Letters to the Editor

Leash enforcement gone to the dogs?

Dear Editor:

I just wanted to make some comments in regards to Andy Geisel’s article, entitled “Dogs On The Run: The Case For More Safety” (The Sheet, Sept. 25).

I too have noticed how lax everyone in town has gotten with their dogs, especially since Animal Control Officer [Ray Nadwocki] retired and has not been replaced.

We do not allow our dog off the leash when she is out, not just because of the leash law, but also for the animal’s safety. It’s not just vehicles; I have seen dogs mauled and killed by bears, mountain lions, coyotes and even other dogs that some irresponsible egomaniac who didn’t care to follow the rules like the rest of us had let run loose.

Heck, our dog has been attacked more than once by other dogs running free while I was walking her on a leash.

For those who are wondering what the Mammoth Lake Code of Ordinance says regarding dogs, you can find it on the Town’s website under Title 6- Animals>>Chapter 6.12-Dogs.

I think that as a “Public Service” to the community this ordinance should be published in the local papers, but when I approached the other newspaper in town they refused to do so, or even publish my comments, so it just goes show you that those guys are truly on the side of the politicians, and not the people.

So how about The Sheet? Would you print Mammoth Lakes Code of Ordinance>>Title 6- Animals>> Chapter 6.12-Dogs? Even just the “Dogs At Large” section would be great; that way no one has an excuse for not knowing.

According to the “Code of Ordinance,” it is the responsibility of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department to enforce these ordinances, regardless of whether or not we have an Animal Control Officer.

So, it would seem that someone is not performing their sworn duty, and I think we should pin the new Chief down on this topic.

Time for another Grand Jury inquiry? Maybe.

Jimmy Roberts
Mammoth Lakes

Ed. Note: The code is ridiculously long, so I’m with the Fifty on this one. However, I will print a few sentences from the dogs at large section, 6.12.210: “It is unlawful for any person owning, harboring, or having the care, custody or possession of any dog within the town limits of Mammoth Lakes to allow such dog to run at large. All such dogs shall be kept securely fastened by a chain, rope or leash unless securely confined within private property legally controlled by the person in possession of the dog. Further, any dog off the premises of its owner, or the person charged with the care, custody or possession of the dog, shall be presumed to be at large unless it is securely fastened to a rope, chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and is under the immediate physical control of a competent person.”

This is not Brown/Whitman

Dear Editor:

The name calling and innuendo regarding the race for judge between Randy Gephart and Mark Magit has gotten out of hand. This is not Brown/Whitman, it is a contest between two fine people and good lawyers neither of whom deserve the kind of nonsense that has recently been spread around town and in letters to the editor.

A letter in the Sept. 25 edition of  The Sheet notes that the Superior Court election “has turned into mudslinging” and then proceeds to exponentially increase the very same mudslinging of which the author seems to be concerned. Has it occurred to anyone that the reason well respected people like Judge Eller and D.A. Booth (Mark Magit’s former boss) support Randy Gephart’s candidacy is because they feel he is the best qualified candidate? I have never known either Stan Eller or George Booth to be of a cynical or disingenuous mold. Supporters of Mark may disagree with the assessment that Randy is better qualified and their position should be respected just as the position of those who support Randy should be respected. To directly challenge their integrity is wrong, just as it is wrong to challenge the integrity of Therese Hankel for her detailed statement of the reasons she is supporting Randy. Yes, Therese might end up replacing Randy as a public defender if Randy wins. She might also end up replacing Mark if he wins.

I see a real problem when campaigns for judge are perceived as being the same as campaigns for partisan political office. Judges should not be “political” in the sense of being shallow media stars quick with a sound bite. A good politician does not usually translate into being a good judge.

As an attorney in Mammoth for 30 years, I have known and worked with and against Randy and Mark. They are both friends of mine. They are both good people and they are both qualified to be judge. I am supporting Randy because in my view he is much more experienced in court. His experience would allow him to be an effective judge immediately, whereas I believe Mark would need a certain amount of on-the-job training. That’s it. There is no other agenda. The Mono County Superior Court will be in good hands whoever wins. If Mark wins, I will offer my sincere congratulations to him and, knowing Mark as I do, our friendship will not be even a little changed by my support for Randy.

Let’s end the nastiness. Randy and Mark deserve better.

Timothy B. Sanford
Mammoth Lakes

The Green Sheet preceding The Green Sheet

Dear Jack Lunch,

I had to giggle, upon seeing your eco-friendly section, “Green Sheet.”

My grandfather, Walter Mendenhall, was Editor and President of the newspaper “Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet.” It was printed on green paper, later on green-striped paper, later still with just a horizontal green stripe across the top.  (The paper later became “The Los Angeles Daily News.”)

Originally from Missouri, Walter was politically conservative, aka a right-wing maniac. For example, he editorialized in favor of then-Governor Reagan’s proposal that anti-war student protestors (of which I was one) be rounded up and confined at Manzanar.

Valerie Mendenhall Cohen
June Lake

Crepe!

Dear Mr. Lunch,

I am writing to you in order to give you the scoop of the year! Les Crepes d’Antoine will not be on the mountain anymore due to a decision of Bill Cockroft’s department and the new food consulting company. I have been thanked in a very brief letter.

I have told them that i thought it was a bad idea and that a lot of visitors are

going to be disappointed but here we are … another good decision by Mammoth Mountain 😉

In any case i just wanted to let your readers know about it so they can prepare to enjoy burritos and such on the mountain.

Kind Regards,
Antoine Kaufman