In letters to the editor: Rising to the defense of ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doh-Dah’ | Opinion
I’ll be singing ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah’
Regarding Jay Ambrose’s article on “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”: I am a Disney-loving grandma (until now) who emphatically agrees with him. I, along with many others, will be singing it next week. Thanks for printing what we felt.
Rose Brewer, San Luis Obispo
More praise for ‘Zip’
Thank you for printing Jay Ambrose’s article, “Do we need protection from Disney song?” I was born and raised in Washington,D.C. in a Greek-Americam family. I remember as a little girl going downtown to see “Song of the South” with my mother and Yaya (my grandmother). I don’t recall much of the movie. But I will never forget Mama, Yaya and I walking down F Street arm in arm after the movie singing “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Yaya didn’t understand English, but happiness is universal; it was a moment of pure joy.
Penny Koines, San Luis Obispo
Slandering the opposition
The Tribune’s recent hit piece on Kenny Enney, candidate for Paso Robles school board, was a disgraceful example, yet typical, of the more than left-leaning Tribune.
Describing Mr. Enney as an “unqualified extremist” from the “far-right contingent” and a “conspiracy theorist” is complete garbage reporting bordering on slander.
It intentionally failed to mention that Mr. Enney is an educator; veteran; holds an undergraduate degree in international affairs from George Washington University; a master’s in business administration from Pepperdine; and a master’s in National Security Affairs from Naval Postgraduate School.
His only mistakes were pointing out the abysmal math competency levels of PRHS students; the misuse and wasteful spending of budgetary items in school funds; and prioritizing LGBT+ over the safety and academic performance of our kids. For that, he was crucified on the altar of a left-leaning teacher’s union and a small-yet-vocal group of radical extremist petitioners out for blood.
Apparently, The Tribune would rather have a rubber stamp liberal, Angela Hollander, who “goes with the flow” instead of someone who stands up to the corruption that was exposed by Kenney Enney.
Tom Bolton, Atascadero
Remembering Penny Rappa
I don’t want the passing of an awesome community leader on Dec. 28, 2022, to go unacknowledged. Penny Rappa was a tireless champion for San Luis Obispo and good government.
After moving to the county in 1974, Penny served as city of SLO planning commissioner and as council member for eight years after that.
After leaving elected office, Penny went on to serve on the county Planning Commission. She also served as a non-profit leader: executive director for Habitat for Humanity and on the Land Conservancy Board of Directors.
I had the good fortune to serve with Penny when she was on the council as the city’s finance director. She was one of the most effective public officials I have ever worked with and I am grateful for the many lessons I learned from her. She was forward-looking and a staunch advocate for good policy, planning, public art, recreation, alternative transportation and core services like police, fire, street maintenance and water.
Her years of community service left an indelible impact in continuing to make SLO a terrific place to live, work and play. She will be missed but her legacy of community service will be with us for many years.
Bill Statler, San Luis Obispo
Proud to be ‘woke’
Merriam-Webster defines “woke” as “aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).”
One does not have to be an activist to realize that there have been and continue to be massive and systemic justice issues for people of color in this country. A recent Wells Fargo study shows that the average net worth of Black families is less than 30% than the average net worth of the average white family — the legacy of 246 years of slavery, 100 years of Jim Crow, school segregation, racially restrictive covenants on real property and redlining of black neighborhoods by financial institutions, among other things.
I for one do not feel guilty or uncomfortable about any of this — it is history that mostly happened before I was born. At the same time, it is incumbent on all of us to know this history and to do whatever we can to achieve justice for citizens of color. If that sort of thinking makes me woke, I am proud of it and Ron DeSantis be damned.
Chris Toews, San Luis Obispo
Why I won’t shop in SLO
What was the city of San Luis Obispo thinking with this new street parking system? Maximum time is 2 hours?One has to pay for parking until 9 p.m.?
Tuesday I fought the rain, found a parking space, then had to search for the machine to use my credit card and add my license plate number. Phew!
These fancy meter boxes are hard to find and buried behind other cars. This frustration has occurred on numerous occasions and I have decided to not dine in SLO and my shopping will go back online.
Have the SLO civic leaders considered why there are empty buildings and low foot traffic in town? The city is not making it attractive to spend time and money in SLO. Yes, one can park in a couple of structures but that is not always convenient and people may not wish to be in a parking structure in the evening, after a movie or dinner.
One would think after COVID the city would want people in town and make it very easy and welcoming. They have failed with the slick new meters and limited time use. What a hassle.
Linda Reynolds, Nipomo
Climate change article buried
I appreciate that The Tribune strives to balance local news with state, national, and international news. An article in the March 21 paper may be an exception.
Monday’s report by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was on the front page of various newspapers, but on Page 26 of The Tribune. This report may be the most startling yet as to the future of our planet and the need for immediate action. As stated by U.N. Secretary General António Guterres, “Our world needs climate action on all fronts — everything, everywhere, all at once…The transition must cover the entire economy. Partial pledges won’t cut it.”
We truly are all in this together.
Jim Wright, San Luis Obispo
