Hemet citizens soon will be entertained, enlightened or subjected to verse, depending on the ability of the city's poet laureate.

Gene Graves, the Hemet city clerk with an interest in writing, is leading the City Council-approved effort to name a poet laureate. Besides Graves' elected city clerk gig, the busy retiree teaches creative writing courses through the community education program at Mt. San Jacinto College.

He said about a half dozen municipalities in the state have poet laureates. A selection committee will review applications before the council approves a municipal poet. He said candidates can live anywhere in the San Jacinto Valley.

Graves said Hemet's very own poet of distinction will write verse in honor of about a dozen significant civic events in a year. Application information is available by calling (909) 765-2307.

Will Mayor Lori Van Arsdale, who spoke in rhymed verse during the dedication of Diamond Valley Lake, be considered?

In defense of a fence

Brenda McGowan of Hemet thought I was way off base when I characterized the vinyl sheeting on Hemet High School's outfield fence as tacky, but tolerable.

"I have no doubt that you are a fan of baseball, but fan or not, your appreciation of the game is lacking," she wrote in an e-mail message.

"Your article suggests that the wind screen is the result of shoddy work. I happen to know that the Hemet Baseball Booster Club, the coaches and other volunteers have spent many long weekends to make sure their baseball fields look great.

"The only reason Hemet High has gotten some complaints is because the field is located in a high-traffic area. The high-traffic area is one of the main reasons the wind screen is necessary. Not only does the black screen make it easier for the batters to see a pitched ball, but it also improves the vision of infielders when receiving throws from the outfield.

"Light-colored houses, passing cars and parked cars all hinder the players' ability to see the ball.

"Rather than complaining about the `ugly' yet `tolerable' wind screen, take the time to look at the whole picture."

Lake marathon site?

Thomas Inocencio of Hemet observed that the 25-mile road that will circle Diamond Valley Lake will be an ideal place to stage a marathon.

"I'm sure it would be a civic economic benefit to the community of Hemet," Inocencio wrote. "The road that winds around the lake, with its ups and downs, and eventual completion of facilities would make it most attractive and ideal to draw a crowd.

"Perhaps it could even be sandwiched in the Ramona Pageant.

"Redlands has its bicycle race, so why not a marathon for Hemet?"

How about an event that combines running, timing the wait at the launch ramp and bass fishing?

Published 4/8/2000