Editor,
Now that the controversial statue of Father Junipero Serra has been removed, I would like to suggest that we replace it with someone who is not controversial, who worked in the arts, and whose most famous creation was “born” here in Ventura.  I would like to see a statue of Erle Stanley Gardner standing in front of City Hall where he used to practice law when it was the county courthouse.

Many people, even long time Ventura residents, do not know who he is or that Mr. Gardner was a member of the firm of Sheridan, Orr, Drapeau, and Gardner in Ventura from 1921 to 1933.  During that time be became increasingly disenchanted with the practice of law and started writing pulp fiction for crime magazines around the country.  He did well at this but his greatest success came when he started writing novels, 82 in all, about a hard-driving attorney by the name of Perry Mason.

The first Perry Mason novel, “The Case of the Velvet Claws”, used the Pierpont Inn as the backdrop to the story.

A television show based on Mason ran for nine years and many more special made-for-television movies followed after its cancellation.  Gardner himself appeared in the last episode of the series.

Recently, HBO launched a mini-series based on Gardner’s work.

At the time of his death in 1970, Gardner was the best-selling writer of the 20th Century.

All of this success, which started here in Ventura, should be celebrated by all of us.

Regards,
John Darling

Sheldon:

Thank you for bringing our community such fantastic local and national coverage, and editorials. I always look forward to each Breeze being published.

Robert Aronson

Mr. Brown —

In response to opinions expressed in the July 29, 2020 edition of the Ventura Breeze criticizing the words and actions of our president, I ask that you please consider them from a different perspective:

Ever the optimist and with endless vistas of free time I believe that I have figured out how the dots connect so that much human suffering will end and very soon at that.

I never thought I would have anything good to say about the man, but from what I observe President Donald Trump is succeeding in “draining the swamp”.  His actions are exposing the weaknesses in various systems and are providing the impetus for people the world over to look into the abuses perpetrated by many in authority and their associates whether by design, incompetence, or a policy of “see no evil, hear no evil”.

At one point in my career I worked for the District Attorney’s Office and learned that pedophiles and those that similarly prey on the vulnerable do not do well in prison.  That thought cheers me.  Imagine the fear running through the veins of the super elite, the friends, associates, and clients of billionaire child sex trafficker the now deceased Jeffrey Epstein and others in similar trade.   These people face the very real threat of public exposer (black mail is like that), and I seriously doubt that Mr. Epstein’s secrets died with him.   When exposed, the corrupt will lose their positions of authority hopefully to be replaced by those more fit for command.

Finally, I feel there is a connection between mask wearing and the missing part of “see no evil, hear no evil”, which is “speak no evil.”  To quote Ralph Smart, “Speak the truth even if your voice shakes.”

Julie Schaab Ventura

There is so much apathy in the world today…..but who cares?
~Steven J. Paul

Mr. Brown:

I appreciate your column and look forward to your comments and insights.  I just wanted to mention to you, however, that I believe your comment that “as a non-native American, I don’t have really strong feelings about this” (regarding the statue of Father Serra) is unacceptable if we are to work towards social justice in our county ad our country.  If the only people who respond to injustice are those that have suffered from it, minority causes would never receive the support they deserve from all of us.  It would seem more in keeping with your opinions that we all share the responsibility to stand up for injustice, whether it has affected us or our ancestors, or not.

Thank you.
Kathy Waters

Kathy:
Thanks for this so I can clear this up. I am very concerned, and supportive for all peoples who have been, and will continue to be subjected to injustices and prejudices. I just meant that folks directly affected probably have stronger feelings but all have my empathy
Sheldon

Editor

In the April 8-21 edition of the Ventura Breeze, your challenge to readers regarding making positive statement(s) about President Trump only generated one response that I noticed. It was disappointing that more readers did not make an effort to respond. Here is my contribution.

Did you enjoy the stimulus check you received? Was the reduction in your Federal Taxes something you appreciated? Do you think the economy and lowest unemployment ever, prior to Covid-19, benefited America? Have you researched how many pieces of legislation President Trump has signed into law?

It is easy to criticize, find fault and believe what we hear or read. But haven’t we been taught to question everything? To question indicates a need to research and find the most accurate information, which is not as easy as it seems in today’s world of the internet and 24/7 media news that usually does not provide accurate or complete information. It is interesting to me that when I hear the major media spin what President Trump has said and when I see or hear the actual footage of his comment that I find the media’s spin was not what he actually said.

