From park to pond

· When was the last time we had a flood we needed to "control"? Isn't this just about the driest region in Southern California, with drought conditions almost yearly? Flood control? Even the huge downpour we had has all soaked up into the dry, thirsty earth where a "flood-control" is suggested.

We have a beautiful, spacey Islander Park where the two "ponds" are planned. They will either have to be fenced, or they will be a hazard to everyone, including children, wanting to hike the Islander Park, walk their dogs, fly their kites, ride horseback or just enjoy the quiet "country" atmosphere. It'll be a long, dusty project, inconveniencing many area residents who have enjoyed the Islander Park for so many years.

. . . I'm sure UCR has other options to take care of the "floods."

PHYLLIS MAYNARD

Riverside

The City Council

· . . . I served as chairman of the Council Salary Commission for seven years. During that time I got to know the requirements for a council person and how well they performed.

My clear impression was that they were more interested in their own well being than that of the city at large. . . . I witnessed the council completely ignore the recommendations of the commission and gift themselves with a 49 percent increase in salary and benefits.

. . . Further, it is about time the council woke up to the fact that the city is made up of more than the Mission Inn and the University of California. Their obvious efforts to subsidize profitable businesses in downtown is affront in light of the needs of the rest of Riverside. . . .

It is long overdue to elect a council that will have the interests of all Riverside in mind when they take their council seat. In the 4th Ward the change we need is Frank Schiavone.

ROBERT C. ELLIOTT

Riverside

Since Sept. 11

· I would like to offer in my own opinion that these United States of America has not changed.

On the surface we talk about "God bless America" as if God was present on Sept. 11 to now; and "United We Stand" as long as it relates to my own space. Yes, we have sent prayers and donations, but children in America and in Riverside County are suffering, senior citizens are still being abused, job and housing discrimination continues, race relations is at an unprecedented low, and every night in the City of Riverside men, women and children are homeless.

. . . Until every American is afforded the full benefits of citizenship and participation in all levels of our society, America will not change . . .

EUNICE T. WILLIAMSON

Riverside

· Despite the circumstances of the 9-11 bombings, President G. W. Bush has emerged as a strong president in the way he is handling the situation.

It was that he couldn't remember names of individuals, dates of events or where he was. All of that has changed with his selection of wise advisers and department heads. He is on a handshake relationship with Russian President Putin. . . .

He has strengthened our stand in most of the world. There are a couple of anti-U.S. countries holding out, but just wait and see. They'll come around.

I'm glad he was elected president. Respect for the U.S. has come a long way. I don't think that the losers could have done what G. W. has.

F. D. RICHARDSON

Riverside

That hotshot on the road

· Just a few lines about that hotshot we all encounter everywhere, on any road. He's the guy who wants to move into our lane but wouldn't think of moving in behind us. He has to speed up and get ahead of us -- even if he's going to slow down immediately to take an exit.

Turn signals? Huh! What he intends to do is nobody else's business. Oh, and I'm sure you've noticed: He's most often driving a pickup.

DAN SEYMOUR

Mira Loma