Letters to the Editor

We need Merriam Mountains project

We need this beautiful Stonegate/Merriam Mountains development, we need the wider, safer roads at Deer Springs, and we need everything this development plan has to offer.

This area is not rural space anymore. We are on the outskirts of Escondido. This area was rural maybe back in 1960. Julian is rural. But we are now sitting on the outskirts of Escondido. It has taken four decades to get an OK to widen Highway 76, which I am sure was rural in 1960-70.

I don't want to dismiss the threat of fire dangers, but in truth, a fire can happen anywhere and it has in Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, San Marcos, Oceanside, Escondido and so forth and so on. And it can even happen at Welk Golf Resort and Champagne Village, where people smoke and throw away their butts into the dry leaves. It could even originate at the Golden Door!

The water issue is an ongoing issue for all of California. So if less is better and we are really serious about cutting water use, cut the golf courses, The Wave, Sea World and swimming pools.

Sylvia Clark
Escondido

Let's start fixing things now

Why does the largest economy in the — oops, just overtaken by China. We have enjoyed an economic growth of between 18-30 percent per decade since World War II, recessions included. We don't make stuff anymore.

In the Aughts (00's), we have grown our economy at 0 percent. Our water mains are breaking. Our "grid" is precarious at best. Let's fix health care, then let's focus on "shovel ready" infrastructural improvements. Water is the new oil and if we are not careful, then we will be lucky to drink and shower at our own peril. Many of our water mains are 80-100 years old. Water/grid seems the logical first steps. Pay attention, people. Real jobs are what we are talking.

Happy New Year, and all my best to the people in charge. The North County Times rocks!

Nathan Wesley
Solana Beach