Letters to the editor | Wednesday, April 8, 2020: Don’t let coronavirus ruin our recreation

Hiking trails safer than streets

Re “Knights Ferry, other recreation areas close” (Page 4A, April 6): You reported that mental health officials strongly encourage outside time for physical activity. The county is making this almost impossible with the closure of recreation areas.

This is causing residential areas to be full of people walking, running, or biking around in their neighborhood. Sidewalks are not large enough to enforce the 6-foot gap between individuals that are just trying to get some fresh air. When neighbors cross paths on sidewalks they often need to walk on the road, which is dangerous when cars are incoming.

Although the closure of recreation areas like Knights Ferry seems best in these uncertain times, these hiking trails are big enough for a 6-foot gap and would decrease the amount of people walking on the road. Closing recreation areas should be reconsidered for the safety and well-being of residents.

Crozier’s dismissal is a shame

As a Navy veteran I am appalled at the treatment of Captain Brett Crozier. His concern and bold actions for and on behalf of the men and women he commanded on the USS Roosevelt merit our deepest respect and admiration. His actions exemplify the highest standards of leadership the Navy seeks to instill in our officers and enlisted personnel.

His treatment at the hands of Acting Secretary Thomas Modly is reprehensible. Captain Crozier has sacrificed his career fighting for the safety of his crew, and that merits our respect. Modly, however, has earned my disdain. I would hope that the wrong done to Captain Crozier can be righted.

Canyon dam plan is totally transparent

Re “Be transparent on Del Puerto Canyon plan” (Letters, March 30): This letter suggested that the Del Puerto Water District and the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority are not being transparent in our study of the proposed Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir. That accusation is completely false. We have been evaluating project feasibility and sharing information as it develops and at public meetings in July and December 2019 and January and February 2020. We will plan additional public meetings in coming months. The Draft Environmental Report and other information are available on the project website and we recently sent a mailing to every address in Patterson about the project and how the public can stay informed.

We are committed to providing full explanations of the project and associated flood mapping in a public forum where those interested can ask questions and receive responses. We will do this at our next public meeting, which we will schedule when the COVID-19 restrictions on public meetings are lifted.

We would appreciate the community’s patience as we, like everyone else, are working through issues the pandemic has placed upon us as agency heads and community leaders.

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 5:43 AM with the headline "Letters to the editor | Wednesday, April 8, 2020: Don’t let coronavirus ruin our recreation."