While it may be easy and popular to dislike President Trump’s often reported behavior, we should ask ourselves if we feel he really has the welfare of America’s future at heart?

Is the nomination of Federal Judges that believe in and respect the American Constitution a good thing for the preservation of America, as we have known it, something we appreciate? Isn’t the support of existing Federal Laws what elected officials are supposed to do?

In my opinion, the real issue voters need to address each time we vote is to pick the least of the evils. No candidate is perfect so it is each voter’s responsibility to exercise “due diligence” and vote for the person that hopefully will do the least amount of damage to our nation or community. We have been conditioned to the polite behavior of professional politicians. Perhaps we need more people in elected office that do not act like lifelong professional politicians, some of which have never had real jobs. We do not have to like someone to vote for them. We should try to determine which candidate is committed to do what is best for America and or our community.

Respectfully submitted from a registered Independent voter.

Ken Ogle

Is not life a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?
~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Some historical artifacts were erected to celebrate great accomplishments, some were to remind all the pain and suffering they caused.  If anybody reading this was there with Father Junipero Serra, or has immediate family members who were there, or first person recording of events inflected upon family members; you may well have a right to demand removal of the statue.  If anybody reading this was not there with Father Junipero Serra, what right do you have to deprive later generations of the reminders of what happened during his stay in Buenaventura?

This all boils down to a single statement, uttered over 72-years ago:

“Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”~Sir Winston Churchill

If the statue is deemed to be moved by the prevailing political winds, then perhaps the best place to house it is in front of the Mission he helped to create.  There it will be a religious artifact and protected by Federal Law.

Michael Gordon

Editor:

I would suggest two solutions to the Father Serra controversy

1. If the statue is to stay in Ventura a plaque underneath should acknowledge his contribution to our history but should also note that he was complicate in the abuse of the indigenous Chumash people.

2. If it is removed I suggest sending it to whatever town was his home  – in Spain – they will have a special place for it I’m sure.

Sincerely

Paul Whitehead

Breeze:
I enjoy reading a physical paper instead of an on-line paper. Keep up the good work.
Richard Beauregard

Keep Father Serra Standing

As I write this letter the City Council is holding a hearing regarding the statue of Father Junipero Serra that stands in front of Ventura’s City Hall. By the time this letter is in print, he may not be there, but I hope he will be. I am hearing the protestors (several very young and not even of voting age) speak and cry out as if they personally were subjected to what they perceive happened with the building of our great City and it’s Mission by Father Serra.

There are thousands of “reminders/tributes” throughout the world of the suffering of all of our ancestors over the centuries. We have learned from their historically recorded mistakes and most of the time have successfully stopped the suffering and improved quality of life for generations.  We have also been gifted by many of these historical figures with an advancement of the human condition.

What is happening all over our great Country right now is setting a dangerous precedent. To tear down our history is to deny our past and destroy the opportunity to overcome oppression and celebrate a future that embraces the lives of all races equally. For more than 31 years Father Serra has stood in front of Ventura’s historical City Hall. Most of the protestors today were not even born then and they have not been taught to respect the history and freedom that thousands of men and women of all races died protecting.

Now is the time to teach, not tear down. Where will it stop if we capitulate to this “movement” overtaking the civility of our Nation and throughout the world? Shall we tear down the Roman Coliseum next? What about the Pyramids? I recently heard a wise man say this: Unless you are ready to surrender everything, you’d better not surrender anything.

Patty Jenkins

Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one’s thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants.
~ Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)

Dear Ventura City Council Members and the Ventura County Public Health Officer, 

Let’s face it, the coronavirus is now sprinting along, infections are rising rapidly all over California.  The Ventura County infection rate has risen to higher levels today, than ever. The hospitalizations are rising, give it a week or two and the death rates are to follow. The virus is actually spreading now even faster than it was when we started the lockdown in March.

