Letters to the Editor

Editor:

The campaign is over, and the counting is done. I am honored to be elected to the Seal Beach City Council District 5. Even though District 5 only covers Mutuals 2-9 and half of Mutual 1, I promise to serve all of Leisure World and all of Seal Beach to the best of my abilities.

I am looking for volunteers from District 5 to serve Seal Beach on various commissions in our government. If you are so inclined to bring your time and talents to serve your neighbors, the positions that need to be filled are: Archeological Advisory Committee, City Tree Advisory Board, Coyote Committee, Environmental Control Board, Historic Preservation, Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Seal Beach Cable Communication Foundation and the Seal Beach Historic Resources Foundation.

As the city council member in District 5, I would appreciate as much capable help as possible for our neighborhood.

If you are interested, please email me at Nathan@ nathansteele. com or call me at 714-474-1272.

Nathan Steele Councilman Elect, District 5 Mutual 7 Editor:

I want to thank the friends and neighbors who supported me in my bid for a seat on the Seal Beach City Council. I heard from friends and neighbors throughout all of Leisure World. Some had my sign in their windows; others cheered me on, knocked on doors, sent letters and, of course, voted. I am truly gratified.

I would only ask that the slightly more than 1,800 registered voters in District 5 who threw away their ballots to reconsider their choice in the next election. In many countries throughout the world, citizens cannot vote or do not have a choice. It is our right to vote. How fortunate we are to enjoy that right and privilege.

Mariann Klinger Mutual 9 Editor:

Much has been said and written recently regarding the full revamp of the gate security system. During the GRF Board’s discussion regarding the project a concern was raised regarding traffic safety issues within our walls.

LW Weekly reports the fender benders and cars veering into the drainage canal along Golden Rain Road. However, little is reported when pedestrians and scooters are struck by vehicles. I am concerned that GRF may be withholding such information to not alarm residents as to the dangers along our streets and in parking areas.

On Jan. 17, Beverly Williford of Mutual 14 was struck by a vehicle as she accessed her car parked at the curb along Del Monte Drive. The driver continued without stopping. Severely injured, the resident was taken to the hospital where she later died of her injuries.

Perhaps the LW Weekly can explain why such newsworthy information has not been made public within Leisure World? Our residents and their families should be made aware of any and all safety issues within the community and how GRF intends to address them. Withholding such information betrays the trust that residents and their families are placing on the GRF board and LW Weekly. Jim Greer Mutual 11 Editor’s Note: Security responded to a report of an accident Jan. 17 at 6:54 p.m. Less than two hours after the incident, a traffic report was completed and entered into the Security computer archives. Since this case was a hitand- run involving an injury, the Seal Beach Police Department was immediately notified and began an investigation, as it does in every case of possible criminal conduct inside the community. The SBPD does not advise Security of case developments nor does it share information regarding progress with any case to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the investigation, according to Security Director Victor Rocha. The incident is included in the LW Weekly’s monthly Security Report and an investigation update is provided on Page 1. The paper does not withhold newsworthy information and routinely reports on major accidents and incidents such as fire and theft in the community. It also prioritizes coverage of safety issues. Editor: I am writing in memory of Beverly Williford of Mutual 14 whose life was cut short when she was hit by a car on Del Monte Drive on Jan. 17. Her injuries were extensive and insurmountable despite heroic efforts by her nine doctors and the beseeching prayers of her family.

Her four children and eight grandchildren have lost their mother and grandmother forever. She was a kind gentle woman with a beautiful smile.

We were dog walking friends, and I shall miss joining her on walks with her little dog, Mindy.

This is a bitter tragedy, and I am angry that we were promised speed cushions for Del Monte Drive in this publication that have never materialized. They might have made a difference for Beverly. People who live, park and walk on Del Monte Drive want these speed cushions now, and we don’t want to hear anymore excuses. Please, in final respect to our friend and neighbor Beverly Williford, just do it. Feliza Dixon Mutual 15 Editor’s Note: Speed cushions are back-ordered for installation on Del Monte Drive as well as El Dorado Drive, Golden Rain Road, St. Andrews Drive and Thunderbird Drive. The Orange County Fire Authority has already permitted the project, so cushions will be immediately installed upon their arrival, according to GRF Facilities Manager Mark Weaver.

Editor:

I want to point out that where the GRF is installing Level 2 electric vehicle chargers is a heavy traffic area with the gate and all. I never saw EV chargers at a high traffic area. Who is going to be responsible for accidents and delays?

Level 2 chargers can get around 32 miles per one hour of charging.

George Dorian Mutual 2 Editor:

As February is the love month, I want to thank all those who volunteer in so many capacities in Leisure World. They work and give their time and effort without expectation of monetary compensation.

Thank you for all you do. It is appreciated. God bless you all.

Glenna F. Hoff Mutual 6 Editor:

Everyone here knows how important our Security is at the Main Gate. And that’s who handles admitting guests who are expected, right?

I had a guest coming in and called Security shortly before the expected arrival. I was asked the standard questions: unit number, mutual, my name and name of guest. I even spelled her name.

My guest arrives, and there is nothing saying to let her in. She calls me, and I call Security back. After answering the initial questions at the initial call, the name appearing on the caller ID was the one that’s been referenced. What?

I’m on my daughter’s cell phone plan so it’s her name that shows on caller ID. No way would anyone, myself included, know to ask for that name. And nowhere would that name be anywhere on information Security would have regarding my unit.

Come on, what if I had been borrowing my uncle’s phone who was visiting from Boise, Idaho?

Sunny Beech Mutual 11