Letters: housing, kneeling controversy, free speech, old Sylvan site

Latest letters and reader comments address the proposed 261-unit housing development near Sunrise Mall, ideas for development at the old Sylvan Middle School site, and reactions to the mayor’s remark on the “kneeling” controversy.

261-unit housing proposal is exactly what Citrus Heights needs
[RE: New map shows proposed 55-acre housing development in Citrus Heights, Oct. 12]  The Mitchell Farms housing proposal is EXACTLY what the City of Citrus Heights needs to attract young new families to our city. Watt Properties is EXACTLY the developer to bring new quality homes to the forefront and make our City shine with new designs and original floor plans unseen elsewhere. If the Environmental Impact Report, when published, shows a “less than significant” impact on our environment, then count me in as enthusiastically in support of this great project.
–Rick Doyle, Citrus Heights

Grocery store, low-income housing would be good addition to old Sylvan site
[RE: SJUSD moves forward with plan to sell old Sylvan school site, Oct. 14]  Addressing the old sylvan school property, my first thought would be expanding the cemetery. Other ideas would be a nice grocery store like Sprouts or New Seasons Market. A big water park would be nice — but not another WinCo or strip mall, especially since that is all coming in front of Walmart. If nothing else, some sort of shelter with counseling and other services for the homeless.

I understand it’s right next to the school and homes, but as a city I feel we need something to help the citizens of our city. I have lived here since 1964 and I’ve watched a lot of growth here. I also lost my house in 2006 and I can’t even afford to rent here now. Maybe some low-income housing that would help some of us homeless in the area.
-Janet Barlow, Citrus Heights

Taking a knee is disrespectful; mayor doesn’t need to apologize
[RE: Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights mayor should apologize for ‘kneeling’ remark, Oct. 14]   That’s a whole lot of words to address an attempt at humor by our Mayor. It is this type of hypersensitivity that also divides our people. Let’s just all “lighten up a little.” Sorry to disagree with Mr. Warren but as a disabled military veteran, I do think it is disrespectful to “take a knee” during the national anthem and I believe there are a whole lot of people that agree with me. I don’t think the Mayor owes anybody an apology.
-Tom Scheeler, Citrus Heights

Citrus Heights mayor has free speech rights too
[RE: Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights mayor should apologize for ‘kneeling’ remark, Oct. 14]   The Mayor, in my opinion, quite correctly asserted his free speech rights. He did not abridge anyone else’s rights. He did not tell anyone they could not take a knee or otherwise peacefully protest. He did not make derogatory comments about anyone’s choice to take a knee. He simply expressed appreciation for people who respected a symbol of our country.

As the mother of a 20 year old son serving in Afghanistan, I would also like to express my appreciation for everyone who shows respect for the flag. While I do not agree with everything this country does or is, I have great respect for what our country tries to be and for the people that die in its service. Every time I see a flag draped over a coffin, I am reminded of the importance of symbols. There are better ways to protest. Believe police don’t respect citizens of color? Become an officer. Believe schools don’t teach diversity? Become a teacher. Kneeling is an easy way out of protesting things you don’t like without putting in any effort to change them.
-Rebecca Holt, Citrus Heights

Additional comments from Facebook:
[RE: Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights mayor should apologize for ‘kneeling’ remark, Oct. 14]
Mike H. — Do our elected officials check their own first amendment rights at the door? Certainly they are in the public eye and there is an expectation they will choose their words wisely and carefully, but do they forfeit their right to free speech altogether because they are a public servant? People from public school teachers to elected officials are being told they have to keep their personal opinions and beliefs to themselves because they represent all of us. By being censored however, in the end they represent none of us.

Andy H. — Slowey always makes little barbs and remarks when publicly speaking, so I wasn’t surprised to hear him say it. Most of what he says makes people roll their eyes and shrug it off. It’s nice to see someone called him out for once. Should tell all members of the council that not only do Citrus Heights residents watch, we pay attention to what’s being said.

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