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RustyBradshaw
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| Joined: | Fri Jan 4th, 2008 |
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Posted: Mon May 5th, 2008 04:24 pm |
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Community rules
fine as they are
After living in Sun City Phase 3 for seven years, I have to admit the CC&R’s are somewhat relaxed.
That is one reason that I’m happy here. Personally, I would rather have it that way than live under a Gestapo regime where some codger with too much time on his hands measures the height of the blades of grass in my front yard, bellyaches about barking dogs or whether I can have a bird feeder in my tree.
As far as Mr. Ferrara’s shed is concerned, it was there before he bought the house and if the CC&R board wanted to make a point it should have come down immediately after it was put up by the previous owner. Another point, how did they all of a sudden find out the shed was there. Sounds like a crabby neighbor who has an ax to grind.
And whose bright idea is it that we make drastic changes in the CC&Rs anyway? As far as enforcing the existing CC&R’s, should we favor on the side of common sense or get on the “corporate America, team player bandwagon” following the letter of the law that meets or exceeds some legal framework for the sole purpose of “not getting sued?” Sounds like the new generation of retirees moving in are, in plain or crude English, a bit on the prickish side. Probably alumni from some corporate hierarchy.
And who approved all of these stucco makeovers? If that doesn’t drastically change the integrity (for better or worse) of the existing neighborhood, what does? The point being, is it stated somewhere in the sacred CC&R’s that such makeovers are allowed or, for that matter, forbidden? If one can stucco their home why can’t I paint my house the color of my choice? I recently painted my house white. How wrong can I go with white? Am I going to receive a letter from the the powers that be that they don’t approve of my shade of white?
Now back to Mr. Ferrara. According to the article in the Independent (April 9, 2008) which states, “No detached or prefabricated buildings or structure of any matter whatsoever, permanent or temporary, shall be moved or placed upon or assembled or otherwise maintained on any lot.” Sounds to me that if Mr. Ferrara has to take down his shed, the board had better visit a home on the southeast corner of 98th Avenue and Wrangler. They are in the process of some major, big time remodeling. Not only are they putting an extension on the back of the house but they also are building a massive two-car garage (detached) in the back yard smack dab up against the property line of their neighbor.
If they did not get approval from the CC&R board they are in deep poop. If they did get approval from the CC&R, that sounds to me that a precedent has been set and someone on the proverbial board is in deep poop. Furthermore, if they don’t nail the existing owner to the cross, what in Sam hill are they going to do to the next guy down the pike who unknowingly purchases the premises?
If they make Mr. Ferrara take down his shed, then we can all join in and pit one neighbor against another and demand that everyone take down there cutsie golf cart parking spot on the side of their house. We’ll have to demand that everyone repaint their house to meet the demands of a few idiots that get a rise out of controlling the lives of others. We’ll have to measure the height of everyone’s fence to make sure it’s approved by the self appointed gods. We’ll have to take down our flagpoles that wave our American flag that symbolizes freedom and compassion we should have for others, pet lovers will have to get their dogs throat cut to prevent them from barking noisily, the rabbits and birds will either starve to death or move on which will, in turn, upset the food chain for the coyote inhabitants, we’ll have to remove the cutsie gnomes, wishing wells, wind chimes and flower pots displayed in our front yard because they are pissing off someone.
SCHOA, back off and leave the old man alone. Maybe we can all pitch in and back Mr. Ferrara’s cause or become members of the “team” and help him find a solution to this dilemma. He’s 87 years old.
Beware, folks. Pick your battles well or you may get more than you bargained for. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. What goes around, comes around.
Carole Amarosso
Sun City
How can patriotic
be offensive?
This is in response to the April 23, 2008 article (“2 complaints draw inspection,” Sun Cities Independent) regarding Chuck Carter’s roadside memorial depicting four crosses in honor of the four branches of the United States military, an American flag and the artistic design in memory of September 11, 2001.
The article implied that one complainant indicated the memorial was ethnic in substance. How on earth could that be concluded? This is the United States of America and we do have four branches of the military service and only one flag that represents our country. No where else in the world were the Trade Centers attacked on September 11, 2001. Far from being unsightly, the memorial was done in very good taste. I admired it the many times I drove by.
Since it was not in violation of the Sun City CC&Rs, then I question why it was even suggested that the memorial be removed.
The two persons who deemed to find this beautiful, meaningful and tastefully designed memorial offensive, should spend their time driving around our fair community and picking out the unsightly yards where scrub weeds are growing or there are so many displays of unrecognizable ornaments that the yard looks junky and report that to SCHOA. And SCHOA should focus on the issues that are in noncompliance with the CC&Rs and suggest to the two persons who complained they should take a different route to their destinations if they believe something so representative of our country is offensive.