I keep seeing police officers around town speaking to each other and to citizens at close range and with no masks. Of course, the general public is always watching what the police are doing. The first thing the public sees is NO MASK. This is dangerous. It is dangerous for members of the police force and the citizens they are conversing with. This is a dangerous message to send to the general public. A citizen is likely to say to himself, “If the police don’t wear masks, why should I?”  On the other hand, if the public saw the police wearing masks all the time, they would likely think, “Look, the police are wearing masks, this virus must be serious, I better put on my mask!” This will help save lives.

I had a very cordial conversation yesterday with Commander Arroyo of the Ventura Police. He and I discussed the 3,000 NYPD officers who came down with the virus and the 39 NYPD officers who died from the virus. More importantly we discussed that since the NYPD has been required to wear masks, they have had no more officer deaths and the NYPD officer’s virus rate is now less than 3% while at the same time, the general public infection rate is at 20%, Brooklyn NY is at 40%.  

In these days of so many citizens pleading for “community policing” for the police to actually “protect and serve”, I believe that if the Ventura police officers wear masks, they will convey to our citizens that the police care, and that they are here not to “infect”, but to “protect”.  Let’s do it! Like Chicago, like Austin, like New York City, let’s see our police wear the mask!

Regards, Gene Rubin

Dear Council Members:

I feel that reducing the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) budget at this time (or anytime) would be a very large and serious mistake.

Especially at this time, when some businesses are starting to open, the work that they do in promoting tourism is more important then it has ever been. Now more than ever, we need to have the VVCB marketing our destination and businesses to help us recover from the dramatic losses because of this pandemic.

Their efforts help bring in much tax revenue that supports our city budget.

Especially as summer arrives and so many come here to enjoy our wonderful weather and beaches.

We need them now more than ever. Please reconsider this budget cut.

Thank you

Sheldon Brown publisher-editor

By honors, medals, titles no true man is elevated. To realize that which we are,
this is the honor for which we are created.
~ Angeleus Siilesius

Publisher

Retired DeputyPO ,who is dependent upon swimming to maintain heart health

needs access to private pool to continue aerobic workouts. Previous orthopedic injuries make it impossible to reach goals….. public pools and condo facilities are all closed. Can you help?

Mike Lilly – text Mike 805-218-2186

Breeze:

It’s a virus. Tiny, almost invisible; it lives in our bodies and can make a bunch of people very sick and cause a lot of those people to die.

Not bad for something tiny and invisible.

But we’ve taken on viruses in the past, and we are still around. We will find a way out of this pandemic eventually. People will sicken and many will die, but most of us will still be around when the virus yells, “uncle.” or whatever viruses yell when they give up.

Try to do the smart and easy things that help. No kissing no hugging, wear a mask.

Try funny masks. Maybe they make you laugh and that is better than crying.

Eat ice cream bars. OK they are not medicine, but they sure make me feel better. Maybe for you, too.

Fight the good fight.

Esther Cole

Sheldon:

I appreciate your publication because it gives a glimpse of Ventura, particularly the senior section. Happy to contribute.

Patricia Schultz

Sheldon

It’s about time that I can thank you and the staff at Ventura Breeze for the faithful service you give to the people of Ventura. So glad you give us a chance to let you know how we can help. Just a small way to show how much we appreciate this fine paper. Hope it can stay afloat for many more years.

Gratefully Dolores Bray

All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.
~ James Allen

Sheldon:

Your deep convictions and passion were in evidence in your opinion in the Breeze, and, appropriately so, I might add!

Ed Wehan

Breeze:

I support re-opening of public parks including restrooms for those who may need to use limited restroom facilities

I object to age discrimination of limits for those age 70 or above when the true test should be underlying health conditions or physical fitness

I am age 78 going on 79 and in excellent health with no underlying health concerns comparably younger than many 60-year olds.

Mike Merewether

Sheldon Brown,

You asked for an intelligent counter to what you demmed reprehensible behavior to President Trump’s behavior. Here it is:

States like California, Michigan, New York and New Jersey have been infringing on people’s Constitutional rights forcing businesses and government offices to close in the name of saving lives. People who are sitting alone in their cars at the beach with their windows rolled up or surfing with no one within three hundred feet of them have been getting thousand dollar fines for violating public health orders issued by County doctors who are not elected officials.

Our own Dr. Levin who is the Head of Public Health for the county of Ventura has dictatorial powers over what businesses can be open and what can be sold at these businesses. I find it amusing that under Dr. Levin’s Orders people can’t purchase electronics or clothing but you can purchase as much liquor as you want at Target according to these orders.

