Letters

From its beginning, the Airport Authority interpreted its mission as moving the airport, and preferably moving it to Miramar - instead of finding the best solution . . . After four years in office, the authority has made no progress in resolving the debate on the airport future. Itís time for its members to focus on what is possible.

FLIGHT OF FANCY

In the wake of the electorateís decisive rejection of Proposition A, Iíve been rereading your November article on the "Search for an Airport II" [by Tom Blair, November]. Given the purpose of the bill that created the Airport Authority, the "march to Miramar" has been a massive waste of time and money.

I authored AB 93, the bill that created the authority, to resolve the 50-year debate on the airport future of San Diego by having the authority find the best feasible solution to the question. As a condition of signing the bill, the governor demanded the authority's decision be subject to a vote of the public. State Senator Steve Peace's bill the following year provided for such a vote. Neither in his bill nor in the governor's signing message was there a proviso that the vote be advisory.

Nonetheless, the authority designated Proposition A as advisory. Had the measure been successful, it would have been advisory-only, because the Marine Corps was not going to give up Miramar. Instead of resolving the debate on the airport, an affirmative vote would have perpetuated it.

From its beginning, the authority interpreted its mission as moving the airport, and preferably moving it to Miramar - instead of finding the best solution. Once the Base Realignment and Closure report made it clear no major military base in San Diego was going to be closed, proceeding down that path was fruitless. After four years in office, the authority has made no progress in resolving the debate on the airport future. It's time for its members to focus on what is possible.

HOWARD WAYNE
FORMER STATE ASSEMBLYMAN
SAN DIEGO

PETS' BEST FRIEND

Any visitor to San Diego invariably notices the city's deep respect for wildlife, the environment and the vast array of pets that are cherished by their human guardians [ìComforts for Our Creaturesî by Margie Farnsworth, November]. There is so much love for animals in San Diego; the city is replete with humane vegetarians and many superlative restaurants that serve satiating meatless cuisine.

It was especially encouraging to read that the adoption rate for dogs and cats in animal shelters is improving. Indeed, San Diego is an idyllic place to live for both two-legged and four-legged residents.

BRIEN COMERFORD
GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS

Punctured Pets

As much as I enjoyed "Comforts for Our Creatures," I was surprised you did not mention how lucky we are in San Diego to have an Animal Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Center run by licensed veterinarian Claire Sosna. A friend recommended Dr. Sosna to me after Matthew, my longhair dachshund, had back surgery this past February.

I was heartbroken when Matthew could barely walk after his surgery. Dr. Sosna started him on a physical therapy program of muscle-strengthening using an under-water treadmill and exercises. I was amazed at how quickly Matthew regained the strength in his legs.

Matthew is a high-energy dog who likes to run, jump and climb. One day in June, I came home from work and he was dragging a back leg. Though I am terrified of needles, I decided to try Dr. Sosnaís acupuncture treatments for him. So many of the other clients I had met over the past couple of months at the center had spoken very highly of the results. After just one treatment, Matthew was walking just fine. To look at him, you would never know he ever had anything wrong with him.

I still take Matthew for acupuncture treatment about once a month. I would highly recommend Dr. Sosna's clinic for anyone's dog or cat experiencing decreased mobility or pain.

DONNA L. GUSTAFSON
SAN DIEGO

ALL WET?

It was with great disappointment that I read "Dirty Water: The Lowdown on San Diego's Polluted Beaches and Bays" [by T.K. Arnold, Front Pages, November]. The article does not tell the whole story but appears to reflect only stereo-typical, "old school" bias.

Your story cites statistics from a two-year-old Heal the Bay report. The most recent Heal the Bay report, released in [late] October and published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, states that all samples in Imperial Beach from the south end of Seacoast Drive to the Camp Surf Jetty received a grade of "A." The sites south of Seacoast Drive to Border Field State Park at the border fence also all received an "A." Beaches far north of Imperial Beach in Mission Bay, San Diego Bay and Pacific Beach all received lower grades than Imperial Beach. Also, note that the actual documented attendance numbers contradict the articleís statement that "beach attendance is way down." Attendance this year was at 2,613,900 compared to 2,039,800 last year; 2006 is the busiest year on record.

In fact, Imperial Beach happens to be one of the safest beaches for surfers, body boarders and swimmers, thanks to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography's rigorous Coastal Monitoring System. Unlike many beaches up and down the coast, we know when the water is safe and quickly move to post warnings if it is not.

For many years, Imperial Beachís city council has worked tirelessly to keep water quality a top priority, and there have been measurable improvements. We have lobbied our state and federal legislators for funding; we continue to work with the International Boundary Water Commission to find cross-border solutions; and we educate the public in what they can do to improve water quality in their homes and neighborhoods through our environmental programs.

DIANE ROSE
MAYOR
IMPERIAL BEACH

The more recent Heal the Bay report was published after our November issue went to press. Imperial Beach goes to the head of the class.--EDITOR

IT'S A CRIME

As a Baja Realtor and property owner, I enjoyed your November article ["The Boom in Baja" by Rich Acello, Business, November] until I read, "Of somewhat greater concern is a recent spate of violence against travelers on the main peninsular highway. An American, Raquel Duarte Fife, was killed August 22 near Catavina, about eight hours from the border, in a drive-by assault as she and her husband drove north on the highway." This statement will add to some readers' concerns and misunderstandings about Baja. I hope they take from it that murder is unusual. That is why it is newsworthy.

Ironically, [a recent] San Diego Union-Tribune article headline read: "Homicides were up 51 percent in San Diego County during the first half of 2006." I wonder what impression readers in other countries would have about beautiful San Diego? Would that statement create a sense of fear that would prevent them from visiting our beautiful city?

Why add to the fear, misunderstanding and xenophobia many Americans feel? The article was about Baja real estate. It was not a report on crime in mainland Mexico.

DIANE KANE
SABRE SPRINGS

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