MAILBAG:

Much has been spoken about the congestion that will be caused by the two new housing developments proposed for the area near Edinger Avenue and Gothard Street.

Has anyone noticed the sign in front of the adjacent abandoned Levitz property offering it for sale or lease as a “Mixed Use Residential Redevelopment Opportunity?”

It could probably accommodate a couple thousand more condos.

But first, let’s tear down the ugly old Levitz sign.

Donald Sinex

Huntington Beach

Column against Obama didn’t reflect his position

The Independent is a newspaper ostensibly serving the entire community, not just specific interests or religious groups. Normally the columnists reflect that and reflect a variety of viewpoints.

The Soul Food column in the Oct. 30 edition violated that trust. Michele Marr took advantage of her position for a final say on the candidates and delivered a strongly anti-Obama conclusion primarily based on one religion’s philosophy, focused on abortion as apparently the only moral issue before us.

I haven’t followed every nuance of the abortion debate, but I believe her treatment didn’t fairly reflect the complete position of either campaign, particularly Obama’s, on this sensitive issue.

The columnist has a right to voice her opinion, but doing so this way in the very last issue before the election, in a publication which doesn’t do formal endorsements, is bad journalistic practice.

Mark Sheldon

Huntington Beach

Voice opinions on Ripcurl Project

When I first found out about the Ripcurl Project, the mixed-use, high-density apartments, planned for the corner of Center and Gothard, my body and brain went into systems alert mode! The thought of that six-story, cold and formidable looking fortress taking over College Country Corner Complex, with its old California architecture and familiar businesses, like Del Taco and Kathy Mae’s, and office building in the back, made my stomach uneasy. I encourage residents to come to the City Council meeting Monday and let your thoughts be heard. What happens that night will affect us all for a long time to come.

Pam Vallot

Citizens against the Ripcurl

Join fight for seniors at mobile home park

I would like to bring attention to the senior abuse that is going on in the Huntington Harbor Mobile Estates. The park was purchased recently by a developer and they have raised the rent 200% in less than a year and a half. These poor people have no one to turn to, no representation and will be forced to walk away from their homes if this continues.

Monday night they attended the Huntington Beach City Council meeting and were given the chance to voice their concerns. There was a representative from Burnham there, and she is as cold as they come, I’ve never seen anyone so unfeeling and uncaring for these seniors. She said no one will be forced out, but I can assure you in a park that never had any vacant spots, there now are 25!

I urge you to take up this cause and join us in fighting for these seniors. These are supposed to be their golden years, and these last couple of years have been a total nightmare for them!

Christine Butler