Mailbag:

In response to Linda Moon’s letter (“Needs of seniors will change over time,” Mailbag, Nov. 5), I agree with the statement, but disagree with the conclusion.

While the actuaries show that people are living longer, studies show that the more active they are in social situations, the healthier a life they live and for a longer period in their own home.

One of the key areas in the proposed senior center is a large physical fitness room with modern equipment as well as other rooms catering to dance and aerobic fitness programs, thereby providing social interaction as well as physical fitness capability simultaneously.

To have multiple sites may be an interesting concept, but one must remember the attendant costs with supporting the population using the diverse and distant centers. Each center must be staffed by city employees. The more centers, the more staff required and the bigger the overhead expense to the city, not to mention the need for an increase in the volunteer force augmenting the city staff at Rodgers Seniors’ Center and the Senior Outreach Center.

The senior transportation program run by the city is extremely busy and is growing rapidly. The transportation burden of moving seniors from one center to another to meet their social needs would be significant.

Meals on Wheels is catered by a regional corporation. The delivery of those meals is provided by a staff of volunteer drivers. Moving it to another location away from the Senior Outreach Center to a great degree would be counterproductive in terms of additional facility costs for little return.

The design of the building proposed today is taking into effect the significant growth of the senior population over the next decade as well as a look into the future to determine what the needs of that booming senior population will be.

An environmental Amigo in more ways than one

The tragic death of Jan Vandersloot was truly multifaceted (“‘Everyone I know was stunned,’” Nov. 12). Not only was it sadly premature, it is a great loss to his family and friends and it will deny the environmental community a significant voice in the years to come.

Vandersloot was a life member of the Amigos de Bolsa Chica and served on its board of directors from 1981 to 1989. His analytical approach to problems provided us with enormous insight.

While his interests were wide, I believe one of his greatest passions was Bolsa Chica.

Speaking before the Coastal Commission on Nov. 16, 2000, he said, “The Bolsa Chica has a natural beauty that has struck me for 20 years, and that should not be sacrificed.”

Vandersloot resigned from the board in 1989 when he objected to the compromise the Amigos struck with the owners of the Bolsa Chica wetland. In exchange for allowing housing on a 185-acre parcel on the edge of the wetland, the owners agreed to drop their plans for an intense Marina del Rey-like marina/commercial/residential development.

That ultimately led to the present public ownership of more than 1,200 acres and nearly 600 acres of wetland restoration.

Contrary to the inference in Michael Miller and Brady Rhoades’ otherwise excellent article, the Amigos prevented the massive development in Bolsa Chica.

Editor’s note: Carlberg is the president of the Amigos de Bolsa Chica.

Serving country isn’t all about hardship

Sen. Tom Harman is right to remind us of the sacrifices we recognize on Veterans Day (“Veterans Day is more than a linen sale,” Community Commentary, Nov. 12). But it is also worth noting that serving in the military has substantial rewards: invaluable education and training, the opportunity to learn discipline and commitment, being part of a dedicated team, and a chance for young men and women to meet challenges far greater than their age usually demands.

Rather than unremitting sacrifice, many veterans consider their years in the service to be among the best of their lives, and maybe we should celebrate that as well on Veterans Day.

Cyclist reminded of the best of human nature

A reminder of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

While riding my bike along the beach at sunset on a recent Sunday, somewhere along the way, I lost my wallet/purse, which fell out of my bag. A few hours later, it appeared on my doorstep, fully intact, with an anonymous note simply reading, “Look behind plant, found on the bike path.”

The person who returned the purse likely has no idea how their gesture meant more to me than any of the reclaimed cash, cards, contents, etc. I wish I could thank my mystery stranger.

Now, riding along the path is twice as sweet. Not only do I get to enjoy the inspiration of our great and beautiful Pacific Ocean, but I am reminded of the kindness shown by one person and how it translated to revitalizing my overall optimism toward the general goodness in others.

Thank you, thank, you, thank you!