PUBLIC FORUM.

Suggestion

Re ``CHP should get citation for policing itself'' (Viewpoint, July 17):

I have a suggestion to right the wrongs of the California Highway Patrol:

Deputy Chief Gary Dominguez should be demoted from commander of the southern division and reassigned to patrol duty on the 405 Freeway from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. weekdays. Those officers feeding at the disability trough should report annually for complete physical examinations administered at completely independent medical facilities.

To the rest of the CHP, particularly those in the Calabasas/Agoura area, you have my total admiration.

- Robert Rose 

Calabasas

Didn't take long

Re ``Bush courts conservatives'' (July 20):

It didn't take long for the usual hate groups to come out against the nomination of a relatively moderate conservative, John Roberts Jr., for Supreme Court justice.

The question now is, will Democratic senators show civility like Republican senators did with the nominations of the far-left choices of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer, or will they cave to the pressure of those hate groups and fight his nomination with the partisan ugliness they have shown over the last several years?

How these senators act will have quite an effect on how the public perceives them and most likely will affect their political futures.

- David R. Dorazio

Redwood City 

Flip side 

Re ``Residents don't want castle stormed'' (July 19):

Why is it that no one ever looks at the developer's side of the coin?

These stories are always from the angry residents' point of view. What about the guy who has legally purchased the building, has spent time and money to plan the project, and is now having to fight a handful of residents to determine the outcome of his own property?

I am curious: Exactly when did it become wrong for someone to make an investment and expect to turn a profit?

If these protesters were so concerned with preserving this castle, why didn't they do something sooner? Why didn't they find a wealthy benefactor to acquire the building or pool their own funds and purchase the property themselves?

I find it ridiculous that any individual or group can interfere with a person's personal property in the name of community interest.

I have lived in the Sunland-Tujunga area all my life and simply don't see the value that a faux castle possibly has to offer the residents of this town.

- Cathy Wise

Sunland

Tired of disrespect

Re ``Residents don't want castle stormed'' (July 19):

The attempted demolition of the Weatherwolde Castle, a Tujunga treasure, is typical behavior of arrogant developers in our area. Unpermitted construction and demolition are rampant as there are no significant consequences to the violations.

It would be interesting to know how many times the ``scorched-earth policy'' mentioned has actually been invoked, as the same developers are guilty of the same infractions repeatedly without any consequences. Structures and oak trees are removed stealthily and then the developer says, ``oops, it's too late.''

The developer at Weatherwolde Castle certainly wasted no time in stripping every tree from the lot along with the carriage house. We are tired of the disrespect to our community and heritage. We expect our elected officials and agencies to hold these developers responsible. Their licenses should be suspended for these violations.

- Rose Marie Smith

Tujunga

Magical

Re ``Bringing back the magic'' (U, July 14):

J.K. Rowling has proved to the world that the printed word will never go out of existence, no matter how many other forms of communication we invent and advertise.

As long as children have imagination, a sense of wonder and curiosity, her books will live on, in the minds and hearts of children everywhere.

And this love of reading will stay with them as they grow and mature. It is almost as magical as her marvelous books.

- Jeanette Birnbaum

Sherman Oaks

The lesser evil

Re ``Art, politics collide'' (July 21):

Once again, Harry Potter has been condemned as an evil influence on our kids. However, the front page of the Daily News showed a tasteless painting of the American flag in a toilet.

One might think this picture appeared in another country, certainly not in the cafeteria of the Department of Justice in Sacramento. Lately, obscenities have run rampant on some radio stations as well as ugly names attributed to America, its president, the troops and anyone who disagrees with the host's opinion.

It would seem the airwaves have no Federal Communications Commission any more. In a country at war, parents would be better served to monitor what the children are listening to on their radios than the so-called evil Harry.

- Jeanne Hovland

Northridge

Blame Arnie

Re ``Workers' comp reforms succeed, but leave some in a world of hurt'' (July 18):

Many thanks to Brent Hopkins for helping to bring to light the disaster that is known as workers' comp.

My attorney fought for five years to get the care I needed. I had to pay for my surgeries using my private health insurance and out-of-pocket monies. Last November, all parties involved signed a document awarding me future medical insurance for life. I am now going back to court to have these rights enforced as the insurance companies do not seem to feel to be liable for what they signed as a settlement. There is no one to stop them.

My attorney says ``blame it on Arnie.'' I want to thank the insurance companies and defense attorneys. As for Arnold, I sure wish he would return to making movies immediately.

- Jeff Foster 

Sherman Oaks

Conflict of interest

Re ``Arnold explains stance'' (July 17):

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger used his veto power to benefit the publishers of the health magazine that were paying him. What part of ``conflict of interest'' is not understood by the conservatives?

- Irving Leemon

Northridge

Is this right?

Re ``Councilwoman held in gang bust'' (July 15):

Let's see. We have a council member who was arrested on suspicion of having guns and drugs in her house. Now she is not going to council meetings but is working from her home. Isn't that what she was doing before? Now she is doing the city work from home? Something is wrong here.

- Betty Jenkins

Chatsworth

Protect private property

Re ``Property needs safety from seizure'' (Their Opinions, July 19):

Everyone take note: California State Sen. Tom McClintock is addressing the recent Supreme Court's tyrannical decision concerning eminent domain. How many elected officials will rally behind this noble man?

I hope all thinking people will appreciate his stance. Local politicians would be more effective helping the small business to serve their communities because they are an important part of their communities. Many live in the areas they serve and know what is lacking. Everyone should have the right to stay and work at something they treasure - without the fear of a ravenous, well-connected developer's whim. The developers should deal directly with the property owner to see if an agreement can be reached that would satisfy both parties. If not, then the property owner decides what is best for his property.

- Salvatore Del Gaudio

Pacoima