Letters to the Editor

Editor:

I want to express my great thanks to our LW Library. For an entire year, they supplied me with audiotapes.

I would order them by phone, and the reduced staff would gather them up and give me a phone call to pick them up at the door. All the while, they were very gracious—amazing service!

Ruthie Nelson Mutual 7 Editor:

The article containing a “comprehensive overview” of the Leisure World pool upgrade (April 15) contains the same old information.

The timeline does not include that shareholders were told that there would be a pool opening in April 2019, then in September 2019, and then in April 2021.

Andrea Weaver Mutual 2 Editor:

I was a GRF officer for two years, and I was an officer for Mutual 9 for five years. Now I am a shareholder in Mutual 9.

Mutual director positions are all volunteer jobs. These residents are unpaid officers of Mutual corporations. Their job is to keep the buildings and common property of each mutual in good working condition so that each shareholder has the oppor- tunity to have their share of stock increase in value.

There are rules that have been established, and the directors, on occasion, must inform shareholders if they are infringing on these rules.

I am concerned because lately I have been witness to shareholders taking their frustrations out on some of our directors. Our directors should be given heartfelt thanks for the hours they spend trying to do this job.

Changes in state law create new problems that directors have to manage with the aid of their lawyers.

I am noticing actions by some shareholders that made me think of a bully. You know the kind I mean, the belligerent kid who could always be counted on to pick on the smaller kid. I have learned bullies don’t change— they just grow older.

I hope other shareholders realize how childish and even cruel the bullies’ actions are toward our hardworking officers.

Take the time to thank your director for all the hard work he or she is doing.

Marjorie Dodero Mutual 9 Editor:

Ralphs grocery store and Food 4 Less in Long Beach, both owned by Kroger, have closed. The Ralphs store will not be reopening, and this may also be the case with the Food 4 Less store.

The closings are due to the mandatory $4 per hour added wage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We can help prevent more closings. Please, if you are able:

• Bag or box your own purchases. This will greatly help out the cashiers and box boys and girls

• When going into the store, take an abandoned shopping cart from the lot with you. After all, you are going that way anyway.

• When leaving, return the cart you have used to the place provided for ease of return by an employee.

I use bags that open with a fold-down bottom, which makes them as easy to use as filling a box. If you want more information, I’m in the directory.

I, for one, do not want to travel another 5-10 miles to get to another grocery store.

Thanking you in advance for your much needed help.

Kurt Bourhenne Mutual 14 Editor

I would like to respond to a letter to the editor dated April 8, 2021, which was written by Donald Hodel. I agree with his first paragraph; racism is a scourge in our society. His letter turned political, and it became the very thing he objected to in racism. He used the word “dogma,” which means “the tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others.” He condemned a whole group of people for supporting President Trump in the last election. This is wrong.

Personally, my approach to politics and candidates is based on right and wrong.

My guidance comes from the Bible, not the U.S. Constitution, not the Democrat Party, Republican Party or any other group. Of all the publications ever written, the Bible has proved to be perfect because it was inspired by our God. Whether the issue is abortion, marriage or how to deal with our fellow man, it is in the Bible.

I would suggest that people not group each of us based on how we vote, but instead consider that we give a lot of thought to the issue or candidate based on what is best for our fellow man in this United States.

Racism hurts everyone whether you are the victim or being wrongly accused of it.

Laurie Harlow Mutual 15 Editor:

What happened to our golf tee boxes?

In November and December 2019, GRF spent $67,000-plus to improve the tee boxes at the golf course. A company by the name of Eagle Golf Construction did the work. They raised and graded the boxes. Put in tee sand starter fertilizer, Tifway 419 hybrid Bermuda sod, watered and rolled.

This is not what we have today. Over the year, the tee boxes ended up muddy and dirty. What went wrong?

I called Eagle Golf. They told me no one from LW called them to come back out and see what happened.

This is totally unacceptable, totally incompentent, $67,000plus wasted. Linda Herman Mutual 12 Editor’s Note: The following response was supplied by GRF Physical Property Manager David Rudge: We are grateful to residents who share information to raise awareness of conditions and work together for solutions and take action to correct conditions. Eagle Golf completed the project in a good and workmanlike manner. The question is asked, “What happened?” The tee soil temperature dropped below 55 degrees, and, as the warm season turf became dormant, Poa and weeds became dominant. The new golf course contractor, who is committed to improving the conditions, took over the course maintenance in January. Understanding spring warmth will bring an opportunity for growth, the tees were treated for Poa and weeds, which left dormant Tifway 419, that in areas were dirt and muddy. Fertilizer was applied and trees were trimmed to allow sun on the tees to increase soil temperature to 55 degrees, which will initiate growth (65-plus degrees is optimal).

What is being done so this never happens again? Tee conditions will be added to the Total Quality Checklist for the Golf Course as staff continues to monitor and improve conditions. The April 9 tee condition report sent to the Board has a photo of No. 33 tee from a different direction and shows improvement. Tifway 419 is growing, and as temperatures warm up, the tees will continue to improve.

The “Project Update” tab on the GRF drop-down menu at LWSB. com is a new place to get updates on ongoing GRF projects. Editor: Ribbons have come to symbolize many different causes. I was so distressed about the recent occurrence in Leisure World regarding one of our residents that I wanted to find a way to express my opinion about the beautiful diversity we are so fortunate to have in Leisure World.

So, if you happen to walk down by my home in Mutual 2, you will see orange bows to let you know that no matter who you are, I’m glad you are here.

If I’m sitting out on my porch, you are welcome to come sit a spell. I would love to get to know you.

Paula “Sandy” Hines Mutual 2 Editor:

Thank you, GRF, for a wonderful remodel of the Fitness Center. The equipment is state-of-the-art, and there are plenty options for all levels—job well done.

Now about that pool.

Lee Howell Mutual 5 Editor:

I suppose the article about the pool titled, “Late Summer Opening Eyed” (April 15) was supposed to bring cheers and accolades for such a thorough and conscientious job well done. Especially knowing the “project is teeming with underlying activity.” Hardly. It was like being punched in the stomach.

Two summers without a pool! I have two words for that, or maybe one compound word starting with a “B.”

Time and time again, I have read through these pool updates, and I wonder how many residents noticed the seven-month gap in the timeline from July 13, 2020, to Feb. 19, 2021, where there are absolutely no entries. On the one hand, I have to applaud the seeming “transparency.” On the other hand, it seems quite obvious that a curtain has been drawn over this time period.

Frankly, heads should roll. This project is a disgrace, and I doubt it will be added to anyone’s resume as a job well done.

Karen Oja Mutual 9 Editor:

I was so impressed with the article “We Are the World,” by Randy Ankeny (April 7). I felt his sincere concern for our community over the racist problem that exists. I’m requesting that the article be repeated many times so everyone has an opportunity to be reminded of our duty to one another.

Thank you for your consideration in keeping us informed of the activities in the community and for your consideration in repeating “We are the World.”

Juanita Townsend Mutual 10