Regarding "Fire tension flares again" (Feb. 4, Page A-1): I find two things very hard to understand about this situation. First, that it is allowed to happen, and second, that it's an ongoing problem. The comments by Burbank- Paradise Chief Mike Hillar are way out of line. The chief stated that it's his jurisdiction and so it's his prerogative to choose who assists.
Regarding the proposed ballot initiative in November to form a commission to regulate the medical marijuana industry: I agree with John Lovell, the lobbyist for California police chiefs and narcotics officers. Is marijuana really medically necessary? If so, have it dispensed at pharmacies, with prescriptions written by medical doctors only. It is not a gateway drug. Alcohol and tobacco are gateway drugs that happen to be legal.
As students at the University of California at Merced, we are compelled to plead the case for high-speed rail. Our generation will be paying for this project, and we are the ones who will be riding it. Our message: "I will ride."
