorial "The unseen side of DWI — it isn't pretty” (Oct.8 -14), it’s true that DWI is far more complex than the slogan "don't drink and drive" represents. It’s a real life-and-death issue. As for the unseen side of DWI and how being arrested for DWI affects the lives of the "average Jane or Joe," your editorial is correct, it isn't pretty — it's a nightmare. But so far as this is true, the painful experience of being arrested cannot compare to the horrific, life-altering nightmare that begins the very moment someone becomes the innocent victim of “someone else's choice" to drink and drive. The effect on innocent lives, suddenly thrown into a devastating reality of having to live with the abrupt loss (or injury) of a precious loved one, goes far beyond what any words can ever describe.
Yes, it's a deeply complicated issue, one that touches many other underlying issues, which is why this is all so difficult to address. This is why support and awareness is needed, the educating of our young people is primary and the incorporation of consistent legislation is necessary. As for those who are trying to devise such legislation, they don’t have an easy task. After all, trying to incorporate change into the mindset of people on an issue that has been part of society for so long now will no doubt be met with an element of resistance. But what is the alternative? Do nothing until such devastation hits one's own life?

DWI is an ongoing challenge, one that needs to be taken seriously by everyone. The truth is, it's a devastation that can hit anyone at any time and in ways you may not even realize. Even something as simple as crossing the street can suddenly become a random target of DWI.
Donna M. Pisacano Brown
Point Lookout

Why not all-way stop signs?

To the Editor:
Traffic safety in Long Beach is frightening (“Dead man’s corner?,”Oct. 8-14). This is due, in part, to the lack of stop signs. Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers are confused because there is no consistency in the placement of the stop signs. Every boulevard is different. Some are 4- way, some 3-way, etc. Why not all-way stop signs to eliminate the confusion and traffic accidents? Let's err on the side of caution.
We're talking about a stop sign installation. We're not talking about erecting a building. Why would City Manager Charles Theofan consider traffic safety a political issue?
Nana Praissman
Long Beach

Four is the way

To the Editor:
I support Richard Boodman's personal campaign for all-way stop signs in Long Beach.
The inconsistency of stop sign placement has me confused both as a motorist and cyclist. One of the features that makes our city so unique is residents' ability to not be dependent on a car in order to take advantage of all that Long Beach has to offer. Residents should be encouraged to get around the city by bike or by walking to support local businesses, get some exercise and not burn gas. Since Long Beach does not offer designated bicycle lanes as many other beach communities do, the placement of consistent stop signs should be a priority. This is a quality-of-life issue, and even one fatality is one too many.
Diane Vilagi
Long Beach


Parking lots will raise our taxes

To the Editor:
There they go again! The Republicans are trying to buy votes with taxpayers dollars. That means a new tax increase is coming our way in addition to the 25 percent tax increase of 2006 that they were supposed to refund to us but never
did (“100 new parking spaces coming,” Oct. 8-14).
If they had any consideration for taxpayers, they would charge at least $100 per month per parking spot, using a lottery to designate the occupant. After the five-year lease is up, there would be no tax increase. Do the math. Charging a reasonable $100 per month for 100 parking spaces equals $120,000 per year. Thus the income to Long Beach over five years would be $600,000.
The “negotiated" rent is $90,000 per year for five years. That's $450,000. Add the $150,000 to prepare the lots and the cost to Long Beach would be $600,000. And 100 additional free parking spaces on the street would be made available because those paying for the spots would be off the street permanently.
Now, if they really cared about us taxpayers, they would have negotiated a less expensive rental with a very anxious landlord in a dead real estate market not for five years but for 10 or more years and with a lower cost to the renters.
The way the Republicans have it set up, it's going to cost taxpayers $600,000 over five years less the $10 per car per year they are going to charge. All they need to break even is 12,000 car owners to pay $10 each year for five years.
Richard Boodman
Long Beach