Elective medical procedures such as knee and hip replacements are not allowed but abortion clinics are considered essential medical services. This sounds political to me.

Are people dying ? Yes.yet the numbers are being inflated so we don’t know how many people have actually died of the Corona Virus because those that die of secondary causes such as heart failure are listed as dying on the death certificate of Covid19 because that’s what state governments told Dr’s to do.

The economy is being hit hard with people out of work, suicides and domestic violence are way up and more people are dying from the secondary effects of the forced economic shutdown than from Covid deaths themselves.

People have the right to protest their constitutional rights being infringed upon  and to protest the fact that government will not allow them to work and support their families.

Is the death of thousands worth the economic death of millions?

When Obama was President the flu took 80,000 lives one year and there were no oders infringing on people’s right to work and support their families ,their freedom of movement or government telling them what they can or can not purchase. I believe there is a Covid19 virus but the severity of the virus is being inflated for political purposes by those on the left including the media during a Presidential election year in an attempt to get rid of Democrats number one enemy, President Trump !

Kevin Daly ,Ventura 

We thank Kevin for his thoughts. First Trump fan letter that we have received that actually made his ideas clear and not just condemned the Breeze.

Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.
~ Elbert Hubbard

Editor:

During one of his coronavirus presentations Trump was asked what parents should tell their kids who need to stay home. He said, “Tell them that they should be proud to be Americans.” I told my 3-year old that and she said ”what is an American?” So, I don’t think that helped much.

Larry Etod

Breeze:

Those who believe Trump has no responsibility in this Pandemic are wrong. Trump and his base have treated Covid-19 as a political problem. Covid-19 is a Public Health Problem!

Trump and his administration were warned by world wide scientists in November of 2019 of this problem. Trump called it a “Democratic hoax” and “fake news”. In March, “it’s under control”; add these comments to his more than 10,000+ lies!

The inaction of this Administration has led to more deaths and increased the economic fall out.

This Pandemic has forced our Country to finally expose the weakness of employer based healthcare. I support Biden’s plan to include Medicare as an option as a prelude for Universal Health Care in the US.

We are all in this together; let us vote to make both political and policy changes so we can “Make America Great Again”!

Judith A. Beay

Dear Editor,

As we all see hopeful signs of opening up the Country again, I know there are many people who will think its a bad idea and we should wait until the Covid-19 virus is gone and we have a vaccine or this, that and the other happens first and we’ll all be safe and no one will die again from this terrible plague. Right now we are living in a great Country that has not suffered a food shortage for at least 100 years. That could change if we do not make every effort to safely open up all businesses as soon as reasonably possible. Farms, hardworking farmers and their crews are where the food supply starts. Farmers have been able to provide a surplus of food and livestock products for this Country for decades that, even though you see some shelves empty at the stores now, you can be assured those products are still on their way thanks to the food supply chain that again, starts with farmers.

Without demand for food products from restaurants, schools, colleges, sporting events, hotels, theme parks, cruise ships, concerts, holiday celebrations, etc etc, farmers will not have a big enough market to sell to that allows them to make a profit that sustains their ability to continue to operate. You may have seen the coverage of dairy farmers having to dump milk down the drain or other farmers plowing fields of lettuce back into the ground as demand has dropped significantly with the closer of our entire Country and in fact, the world. What you are not seeing are the grain silos, potato cellars and the many warehouses still full awaiting demand for those and many other farm products. If the demand does not come soon, or at least the signs that it will come soon, Farmers will not have a reason to plant more crops this spring and we could start going down that terrible road of food shortages. Think about this: “The Virus” has taken many lives, but without food, we will lose more lives of all ages than we will have lost to this plague. Let us all be smart, safe, and be very courageous; support the gradual and cautious re-opening of our great Country because doing so will save millions of lives and livelihoods, also – all over the world!