I have only one suggestion for such persons: If you don’t like our country and our flag and all the things they represent that are American, then perhaps you should go elsewhere. Apparently this is not the best place for you.
Ruby Bradshaw
Sun City
Thanks from
the ‘Friends’
The Friends of the Youngtown Public Library, Inc. want to thank each and everyone who helped make our Spring Fling Book Sale a success.
The money made will be used for items needed in the Library that are not in the regular town budget. The many volunteers, Library staff, town workers and especially the customers made this sale a very worthwhile effort. The newly formed “Friends” group has 37 members and many pitched in to help with this project.
“Friends” will have an ongoing book, video, etc. sale during library hours throughout the year to raise money. All donations are accepted and please know everyone is welcome to help out in anyway they can.
Again, thank you very much for your support.
Patrice Druehl
Friends of the Youngtown Library president
Memorial should
be praised
I was blown out of the water when I read the article (“2 complaints draw inspecgtion,” Sun Cities Independent, April 23, 2008) about Sun City resident Chuck Carter removing his memorial next to his home due to “a couple of complaints.”
When my husband and I drove up Del Webb Boulevard, we always looked at those crosses, which reminded us of how lucky we are to live in our great country. I even stopped and gave the whole memorial “a good look” and I was so impressed. Now I will admit that if you were driving by quickly and just took a glance at the art work by Art Lucke, you almost could think that it had an “Arabic” look to it, but again once I stopped and saw the artwork up close. It gave everything else its true meaning.
I just can’t believe it was suggested that Mr. Carter take the memorial down. He should have been praised for his display and his courage to put it up.
We all know that some people have nothing better to do than complain about anything that’s different. In my book, two complaints does not constitute a change.
As Ronald Reagan might have said, “Mr. Carter, put that memorial back up!”
Sylvia Gleason-Crombe
Sun City
Lifelong learning
opportunities available
We were sorry to learn the Arizona State University Lifelong Learning program no longer will be available to Sun City residents for the foreseeable future.
This must have been a very difficult decision for the Recreation Centers of Sun City Board of Directors to make, but one which obviously was necessary and understandable, in light the budget constraints you are facing.
The loss to the community of such a valuable amenity no doubt has made many people very unhappy. However, we would like to encourage your residents to avail themselves of the excellent and inexpensive adult learning programs offered by RISE Learning for Life, which is affiliated with Rio Salado College. Our classes are held in the Rio Salado Lifelong Learning center, 12535 Smokey Drive, Surprise. The building is next to the Windmill Inn and just behind Luby’s restaurant on Bell Road.
RISE offers 80 different non-credit classes during the year in history, current events, health and wellness, the arts, science andworld affairs. Presenters are experienced, knowledgable and experts in their chosen field.s. The low annual membership fee of $45 entitles members to enroll in as many classes as they wish, at no additional charge. Some of our 800 members reside in Sun City, but it may be that not all of your residents are aware that these educational opportunities are close by and available.
Informing your residents that RISE classes can help fill that void left by the departure of ASU surely would be welcome news to them. We have a guest pass policy, which allows a person to take one class free of charge, as long as there is room in the class. There is no obligation to do so. We would be glad to make a formal presentation at a future RCSC Board meeting, and to provide a written description for inclusion in the next Recreation Center News Bulletin.
RISE Learning for Life has much to offer and we hope you will encourage your residents to pursue their quest for learning with us.
Alice Singer
RISE Learning for Life president
Memorial removal
makes reader livid
I am the treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary Military Order of the Purple Hearts Unit 691. I could not believe it when I opened my Sun Cities Independent and read the roadside memorial article (“2 complaints draw inspection). I was livid.
My husband is a Vietnam veteran. He earned his Purple Heart in 1968. We are so blessed that he is still alive and with us today. He is proud to have served in Vietnam. My husband, Mo LaVoise, was so happy to have seen Mr. Carter’s memorial. We went by it often. He could no longer believe it no longer existed. Until reading the article, we did not know the reason it was no longer there.
We are proud Americans! We loved the honor this memorial bestowed on all veterans, those who have lost their lives for our freedoms and those who have come back and will never be the same.
The roadside memorial was very tactfully done. We could not see any “ethnic deal.” Mr. Carter was trying to show support for all our veterans. How can that be “un-American?” Have these two people who complained ever served in our armed forces? Have they lost family members in a war? Do they have anyone fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan right now? This is a definite slap in the face to all veterans!
