Letters to the Editor: Sept. 30, 2010

Kenny Brandyberry helps out again

This amazing man, Kenny Brandyberry the local philanthropist, announced before the Los Alamitos City Council meeting on March 15, 2010, that he would fund the $15,000 needed for this last summer’s Los Alamitos fireworks show on the Fourth of July.

The annual Fourth of July celebration at the Joint Forces Training Base had been on the agenda for cancellation.  The meeting exploded with cheers and applause.

It was Brandyberry’s way of thanking the community for supporting his favorite charity, Casa Youth Shelter.  Over 20 years and to the tune of $750,000, Mr. B has provided aid and support for the Casa kids with his heart and his wallet.  His involvement with the Shelter is quite extensive; spending Christmas mornings with them and hosting an annual “Party of The Year” fund raiser for Casa’s kids.

Everyone is invited to attend the yearly festivities at Mr. B’s home at 12856 Martha Ann Drive in Rossmoor.  This event is always the first Sunday after Father’s Day.

Living in the community for 48 years, Brandyberry has always been an avid participant in local events.  His personal endeavors include his past ownership of the Starting Gate and Mr. B’s.

It is the privilege of the Los Alamitos Museum to recognize Mr. Brandyberry as their Honored Citizen of the Year at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10.  Everyone is invited to attend.  The Museum is located at 11062 Los Alamitos Boulevard, Los Alamitos.

Anita Schommer

Los Alamitos

Another coyote attack

At 2 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, Rossmoor resident, Mr. McKinnon took his two little dogs, a dachshund, Ruby (18 months) and a Yorkshire Terrier, Sammy (11 years), to go to the bathroom in their backyard.

While in the yard, a coyote jumped into the yard biting the dachshund.

Sammy coming to his friend’s rescue while barking at the coyote was taken by the coyote who jumped back over the wall with him.  The coyote seemed unafraid of McKinnon’s screams to the coyote to drop the dog.

The family is devastated by their loss and would like the public to be made aware of this public safety threat.

On Aug. 29, the Rossmoor Predator Management Team corresponded to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack regarding the numerous pet deaths and attacks occurring in Rossmoor.

There has also been an attack on a female Rossmoor resident by a coyote who was chased off by the resident’s dog.

On Sept. 10, the United States Department of Agriculture Director Ms. Garrett contacted RPMT stating that if the California Department of Fish & Game were to declare the coyotes in Rossmoor a “public safety threat,” WS specialists could be sent in to remove the animals.

On Sept. 15, 2010, the RPMT notified the DFG Director John McCamman requesting a declaratory letter.

On Sept. 21, DFG Chief of Law Enforcement Division Nancy Foley notified RPMT that DFG was refusing to provide a letter allowing USDA to remove the coyotes.  DFG stated “they cannot articulate an imminent threat to public safety,” therefore DFG would not be writing a letter. DFG further stated that reports should be made to Capt. Sforza who works out of his home for DFG.

Upon learning of this coyote killing and attack, the Rossmoor Predator Management Team attempted to notify Captain Sforza as directed and were only able to receive a voice mail recording on his cell phone. Documents verify the above communication can be faxed.  Please call Rebecca Lara at (562) 253-2330.

Rebecca Lara

Rossmoor