Patty Jenkins

Editor:

We are now in the throws of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the death count grows with alarming regularity for the nation and the world with each passing day. But, we must remind ourselves that, like all pandemics in the past, this will end in time.  In 1918 450,000 Americans perished of the Spanish Flu (100,000 in the month of October alone).  Our knowledge of viruses and health is many times greater now than a century ago., we shouldn’t expect those kinds of numbers today. Estimates of 60,000 may well be too high as fewer cases than expected are reported.   The lockdown has impacted the numbers and bought us time to discover new ways to treat the sickness and excelled work on a vaccine   that will control this new influenza.  Some have suggested the lockdown should continue on for as long as four to six months.  That would reduced the nation to a staggering depression that would pull the whole world into starvation and political ruin. This would be worse than the great Depression of the 1930’s that saw the rise of fascists  and stimulated a World War. That would not be a welcome solution.   The lockdown will end, in stages, with those at risk staying home, and those who have had the sickness returning to work. The key is in testing. Germany and South Korea has pointed the way in the use of tests and  lowering the death rate.  I believe, with quick and easy testing, this lockdown and the pandemic could be ended in a month, perhaps as soon as the 5th of May.   If it is everyone will have a reason to celibate Cinco de Mayo. The drink of choice?  Corona Beer!

Richard Senate

Today’s public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books,
and there is some evidence that they can’t read them either.
~ Gore Vidal

Breeze:

Each government program appears to be mandated that it be identified by an acronym. In 2008 the country initiated TARP, the troubled asset relief program. Subsequently, between 2008 and 2012 the federal government instituted the quantitative easing  QE1, QE2 and QE3 programs. I suggest that the recently enacted financial legislation be called SOAP. First, because we are reminded, as a personal exercise, to frequently wash our hands. Second, because it might be a more suitably appropriate acronym as a Save Our Ass Program.

Roy E. Colbert
architect

Breeze:

By calling the coronavirus the China virus Trump is being a racist. If it started in Germany he would not have called it the German (or the French) virus. Trump blames the Chinese for his slow reaction because they didn’t tell him. This is the same country that he always says lies so he can’t believe anything they say so if they told him he would have just said it was a lie and that they are just trying to sell us a bunch of stuff we don’t need like ventilators.

A 30-year-old videographer in Syracuse, N.Y., said he was still shaken from a trip to the grocery store last week, when the man ahead of him in the checkout line shouted at him, “It’s you people who brought the disease,” and other customers just stared at him, without offering to help. That same day, he said, two couples verbally abused him at Costco.

Lai Ching Ojai

Breeze:

In 1933, The German Reichstag adopted the Enabling Act, which effectively granted Adolph Hitler dictatorial powers.

Fast forward to these past years when our own GOP has mostly by default, or non-action, effectively granted our President and Senate dictatorial powers!

They’ve used their dictatorial power to give tax dollars to the superrich, deny Medi-Cal to uninsured people in the GOP controlled states, and, now to give one or more trillions to corporations, where many CEO’s earn millions each year in salaries and perks.

Do you agree that US tax dollars should go to Cruise companies that are mostly owned (on paper) by foreign companies? The Cruise companies can then avoid paying all of the US taxes.

The only way to change our US History is to vote, vote, vote out of office this dictatorial President and Senate. It’s beyond my comprehension how millions of ordinary people blindly follow leaders who repeatedly pass legislation that enriches corporations and the 2-3% wealthy.

Judith A. Beay Ventura

PS: Hi, Sheldon

I really liked your editorial in the Breeze re: Scientology. I liked your analogy about a “wait and see” when a new neighbor moves in. Perfect response!

Green with Envy

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.
~ Ken Alstad

Dear Editor:

The national news on TV is, finally, presenting a picture of Trump, that I have been grousing about for months. Of course, who he is, what he is, has been evident to everyone, ever since he took office. He is not a me-too. He is a me-only. 

The worst person in the world to have charge of a country. A country, especially, a Democracy where, everyone, feels somewhat responsible for everyone else. 

With the most, disinterested, and, disgusting, president at the helm.

I know a lot more people actually voted for that person, than are willing to admit at this time. Shame on all of them. His character was no secret. Not at any time.

Can’t wait for this term ending, and the people, once again, have a chance to right a terrible wrong. 

