Letters to the Editor

Editor:

It was a bright day as I was returning books to the LW Library, when a woman and her cute little dog stopped me and said she loved my knitted wool sweater. While I petted her dog, the woman told me that her religious group was very busy teaching people in other countries how to be productive to generate goods and food. I shared with her that my wife was on a Zoom call with a significant number of rabbis from around the world doing the same thing.

It isn’t the particular religion, it is what they do for the people and the community. It truly was an incredible experience, one of the many things I love about our community.

Barry Allen Mutual 10 Editor:

In May and June, elections were held to elect new GRF representatives for all the evennumbered Mutuals. Please note the total number of units involved is 3,132 (counted from LWSB website, which is less than the number of occupants). The number of total ballots counted was 841 (June 6). That means that only 26.9% of the units voted in this very important election. This is an extremely low number with just over one in four units responding, which indicates excessive apathy within the community. I am embarrassed at the very low response. These are our new representatives who are our neighbors. They will listen to us and help resolve the Leisure World issues we complain about, such as high HOA fees, lack of police presence, bad drivers, gate issues and on-site garden polices.

Dave LaCascia Mutual 4 Editor:

In the LW Weekly (June 13), I read the transportation survey. I think that, unfortunately, the questions are confusing and might lead people to choose to keep the large buses.

I say that because question No. 6 states “I am familiar with Uber or Lyft ride sharing service that picks you up and takes you where you want to go.”

This is deceptive because we know that Uber and Lyft charge fees. Hopefully the new system won’t or does it? If so how much? If not, then it needs to be said or they might choose buses because they don’t want to pay at the point of service.

Question No. 7 asks if it reduces costs, would I favor an Uber-style transport service to take me around Leisure World.

We already know that it will reduce costs substantially, so why not state that.

No. 8 says, “I prefer to keep the current bus service instead of an Uber-style service even if it may increase my monthly GAF assessment to maintain.”

Again we already know that it will increase our monthly fees/assessments. So why not say “even though it will increase my monthly GAF assessment to maintain.”

This would give them the real cost to them, if they choose to keep the current buses. I feel that this would allow them to understand and make a more informed decision.

Ron Nett Mutual 8 Editor:

In regard to the subject of the Leisure World Minibuses vs. Circuit shuttles, there seems to be some misinformation about costs and how to minimize them. Certain board members are rapidly shoving in these new transportation systems before anyone even knows what’s going on.

Unbeknownst to the residents, GRF Director Nick Massetti and a representative from Circuit asked the bus drivers and GRF Fleet Manager Grant Winford to attend a meeting to clarify questions and answers to better understand the operations of the LW system. We felt we had a good input of the pros and cons of both.

Now suddenly, we are having another town hall and a survey in the LW Weekly. That survey was stated unjustly to the LW bus system.

It seems to state that if you want our current system, it will raise your assessments. That is a prejudiced statement. We have a plan for better service with our own on-call, point-to-point rides. But it seems some want to push this very fast as to not give us a chance to present it. The new buses are already saving money on fuel costs and the warranties should save money also. As a bus driver, I can say we will work hard to give you the best service and cost saving also. You are not only our passengers but our friends and residents. Your safety is our priority.

Pat Wells Mutual 7

Editor:

I read with great sadness about the passing of Cristina Elena Vegas (June 6). I first met Cristina at the Video Producers Club room in February. I could easily tell that she was a gentle loving person, pretty talented too. She helped me with an audio recording project, my mom’s verbal recollection of our family history.

Cristina and I interacted several times on the project and she did a great job, determined to make sure I was happy with the outcome.

I feel grateful to have known this amazing accomplished woman. I’ll miss her. And to her family and friends I want you to know what a positive impact this gentle soul, Cristina, had on me.

Tonette Kadrmas Mutual 11

The LW Weekly editorial deadline is 4 p.m., Thursday, on the Thursday prior to the desired publication date. Classi. eds are due by noon, Monday.