Letters to the Editor

Clark Foundation says “thank you” 

Dear Editor: 

On behalf of Kelly Clark, I would like to thank everyone who sponsored, supported and joined us for The Inaugural Kelly Clark Foundation Wine Dinner and Live Auction Event. It was a successful evening at the Westin Monache Resort, and we raised more than $25,000 in funds to provide scholarships and grants to help kids in our community pursue their dreams in snowboarding.

Our very generous sponsors included The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth Mountain, Sierra Star Golf Club, Black Velvet Coffee, Viewpoint Condos, Mammoth Lighthouse Church, Melville Winery, Eberle Winery, Clesi Wines, Neil Empson Selections, Mammoth Crossfit, Season Johnson Nutritional Therapy, Blake Pickett Photography, Wave Rave, Giro, Community Skis, Burton Snowboards, Fianna Ose with Skin Deep Aesthetics, The Sheet, Bleu Handcrafted Foods, Michelle Mather Massage Therapy, Dr. Sansom DDS, Sandra DiDomizio and Green Fox Events, Mimi’s Cookie Bar, Schat’s Bakery, Giovanni’s, Sierra Sundance Whole Foods, Cathy’s Candies, Michelle’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Kittredge Sports, and Ben and Jerry’s.

A special thanks to Lacey Dibble, Theresa Brocia, Tom Cage, Emily Johnson, Melissa Perkins, Morgan Terrell, Megan Guenther, Debbi Frolove, Rebecca Miltenberger, Nadia Henderson, The Westin Staff, and all the other volunteers for this event. It was incredible to witness the support of the local community to raise funds for the under-served youth. We thank everyone who played a part and we hope to see you at future events! For information on Kelly Clark and The Kelly Clark Foundation please go to www.kellyclarkfoundation.org

Elise Hawkins
Administrative Assistant
The Kelly Clark Foundation

Un-Scrooged for the holidays 

Dear Editor: 

I love the Holidays, or at least many things about it. I love the festivities; the decorations, the music, and most of all the gathering of family and friends. However, as time has gone on I have found myself sporting a very “Scroogish” attitude toward gift giving.

Entering the Holidays I have increasingly resented the self-imposed pressure to run around and buy gifts for people who I feel already have more than they need. I love my family and friends very much, but I don’t think that gifts necessarily express love.

I had a realization the other day, one that makes gift giving for me this season mean much, much more. I decided that I am going to buy ALL of my gifts locally… no purchases out of town. Being a resident of June Lake, I think it is especially important this year, perhaps more than others.

There are wonderful shops in June Lake, and Mammoth, full of wonderful things to give. You think your brother wants an iPod? No, no, what he really wants is some candy from Cathy’s Candy, or a gift certificate from Ernie’s for spring time tackle. How about mom? What she is really hoping you will get her is a handcrafted item, a book from the Booky Joint, or maybe a massage. In June Lake alone there are many shops carrying hand-crafted items. There are also gift certificates available at restaurants, hotels, shops, and spas. Hey, you can even shop the JL Thrift Store, through which the Women’s Club acquires funds to support local needs. Oh, and I wouldn’t DARE forget to give my doggie’s homemade cookies from Tailwaggers! It’s an annual tradition!

I know “Shop Local” is not a new concept, but my decision to shop only at local businesses this season brings a lot more meaning and purpose to my gift giving this year, and has “Un-Scrooged” me! I encourage all of you to do the same.

Ann Tozier
June Lake

Just can’t stomach it

Dear Town Council and Managers:

I write this morning because of a friend who called and notified me of the recent precedent setting case of law. The suit appeared as the City of Costa Mesa in an attempt to save money by outsourcing services to private companies. As it turns out State law prohibits the city of CM or one like ours (General Law) to fire or layoff city employees in order to contract out for the same services to a private company. This friend prompted me because I have been discussing with him the Bankruptcy, corruption, and shenanigans of the Town. This precedent setting case appears to prohibit certain current and proposed actions by the town.

He said as a Lawyer ,that it looks like your Town is walking into another loser of a landmark lawsuit at your expense.John Vereuck stated such so eloquently at a recent council meeting that “we are good at losing at least we are consistent.” Am I surprised at this no, not at all. Am I disgusted to the point that I cannot stomach it and I want to vomit? Yes. In a recent email to me from  Councilman Rick Wood he stated, “Please stop sending me emails I cannot stomach what you say.” Well Mr. Wood, likewise touché! I think the constituents of this town cannot stomach the decisions of you or the rest of this corrupt government and council anymore.

Rick you and Eastman were on council when many of those salaries were approved and yet you want to maliciously do away with them. I do not see how you folks can sleep at night.

To hear once again the town using illegal tactics to obtain an end result. This precedent case was published many months ago. It is the law of the land and you all knew it many months ago yet you continue your arrogant ways. When are you folks going to learn. To continue voting on the new restructuring plan in the light of the supreme court’s refusal to hear the appeal would be reckless and probably subject to litigation. I don’t understand why you want to decimate the current staff and yet retain those High priced managers. It is my opinion that all of you and your actions are dishonest, arrogant, deceitful, devious, underhanded, and corrupt just to name a few.

It appears that one city employee of Costa Mesa has committed suicide apparently due to the shenanigans of his city’s attempt of outsourcing.

You folks are destroying our town and our way of life. Many have spoke recently of recalls and petitions. I have not seen one yet however I would think someone is going to get one going. You folks might have just tipped the scale for me to sign one. I will wait patiently to see how you folks handle this new mess.

Martin Kleinbard
Mammoth Lakes

PS: You folks still have time to steer in a more responsible direction. Let’s all hope you will.