War is deception

Dear Editor,

On August 3, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Brethren Church courtyard in La Verne, a small group of committed “peacemakers” gathered to hold a peace vigil remembering the victims of nuclear war and nuclear accidents. Approximately 45-60 members of the communities of La Verne, Claremont, San Dimas and Pomona assembled for this yearly event sponsored jointly by Peace with Justice of the Pomona Valley and Pax Christi. Both groups work together for a common goal: a more peaceful and just world. Pax Christi’s priorities are based on the Catholic social teachings.

Those present were people who believe that we must not ignore nor forget how dangerous nuclear power is.  Steven Rushing Wind (a Native American flute player) and his young daughter, a beautiful improvisational dancer, opened the event. During the open mic segment of the program Al Villanueva, Marjorie Michaels, Cindy Adair and 2 other ladies shared what the event meant to them. It was fresh, spontaneous and personal, in the present moment, and very moving. Marjorie sang a song by David Kovics titled “Hiroshima” and played her accordion.  A thought that occurred to me immediately afterwards was how everyone present at this event, whether they spoke or not, was a special blessing in that each came with the hope of peace in their hearts and with a wish for future generations that nuclear weapons would never be used again. For myself, this peace and justice work is very hard.

It also reminded me of the time a young Marine from Camp Pendleton about to be sent on his third deployment to Iraq came by the corner of Arrow Highway and Indian Hill Boulevard to thank us “ Peaceniks” for picketing for peace. Truly, our young men and women soldiers sacrifice for us Americans when we make choices to go to war. My dad, who served 4 years during WWII in the Pacific, would only say, “War is hell.” For him, this summed it up completely. I never knew my dad had earned a purple heart until after his death. He never wanted to talk about the war, it was too horrible.

In honor of all the thousands of dads down through history who have fought to keep the home front safe, it behooves us all to work for, and pray for peace. As a kindergarten teacher years ago, rule number one was: “no hitting, no spitting, no biting, no fighting.” The little ones understood and followed this rule or they got “time out.” Isn’t it time for the rest of us to learn how to get along in a civilized manner?

It will not be as simple or as easy as a kindergarten classroom but we must give it our best shot (no pun intended). Pax Christi in collaboration with Peace and Justice meets the second Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon, usually at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church and occasionally at a local restaurant. We will meet at the Dolce Café on Central Avenue in Montclair on August 11 at 10 a.m. Come and join us, all are welcome, and perhaps working together we can help form a safer, saner world for our children and grandchildren, at least that is our goal.

My hope and prayer for all of us: one people, one planet, under God, with justice and liberty and peace for all. No exceptions. It’s a big order, let’s get started.

Connie Weir

Claremont

Questions for the city council to ponder

Dear Editor:

1. The citizens of southern California were asked and then mandated to reduce water consumption by 15-20 percent, depending on location. In most cases we have complied. Why are we now being asked to make up the loss of revenue by increased water rates?

2. Why did all city council members not attend the water rate hearings?

3.Why was the city manager not at these hearings?

4. Why do we continue to pour money down the drain and pursue purchasing the water company?

5. Does the city council realize that they are purchasing an aging infrastructure of 50-100 years?

6. Will it take another 100 years for the city to make a profit on the water company?

7. Why is the city attorney (part time) the highest paid official in Claremont?

Dave Lannom

Claremont

More about water costs

Dear Editor:

We moved to Claremont 4 years ago to enjoy retirement, the third-of-an-acre we bought in the city and the downtown area. The downtown area has lived up to its reputation. Living on our land has not.

We landscaped with what we were told were “drought resistant” plants but our water bill has always been very high. We also have a pool and a small pond and waterfall, which now only translates to a much higher water bill.

Now we’re told to expect a 15 percent increase next year, followed by 2 smaller increases. We just converted our house to solar to offset the electric increases that we know will come in the next 10 years. Expensive, but necessary. Also, we feel, the responsible thing to do.

Besides finding a way to eliminate outside watering completely, what

options do we have to counter the unrealistic water increase? Can we purchase a similar solar option?

I’d love to have a water option that mirrors our solar option.

Susan Stocker

Claremont