Stop excessive speeding

EDITOR,

A few weeks ago, I read an Irrigator editorial about proposed monies and wishes for the streets of Patterson. One of the roads mentioned was Shearwater Drive and the possibility of speed bumps and other deterrents to reduce excessive speeding in residential neighborhoods.

Let’s not forget where I live, Pipit Drive. I have been hounding the city for the almost six years I have lived and paid property taxes here about the excessive speeding along Pipit. I have seen a puppy get killed by a car and at least five incidents in which little children as young as 3 have been very close to being struck by cars.

The California driving laws have not changed. I have been driving since I was 15½. I am 43. The California Vehicle Code reads that, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit around children and in all residential neighborhoods is 25 mph.

I am angered and bothered by the lack of respect drivers on Pipit Drive have for the residents and our children who play in and around our homes.

I will tell you what — God forbid that my children get struck by an ignorant driver speeding over 25 mph on Pipit. I will own this town when it’s over!

This is a huge issue, and something needs to be done to correct these careless drivers.

Camille Ille, Patterson

Right thing to do

EDITOR,

There are two important reasons to support the City of Patterson Healthcare Expansion Act, one of which is often overlooked.

The first is bringing new medical specialists and treatment to Patterson so that we don’t have to go to Modesto or farther for medical care. The second is the economic benefit that this health center will bring to our whole community.

The move to the expanded health center will not cost Patterson taxpayers one dime but will bring new jobs with good wages to our community. A larger health center will need new staff, but more importantly, a successful health center will also attract other health care providers and related jobs to the Keystone Pacific Business Park.

We all know that times are tough, and many Patterson residents are looking for good career opportunities close to their homes and families. Even if you are content traveling to Modesto to see a doctor, this initiative is the right thing to do for our community and our economy.

Luis I. Molina, Patterson

Tired of ugly yards

EDITOR,

Am I the only resident in Walker Ranch who’s sick of looking at all of the ugly yards of all the empty homes? I thought I read that the banks were going to be charged a penalty for not cleaning the yards.

I hate the fact that I pay $3,000 per year in Mello-Roos taxes to look at garbage. And don’t tell me it’s just for the parks that inmates keep clean. Where is my money going?

Glenn Gudino, Patterson

Yes, there was a cemetery

EDITOR,

Yes! Yes! Yes! There was a cemetery at the site of the Crows Landing Air Facility.

At the time when preparations were in progress for the base, a farmer saw work personnel in their machinery, dumping tombstones onto a pile. I remember being told this but do not know what happened to those tombstones.

Sad questions: Were those tombstones ground up and mixed into the cement being used for the base, or were they dumped along an old creek?

Phyllis Breves, Patterson