Thank you, Mr. Carter, for your memorial. As far as we understand, the memorial was on your private property, it did not violate any CC&Rs/SCHOA rules. We want the memorial back up! You have a lot of support.
We have the right to assemble, freedom of speech and freedom of expression. When one of us loses rights, we will lose our freedom. Thank you so much.
Norma Y. LaVoise
Sun City
Dog dumping example
of resident frsutration
I just finished reading the artile in the April 23, 2008 newspaper (“Shiriff investigates dog death,” Sun Cities Independent) about the sheriff investigating a dog death.
This is a wonderful example why a resident becomes frustrated trying to find the solution to a concern. Ms. Gavlin, with the Sun City Host Lions Club, who evidently was involved with finding the cruel death of the dog, must have become very frustrated. Seven agencies and businesses were involved in the investigation.
Ms. Gavlin’s first call was to the Humane Society. The article ends that finally the dog was taken to the Humane Society, the first agency called. After seeing the dog, they decided they needed to investigate it.
I wish them better luck than Ms Gavlin had with her investigation.
Evelyn Phillips
Sun City
Complainers stab
military in back
More than 650,000 American fighting men and women killed in action from the Revolutionary War to the war on terrorism were stabbed in the back by several complainers of Sun City (see “2 complaints draw inspection,” Sun Cities Independent, April 23, 2008).
They did not like the memorial for our honored dead erected by Chuck Carter on his property at Del Webb Boulevard and White Mountain Road. These individuals spit on our dead patriots who bled and died to win and preserve the freedom of speech which they themselves are not brave enough to come out in the open to exercise.
What really disgusts me is the so-called “leaders” of the Sun City Home Owners Association who investigated the complaints and found no violation of the CC&Rs still somehow made the builder and keeper of the memorial feel he needed to take it down to stop any complaints. It is that “don’t rock the boat, politically correct” mentality of some of our leaders and citizens today that so tramples the liberty of the majority. The “go along to get along” and “better red than dead” type hand wringers are so pathetic they sicken me.
The poor leadership shown is the way a small vocal minority can destroy the freedoms we also have. Mr. Carter was exercising his freedom of speech and expression that I and my comrades fought, bled and some died for. Thank you, Mr. Carter, and please put the memorial up again; 99.99 percent of us support you.
If our good citizens sit on their hands and keep their mouths shut when these things happen, then do not be surprised when some day your best and brightest refuse to serve and defend an ungrateful nation. General George Washington said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they percieve the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation” and “if the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent may we be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
The American war dead ask only one thing. Pass on to the next generation our most precious possession — our freedom! They ask no more and expect no less.
Jerry E. Houston
Sun City
Throwing money at
schools not answer
I am responding to Jerry Cox’ letter, “Arizona ranks poorly in education,” in the April 2 Sun Cities Independent.
Hey, Jerry, just because you throw money at a school doesn’t mean it will be better. Unfortunately, your lib friends, the Democrats, love to fund schools for the purpose of distributing contraceptives so kids can have “safe sex,” free/reduced lunhc and breakfast (the kids toss most away), child care for students’ babies, social “sensitivity” classes, the right to abortion advocacy without notifying parents, sponsoring English and second language classes, etc.
Here is another one — about six years ago the National Education Association (heavy supporter of the Dems) conducted its convetion and No. one on the agenda was ways to promote sexual alternatives (homosexuality) amongst grade school kids. When I asked our lib NEA leader about this, she answered, “Well, it was not exactly No. one on the agenda.”
Say, Democrats, if you would support real educational necessities, instead of promoting your lib social programs, maybe our kids would know how to spell, add, write, speak, answer a few simple American history questions, find our city on a map and determine that what goes up usually comes down.
Hey, first on the NEA agenda should have benn honing techniques for teaching math, American history, science, spelling and reading (English). After all, why not? But libs would rather turn our schools into clinics, restaurants, social experiments, welfare agents, etc. No wonder our kids aren’t learning — they are being sidetracked.
If you don’t think that much money is being spent on education, I invite you to take a peek at the tax rates for education which residents in surrounding communities are paying. Home schoolers receive no state or federal funds, but they are scoring the highest in college entrance exams. So much for the power of money.
Why do you think President William Jefferson Clinton, in the first year of his presidency, came up with a crafty scheme which would have curtailed home schooling? Fortunately, millions of Americans called the White House voicing their objection and the attempt was aborted.
Liberals are paying to “dumb our kids down” because they know a Republic/Democracy will fall if the people are ignorant.
