Restricting access to Chico’s ‘crown jewel’

I find it very disturbing that the Chico City Council does not follow the recommendations of the Bidwell Park & Playground Commission (BPPC) and the people who attend the City Council meetings when it comes to the roads in Bidwell Park.

First, against the advice of the BPPC they closed Peterson and South Park Drives to automobiles on weekends and holidays for a six-month trial period before permanent closure. It is my understanding that there has never been a vehicle versus pedestrian accident on these roads.

Additionally on Peterson Drive there are three walking trails which pedestrians can and do use. By closing these roads, many taxpayers such as the elderly, the handicapped and families with small children who cannot make the long walk from their car to a picnic site lugging food and drinks can no longer enjoy the park. Additionally, now on weekends and holidays we have a large number of cars parking on the side of the road on Vallombrosa causing road damage and a fire hazard.

Now the council has voted to permanently close South Park Drive at the One Mile to all vehicles, again against the recommendations of the BPPC and the citizens of Chico. Bidwell Park is our crown jewel and should be available for ALL to enjoy! If you agree I encourage you to write the City Council to request they revisit this. Perhaps a compromise such as closing South Park from Cedar Grove to Centennial?

— Linda Calbreath, Chico

President shows no love for Minnesota

For those of you who missed it: When the president of the United States was asked if he planned to phone the governor of Minnesota after two of the governor’s colleagues/friends were assassinated, the president said: “I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out. I’m not calling him. Why would I call him? I could call and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’ Uh, the guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess. I could be nice and call, but why waste time?”

Note: This is not from the whacko liberal leftist media. It’s from Fox 9 KMSP Minneapolis — and scores of other news outlets.

— Steve Metzger, Chico

Enough of ignoring those ‘peaceful protests’

Thank you for finally publishing a sensible column about what has been happening all around our country.

It never ceases to amaze me how anybody can choose to ignore riots with our burning cars, rock throwing, businesses looted, windows broken, police stations burned and police attacked, folks unable to enter their own homes because protesters have ‘taken over’ the streets where they live and all of the upheaval that far too many for far too long have been labeling “peaceful protesting.”

The Thomas Elias column on the very same page has the audacity to address the same issue stating “the local police said they had matters well in hand.” Really! I must have missed that when I saw cars burning! Why on earth did those silly business owners find it necessary to board up their windows to protect themselves?

I am not a “Trumper: as some folks like to throw at me and anybody that dares disagree with them. It just amazes and annoys me that folks refuse to look at both sides of the picture on anything that they don’t agree with. I am really ready for term limits or a third party. Actually both!

— Vonnie Morton, Chico

LA stands up for undocumented workers

Blessed be the people of Los Angeles who are standing up for the most vulnerable in their community.

Farmers and business owners have never had a problem hiring undocumented workers. They are not criminals, the guy in the White House giving orders is the convicted felon.

Shame on every farmer and every business owner who isn’t standing up for their employees while they are being hunted down like animals. As for the clergy who have kept silent, they might as well put a sign on their church that states that Jesus has left the building.

— Rob Rhody, Oxnard