Letters to the Editor June 13

Editor:

In response to Dr. Stuart Pardee's letter in The Record-Courier on June 11, 2008.

The first doctor I visit when I have a problem - i.e. headaches, neck and/or back pain, stomach discomfort, jaw pain - is not a "medical" doctor, but my chiropractor. My chiropractor is Dr. Stuart Pardee.

Unlike most medical doctors, Dr. Pardee doesn't prescribe a "quick-fix" pill. Instead, he evaluates and adjusts. I saw him just yesterday for neck and head pain that I'd had for several days. In just 10 minutes I walked out of Dr. Pardee's office feeling 100 percent better and this morning, no more pain. I've had this type of result numerous times in the past when I've gone to see Dr. Pardee.

In my opinion, The Record-Courier should ignore the "Associated Press Style Manual" and establish their own guideline by giving chiropractors - and Dr. Pardee " the respect they deserve and address them as doctor.

Shari Garvin

Minden

Editor:

True to its word, the development arm of Park Cattle Co., managed by the Park sisters, recently filed an application to amend the county's master plan as a first step towards its goal of building some 4,000 plus dwelling units within the pristine, essentially rural, Carson Valley.

Recently this paper's publisher, Don Rogers, characterized this project as a "blueprint" for our Valley's future, urging all concerned to give "careful thought" to this proposal during the forthcoming public debate.

While Mr. Rogers doesn't overtly come out with an endorsement of this grandiose project, his attempt to use a balanced approach in analyzing the project didn't quite ring true to me. For instance, nowhere in his editorial does he ever mention the applicability of the county's master plan to this project. Park land currently has A-19 zoning which for 4,500 acres allows about 236 dwelling units to be built, Using clustering incentives allowed by the master plan, Park can build up to around 600 dwelling units. Under current zoning there is a lot of open space remaining if the clustering option set forth in the master plan is followed. What's wrong with following the master plan guidelines? There should be no reasonable debate on this issue.

The reader should also keep in mind that, despite the current economy, there are already some 4,500 dwelling units previously approved (but not yet built) by the county commissioners before the effective date of the new growth management ordinance " July 1, 2007. If my arithmetic is right, between Park Cattle's project and those previously approved projects, there will be some 8,500 units ready to be built as the economy and housing demand improves - which it will. Even aside from future development applications yet to be filed by others, that alone approximates an additional 20,000 to 21,000 in population growth. What about the traffic impact, demand for new roads, sewer capacity issues and increased water demands? You can guess the answers. Developers never pay their fair share of new infrastructure costs; taxpayers have to pick up the difference or suffer the consequences.

Strangely, Mr. Rogers characterizes the Park Cattle project as presenting "an interesting and timely wrinkle" to the recently passed and hard fought for growth management ordinance " which will be on the November ballot for an advisory approval. Approval of this project, without the applicability of the new ordinance, would completely emasculate the growth management ordinance.

Therefore, look for Park Cattle Co. to seek an exemption from the allocation provisions of the new growth management ordinance rather than taking their turn with other developers to obtain its allocations to build. It's coming. Their lobbyist, Don Miner, a former county commissioner, is likely working hard on their behalf to put this through.

So, Mr. and Ms. Public be alert and make yourself heard about the need for the county to follow the master plan guidelines when the Park Cattle project comes before the planning commission in August and before the Board of County Commissioners in September.

Tell them not to just look at the gingerbread items offered by Park as a slick inducement to weaken the master plan in order to obtain approval.

Tell them the master plan is just not for sale. Enough is enough. Get involved.

John H. Garvin

Co-chair, Sustainable Growth Committee

Editor:

I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the more than 200 voters who checked the box marked "Karen" for judge. I have been blessed with not only tremendous support, but tremendous supporters. To the people who helped with my campaign, who stamped mailers, walked precincts, wrote letters, and expressed unflagging encouragement and support - I thank you.

This outpouring of community support is itself the real victory - and a victory for each one of you who was willing to stand up and be counted. Your strength counts, and your numbers will continue to matter. I hope you will stay involved in the issues confronting our county, and that you will lend your continuing support to Presiding Judge Specchio in his efforts to improve and modernize our court.

I celebrate the courage and integrity of the nearly half of the voters who stood up for change " and who stood up for me. I am proud to say we very nearly won, and we fought the good fight with strength, with honor, and in the very best of company.

Karen Dustman

Markleeville

Editor:

On May 30, the Alpine County Child Protective Services Department hosted its first annual Break the Cycle of Child Abuse Bike-a-thon in Alpine County at Diamond Valley School. It consists of a 9-mile bicycle ride for children fourth-grade and above with their families. The course travels from Diamond Valley School, to the Hung-a-lel-ti community and back. In addition to the 9-mile bicycle ride, there is a bike rodeo for youth, pre-school to third-grade which is coordinated and hosted by the California Highway Patrol. Helmets are provided free to youth who do not own one.

The California Highway Patrol provides free bicycle inspections, safety checks and car seat inspections. In addition to these activities, there were various arts and crafts booths, hosted by Choices for Children, Alpine County Library, First Five, Women's Center and a bounce house was provided by Kirkwood. Two-hundred people enjoyed a free barbecue as well. At the event we were able to provide a free bicycle raffle to the children and youth of our community. We gave away 27 tricycles, bicycles and unicycles donated by local agencies and private individuals. Children, youth and adults got a little exercise, had a healthy dinner and lots of fun.

Alpine County Health and Human Services staff would like to thank all of the Diamond Valley School staff, especially Joe Voss and Woodfords High School youth, Steve Craft, Katie Quinlan, Dawn Riddle, Jackie Tann and Teresa Horse. Thanks also go out to Woodfords Washoe Tribal TANF, Choices for Children, First Five Alpine, Early Learning Center, South Tahoe Public Utility District, California Highway Patrol, chamber of commerce, Family Support Council, Diamond Valley School Parent's Club, Jackson family and Amy Broadhurst of Kirkwood Resorts. We would also like to thank all the Alpine County Departments who assisted, Alpine County Sheriff's, EMT's, recycle program, behavioral health, Superior Court, road department, probation and the library. The staff from Alpine County Health and Human Services appreciated the parents and agencies who volunteered to help in any way, including ride with children and youth. You are much appreciated, and we are very grateful.

Elizabeth McGeein

Alpine County Health Department

Editor:

Our daughter, Harley Amanda Edwards, passed away at home on April 30, 2008.

We would like to thank all the officers, investigators and EMTs of Douglas County whose names we didn't get but they know who they are. They were all compassionate, sympathetic yet still professional.

We'd also like to thank Deputy Joanne Cypher. She took the time to explain things to us, return phone calls and to be just not an officer, but a genuine person.

Also, Pastor Rich Lammay - his gentleness and strength help make that horrible morning just a little more bearable.

We'd also like to thank all our family, friends and everyone at Douglas High for all their love and support. And to all of you who were there on April 30, thank you and God bless.

Sidney, Lisa and Skylar Challacomb

Gardnerville