By the way, I am not necessarily a John McCain supporter, but you totally took out of context the 100-year troop occupation” comment by McCain.
You libs are real lulus. Barack Hussein Obama said, “typical white person.” Hilary Rodham-Clinton said, “American can’t afford me.” Did I take those actual quotes out of context? Americans are wise to you, especially here in Sun City. We have learned too much for you to fool us.
Russ Wagner
Sun City
State participating in
prosecution discrimination
In a recent broadcast concerning an auto accident in which a mother and her unborn child were killed, the county attorney, Andrew Thomas, is said to be pressing either negligent homicide or murder charges against the perpetrator who caused the death of the two victims.
Ironically, just a few days ago society was appaled by the governor’s veto of legislation to enact a state ban on partial-birth abortions. The governor refuses to prohibit an extreme procedure in which a baby is delivered, except for the head, and then killed by having scissors stuck into its skull and its brains sucked out. This procedure borders on infanticide.
The defendant causing the auto accident had no intention or moral turpitude in mind when causing the unborn child’s death, and yet he faces charges, the sentence of which could result in incarciration for many years.
Residents throughout the Valley were urged to call the governor’s office and express their views, pro or con, about the abortion issue. Reports last week indicated the phone calls and e-mails supporting the ban outnumbered those opposing the ban by a margin of 2,035 to 172.
I hear of no charges filed against those requesting the abortion or those performing the procedure.
Arthur Klein
Sun City
There is hope for
future despite damage
Although much damage has been done to America’s stature and reputation, thanks to an obstinate president and equally mulish administration, there remains hope that our nation can be restored in world vision as a nation of peace and a model of fairness and liberty for all.
“Hope” and “change” are the operative concepts here. And the most crucial piece of the puzzle lies in voter decision on the next American president. The type of thinking and procedures which were useful 30-some years ago won’t translate well in today’s environment. Democrat candidate Hilary Clinton is laudable and articulate in detailing her views and quickly states her on the past as grounds for election. On the other hand, she accuses opponent Barack Obama of much talk backed by no solution or substance (although a look at his online position points quickly to dispel this charge).
In supporting change, we cannot afford the recent past to control the future. There is simply too much at state. And while Mrs. Clinton makes much of her “listening tours,” we suspect that Mr. Obama is the better listener and agent for change. He is a man who can inspire hope and who will, with thought and consideration for all, serve his country well.
Confidence in the future is possible with our renewed energy, intelligence and enthusiasm expressed in the electorate and with Barack Obama.
Eleanor Salinger
Sun City
Immigration creating
conflicting opinions
Illegal immigration in Arizona has caused conflicting opinions.
Elected officials in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert feel illegal immigrants contribute to violent criminal activity in the state. These cities are supportive of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s immigration enforcement efforts.
City officials in Phoenix take an opposing view. Crime figures in Phoenix do not reflect an increase because of illegal immigration per Police Chief Jack Harris. Mayor Phil Gordon calls Arpaio’s efforts “racial profiling.” Vice Mayor Peggy Neely has openly supported the illegal immigrants as being good for the area. They also receive support from the Chamber of Commerce and major local business interests, inc,luding restaurants, landscapers, hotels, hospitals and constrruction companies.
Pinal County is known as a major corridor into the United States. County Sheriff Vasquez says he does not see “undocumented immigrants” as a big threat since they are coming here to work as landscapers or in restaurants. No doubt they are on their way to Maricopa County and a sanctuary city.
Other issues include the staggering cost of health care, education and enforcement of immigration laws. Immigrants would be welcome if they would obey our laws. They should get in line or stay away.
Jerry Cox
Sun City
What is wrong with
helpful attitude?
To the Sun City Home Owners Association Board of Directors:
I kindly ask you, when a resident makes a complaint — such as “they have company moving in” or something similar — why do you jump on it rather than encouraging them to be more tolerant, more concerned of why the new actions across the way?
My husband passed away recently. A daughter came that afternoon, our son two days later — no cars, no kids, no dogs — they did stay in my house. Our grandson-in-law, who was deployed to Iraq Dec. 26, was brought by the Red Cross and he and his family of three children, ages 3, 7 and 9, arrived two days later. The next day they walked to the bakery, returned to the poop park in front and played catch.
Is this excessive company? Can’t “Deadville Way” share the area?
Why do you handle and tolerate this attitude? Teach these people instead to wonder, “did something happen here? I wonder if I can be of help in some way?”
We all need one another. We need to be loved and to love. Would that every home here have friends and family come often!
I am a very concerned owner.
Grayce Ladd
Sun City
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