Who actually started city eco event?

I noted in Sunday's Bee that Dotty Nygard was selected as a 2013 Woman of the Year, and I commend her for this. The article states that one of her contributions was starting Beyond Earth Day. This is just not correct. Though Nygard has coordinated the event over the past several years, she was not involved when this annual event began.

It was Kyle Lingg who suggested to the Riverbank City Council that the city initiate such an event.

A number of groups stepped forward to insure the success of this environmental awareness exhibition.

The two people who went far and beyond what is normally required in such a task were Carla Strong, vice president of Westamerica Bank; and Norma Torres Manriquez, management analyst for the city of Riverbank. Without their vision and organization skills, this event would have ended after the first year.

RICH HOLMER

Riverbank

Editor's note: The author is the former city manager of Riverbank.