Adding It Up

Letters

I read with interest the article about April Boling and Marti Emerald in your April issue [“The Troubleshooter & the Accountant,” Journal, by Ron Donoho]. I agree Ms. Emerald has the name recognition. However, I believe that Ms. Boling has the qualifications and the expertise ——along with the ability to get things done——that will make her a good councilwoman. She not only has a good understanding of the fiscal problems facing the city, but other issues that will confront the new council as well. Her learning curve will be short. She is a problem solver. Ms. Boling is independent and has stated that she will not be a “rubber stamp” for anyone. I believe her.

Ms. Emerald, on the other hand, stated that she walked away from Channel 10 to refocus her advocacy. It is my understanding that the reason she walked away from Channel 10 was that they did not renew her contract. It is also my understanding that she did not seek the District 7 seat on her own. She was approached and encouraged to run by Jerry Butkiewicz, who is the past president of the Labor Council.

[Labor was] seeking a “suitable candidate.” Ms. Emerald’s style of disclosure lacks the transparency that she demands of others. In addition, Ms. Emerald was quoted as saying she did not want “this person [Ms. Boling] representing me on the council.” I would rather have as my representative an independent-thinking and -acting person than one who is obligated to a very large and forceful special-interest group.

MARY KUJELLIS
SAN CARLOS

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HOMEGROWN

Thank you for the delightful privilege of appearing on the cover of your May issue. It is especially meaningful, as I was born in San Diego, attended school here and am the owner of a lovely condominium in Del Mar Highlands. I’ve lived here my entire life, modeled my entire life and, if I should appear on any magazine, it should be San Diego Magazine! Thanks for adding even more magic to my life by choosing me.

Since being a teen, I’ve traveled extensively throughout the world, and I can honestly say that nothing can compare to San Diego. It is like living a dream, and your magazine has always presented an unexcelled perspective of its sublime and seductive lifestyle.

NATAZHA AIKEN
DEL MAR HIGHLANDS

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LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Thank you for the insightful story on Thad Jesperson and his fate at the hands of an over-zealous law enforcement system [“The Education of Mr. J” by Mark Sauer, May]. That a man who’s dedicated his life to teaching our children should be imprisoned and separated from his family for four years on false charges of child molestation is a tragedy. But the greater tragedy is that a system designed to protect us can be manipulated to harm even our finest citizens.

No one in their right mind condones crimes against helpless children. But who’s watching out for a criminal justice system that victimizes innocent adults on specious evidence? There’s no way to give Thad Jesperson back those four years that were stolen from him and his family. But it would have been nice to hear his prosecutors promise never to allow this to happen to another San Diegan.

OWEN BARKLEY
CLAIREMONT

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UNDER THE SUN

Your April issue is probably the most interesting magazine I’ve read in a long time. The style and quality of the articles kept me engaged through out my re - cent flight from San Diego to Sacramento for a sales meeting.

However, I must admit that while the “Who Makes What . . .” and “The Greening of San Diego” articles were very informative and interesting, I think there could have been some additions in both.

In “Who Makes What . . . ,” I was surprised not to see any careers related to the solar industry. As one of the fastest-growing industries in San Diego County——with more than $300 billion of investment and more than 50 solar-integration companies——it seems reasonable to include at least a bit about this exciting and progressive career.

Best thing about my job: Being up on roofs under the sun using cool solar tools and working million-dollar deals at the same time.

Worst thing about my job: The office copy machine.

Annual income: I won’t tell you that just yet; maybe next year.

With “The Greening of San Diego,” it was great to talk about the development of LEEDcertified buildings. But with solar being an important part in many LEED-certified buildings, it might be noteworthy to discuss the surrounding San Diego solar developments in this article. One such development is our very own Point Loma Nazarene University, installing a $3.8 million solar-energy system.

TROY L. HINDS
OCEANSIDE

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WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Do you think it’s any accident most Americans can’t afford the horrific prices they pay just to try to stay healthy? Take a look at your own story about how much money San Diegans earn [“Who Makes What . . .” by Julia Beeson Polloreno, April].

On your list of “Highest Paying Jobs in San Diego,” eight of the first 11 occupations listed are related to medical care: OB-GYN, surgeons, physicians, family practitioners, pediatricians, internists, dentists and podiatrists.

The only cheerful note I find in all that is that doctors who deal with smelly feet edged out lawyers in annual mean salary. Something is right with the world.

BRYAN KERSEY
HILLCREST

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SMILING THROUGH

Thanks for the great profile of Jeff & Jer’s radio sidekick, Laura Cain [by John Freeman, March]. It’s refreshing to find someone who’s willing to take responsibility for her missteps and has such a refreshing outlook on life.

My own daughter found herself caught up in the ugly cycle of alcohol and drugs for five years before finally seeing the light—— thank God. If more people in public life were willing to talk about their harrowing experiences, our young people might think twice about what may, at first, appear to be life in the fast lane. It’s really just an expressway to oblivion.

Actually, your photo of Laura after one year of sobriety practically says it all. No one could fake such an obviously natural, wide-mouthed smile.

KAREN CHRISTIAN
DEL MAR

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