Letters to the Editor: Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013

Eliminate the weed blowers

Every week while enjoying coffee and conversation with my friends in front of a coffee house on Main Street, we become exposed to a person using a noisy weed blower blowing leaves and dirt all over the place.

I think its time the city has an ordinance against weed blowers.

That’s what brooms and trash buckets are for to sweep up and deposit the trash where it belongs.

Bill Ruzgis

Long Beach

Rat poison is threat to pets and humans, too

I am a veterinarian at Los Alamitos Animal Hospital. On Friday, July 26, a pet owner from Rossmoor brought her dog in after he ate toxic rat bait. The rat bait was placed by Orange County Vector Control on Wednesday July 24 to kill rats in the neighborhood.

At the time it was placed this pet owner asked if the bait would hurt her dogs and was told that they wouldn’t be able to get to it and that it would not hurt them even if they did.

This was incorrect information on both counts.

I am very concerned that other pet owners and parents are not aware how toxic this bait is.

If ingested and not treated quickly, the pet or child could die from bleeding within three to four days.

Even if pets are brought in when bleeding signs are first noted, they can die in spite of being treated. Vector control used an extremely toxic anti-coagulant rodenticide that can kill any mammal that ingests it, including children and toddlers.

Fortunately for this dog, the owner was home and saw him eat the bait.

She brought him in immediately. We were able to make him vomit to rid him of the toxin and we put both he and her other pet on Vitamin K1, which is the antidote to this poison. I am concerned for pets and children that could potentially ingest this toxin, and if the owners or parents are not aware of it, it is potentially fatal to the victim. This bait is very palatable and dogs will eat it willingly like a treat if given the opportunity.

Claudia Horvath, D.V.M.

Los Alamitos Animal Hospital

Los Alamitos

Vacation rentals good for tax base

How can we be so narrow minded as to not realize that tourists support our restaurants and businesses on Main Street? This is a significant portion of our tax base. Well-managed vacation rentals by responsible owners attract quality clientele. Where are our family members supposed stay when visiting from out of town? Not everyone can afford to stay for a month or longer. Is the Seal Beach Jail really our only option left?

Jim Harvey

Seal Beach

End vacation rental ban

How can it be legal for the city to monitor and dictate the use of private property? Encouraging neighbors to spy on one another sends the wrong message for the city that had been named the fourth friendliest beach town in the U.S.

The city staff and council need to educate themselves on what has happened to other cities who have banned short-term vacation rentals, such as Atlantic City.

Do we really need to initiate yet another frivolous lawsuit at taxpayer’s expense?

Janell Abbey

Seal Beach

Republican Women will ‘cruise to victory’

New and potential members of the Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated club will enjoy an afternoon event in Seal Beach that celebrates their membership in the organization.

Hosted by the club’s board members, the Aug. 3 Cruising to Republican Victory party will focus on upcoming local, state and national elections.

Relaxing with refreshing drinks and snacks, “passengers” will have an opportunity to become better acquainted with the club’s board members and various chairwomen. The hostess’ home, with a commanding view of the famed Seal Beach Pier, will double as the Promenade Deck while a scenic yard will act as the Lido Deck.

Being part of the exciting Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated includes:

• Monthly brunch meetings featuring topical speakers

• Camaraderie with women who share their Republican ideology

• Special events including annual Scholarship Luncheon at El Dorado Golf Course

• Participating in local events and festivals

• Activities in support of our troops

• Annual Christmas luncheon

“The primary purpose of our club is to bring together like-minded women to promote Republican positions, candidates and support education,” explained club President Margene Walz. “But socializing and developing friendships is also an important part of what we do. It’s not always easy to join an established club and this afternoon event will be a fun ice breaker.”

There’s still time to board the “cruise.”

The club, which serves Rossmoor, Los Alamitos, Cypress, Seal Beach and Leisure World, has welcomed many new members this year as women seek to promote Republican positions locally, statewide and nationally.

There’s still time to join and receive a boarding pass for the Cruising to Republican Victory New Member Party.

If you are interested in learning more about this event, call (562) 857-3962.

Margene Walz

Seal Beach

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