Story update
Editor’s note: When the Sun ran the story on page one last week titled Fitness buff tries to lift her brother’s burden, people started to come forth. They wanted to help the plight of Seal Beach fitness trainer Julie Beck’s brother Robert, his wife and their nine children. (See the story on line at sunnews.org) Since then, Julie has set up an account at Chase Bank # 908819329 for those who want to make monetary donations. In the meantime, she is preparing for a fundraising yard sale on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 600 Balboa Dr. in Seal Beach (across from Pavilions).
For those who want to make a donation of gift cards for the family they can be delivered or mailed to: 6475 East Pacific Coast Highway, #137 Long Beach, 90803. Another delivery point is at Julie’s Flexx Personal Training gym at 209 1/2 Main Street, Seal Beach.
Julie sent the following e-mail update shortly after last week’s Sun edition was distributed:
“Today I received a donation from a fellow merchant on Main Street and also three gift cards thru the mail slot from an anonymous angel for: Ralphs, McDonalds and Shell (gas stations).
I also had a phone call from another anonymous donor to send a gift card to my Post Office box and one of my old clients is planning on making a contribution to the account. I’ve been crying off and on all day because I am so overcome by the generosity and the immediate response from the local people in Seal Beach.
I think this just might be the saving grace my brother and his family have been praying for… Thank you again for your own contribution to getting their story told. You’re a good man Charlie Brown… Julie :).
Editor’s note: “Charlie Brown”?
Re: Main Street Cyclery article published July 22, 2010
This letter is to correct several erroneous statements in your article regarding the continuing dispute between Main Street Cyclery and residential neighbors of 8th Street, particularly those neighbors whose residences are adjacent to the rear of the bike shop.
Mr. Dunton, by direct quote regarding John Ramsey’s mal intent in the article, implies that the bike shop has been at this particular location for thirteen years, which is simply not the truth. The bike shop has “been here” for about three years and there have been complaints about it shortly after it started operations.
The article also indicates that Leo Bolter, an adjacent property owner speaking to the council, said that he had lost tenants due to noise and activities of the bike shop. Mr. Bolter did not say this at the meeting. I did.
Which property owner said what is not as important as the gist of the article, which as published, creates the false impression that the neighbors have been tolerant of noise and disruption caused by the bike shop the thirteen years, this is simply not true.
James P. Darling
Seal Beach
Leave Main Street alone
I find that the benches along Main Street are a great asset. I love to walk there and see the conviviality of residents and tourists enjoying the ambience.
As to sale racks, well that helps our merchants who pay taxes. If our city officials have nothing better to do than pursue these frivolous complaints by the few, maybe we need to investigate what their duties are and follow suit with the city of Bell.
What are our officials earning? Where are our tax dollars going? Leave Main Street alone.
They pay taxes and bring in revenue. City officials are making it almost impossible for business to survive and keeping tourists and residents from supporting our merchants, which in turn support our city.
If it ain’t broke, why try to “BREAK. IT?” That is a deliberate misquote. There is nothing to fix.
Maria Cieneros
Seal Beach
Are Seal Beach officials overpaid?
In the face of alleged looting of the city treasury in the city of Bell, Calif., by outrageous salaries, the city of Seal Beach published on the Internet salaries paid to our public servants. The masters of obfuscation report:
Only monthly salaries are given, which look reasonable until you multiply by 12. Perks are not mentioned, e.g., city car, cell phones, medical plan, retirement, etc.
The city manager makes $212,028 per year. Contrast this with the vice president of the United States who earns $208,000, or cabinet members who make $180,000, or U.S. District Court judges who earn a meager $162,000. (See Google).
The Marine Safety chief, (aka Lifeguard), makes $111,576 per year. The assistant to the city manager makes $150,060 per year. This position rose from being secretary to the city manager, a clerical position.
The director of Development Services makes the same, $150,060. The director of Public Works and director of Administrative Services earn a whopping $165,636 per year.
Monies paid the City Council members are not given.
Compare your salary with these lucrative positions. As an R.N., responsible for patients’ lives, do you earn as much as a life guard for the city?
We pay a master sargent with 10 years service $42,060 per year; or a captain with 10 years service $66,450.
True, they get benefits, but hardly $50,000 worth to bring them up to a lifeguard’s salary.
While the city of Seal Beach is not ready for prime time as is Bell, it comes pretty close.
Maybe you should attend a City Council meeting and ask why. I’ll bet they tell you it isn’t an agenda item so they won’t tell you.
While you are at it, ask what the city attorney is paid per year. Is it more than the chief justice of the United States?
Bruce Stark
Seal Beach