Sincerely, E. Cole, Ventura

Dear Community Caregivers – what I call the other front line responders

The public recognizes the sacrifices made by doctors, nurses, EMTs, firefighters and other emergency response personnel across the country for which we are all grateful and owe a huge debt of gratitude, however there are millions of Americans risking their lives in grocery stores, gas stations, post offices, banks, laundromats and the like (most without proper protection) who we need to send out our biggest heartfelt gratitude as they are risking their lives every single day for the basic needs of every American. Please be sure to thank them for their sacrifice! #ThankYouCommunityCaregivers

Cindy Summers

Dear America,

It is time for you to stop and take a breath.  No matter who you are, where you are, or what situation you are in, it is time to stop for a moment to look around you then ask yourself: Is this my country?  Is this how I want it to be?  Is this how we proud Americans were raised?
You see people fighting over toilet paper in the grocery store, not helping those in need, distrusting everyone because they “might” have COVID-19.  Now ask yourself again: Is this my country?

My presumption is that the vast majority of us would say no, this is not my country.  They would go on to say they are ashamed of America at this moment.  It is this vast majority that needs to step up now and show our children and our world what kind of people we really are.

No doubt, COVID-19 is scary but that is only because of all the unknowns that surround it.  Where did it come from, how is it circulated, will I survive this pandemic?  Right now there are no answers to any of these questions but I have faith in our scientists, our doctors, and the rest of our dedicated health professionals.  I know they will find an answer and when they do all of these fears will disappear.

But what will be left is the question.

The answer to that depends on how we act now.  If we continue as is, America will be changed for the worst but if we act like kind, rational, caring individuals, we will come out of this better and stronger than ever before.

Pray for this if you will and work for it no matter what.  Remember, you are America, you can be the greatest country on Earth once more and the time to start earning that designation again is today.  Tomorrow may be too late.

Regards,
John Darling

Breeze:

Like most Venturans I am totally amazed at the panic buying I see taking place, particularly toilet paper. As an English person born at the end of WW 2 I was used to privations, ration cards and many realistic apects of post war Europe, As a child I played on bomb sites and was warned “not to touch or pick up anything metal or round”  –  my toilet was an outside privvy with torn up strips of newspaper for toilet paper.

As the pandemic gets more serious I imagine I may have to tear up my latest edition of the Breeze and use it for toilet paper. With that in mind I have a request for you – could you please print future editions of the Breeze on softer more gentle paper please.

Sincerely yours

Paul Whitehead

Paul: Our current paper is the softest that we can print on. Sorry if it scratches you.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Canceled

It was with great disappointment that we had to cancel the Ventura Elks Club’s 32nd County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day, planned for Saturday, March 14, due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

We are truly sorry to have disappointed all the young families and the young at heart who come out every year, for the past 32 years, to cheer on and take part in this big, iconic holiday parade on Main Street in downtown Ventura.

We are deeply thankful for every one of the parade sponsors and participants who were ready to go on, right up till the last minute; they make this remarkable community event possible every year.

To those who paid to take part in this year’s parade, know that while we will not be returning funds this year, you are prepaid for next year. We will see you all then!!

Thank you as always for your wonderful ongoing support. Visit venturastpatricksdayparade.com for additional parade information.

Nan Drake, Jim Monahan and Brian Brennan
Co-chairs, County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee

CORRECTION:

In our last issue there was a wrong date for Saturday April 12 it is April 11.Ventura Botanical Gardens is announcing two photography tours, both Saturday mornings on March 28 and April 11.

This is a world of action, and not for moping and groaning in.
~ Charles Dickens

Opinion:

Who wrote the Scientology front page story? Let me guess: Scientology.

The use of “never-ending “ to describe a swell of expansion would be better used to describe a never-ending swell of controversy.

And the balloons apology to the city of Ventura is just the first local example.

Tracy Lehr

Breeze:

I thought Ventura had strict signage dimensions downtown and in the Victoria corridor to keep our community tasteful. Now there is a gigantic structure going up by the auto mall that looks like an airport radar installation!  It may belong in LA, but Ventura?  How did that get past all the people who are supposed to care about aesthetics? 

Cheryl Garrison 

Cheryl:
Was controversial when submitted but it was approved by city departments that govern sign designs.

Breeze:

I hope no one thinks that Barack Obama is endorsing Michael Bloomberg.  As a media mogul he is using footage of Obama in his commercials.  Barack Obama has not endorsed anyone yet, and does not plan to until much later.

Thank you,
Mary Volpe 

The tragedy of a man’s life is what dies inside of him while he lives.
~ Henry David Thoreau