Re: Dolphin awards. Unbeknownst to the Malibu community, Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica has been our unsung hero. Five years ago, were it not for them, another urgent care center in Malibu (owned by Dr. Walter O’Brien) would have closed down due to the extremely high cost of operating this type of medical care facility.
From the time St. John’s Hospital took over the Center until the end of May, 2001, they provided well over $700,000 towards the Center’s extended hours of operation. That is why, unlike all other previous urgent care centers, this urgent care center has not had to close. To be specific, their subsidy covered the entire cost of keeping the Center open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, they also subsidized payment of the rent and other basic maintenance costs.
Although the hospital has had to end its subsidy of the center, they continue to serve on the newly formed board of the nonprofit Friends of the Urgent Care Center.
I cannot think of anyone in this community who is more deserving of our appreciation and recognition than Saint John’s Hospital. Bob Klein, who is the hospital’s representative in charge of the care center, can be reached at 310-829-2284.
Marlene Matlow
Dream vehicle
As we celebrate the 2001 holiday season and begin the 19th year of the Community Arson Watch, we send our heartfelt wishes and thanks to all those who have contributed to our program. Your financial contributions has assisted in the purchase and outfitting of our new command and control vehicle. You have made a longtime dream a reality.
Last year’s financial support and this year’s have provided the following operation and administrative expenses of the Community Arson Watch (November 1, 2000 throughout October 31, 2001).
Operating expenses: 32,859.86
(Includes van payments and equipment purchases made to date of $21,290.90)
Administrative expenses: $5,046.32
Back in June, prior to the purchase of the command and control vehicle, we were told that we could expect a government grant, which would have covered the cost of the equipment and a portion of the purchase price. We purchased the vehicle expecting this grant money, but it has not yet arrived.
For this reason, as you can see above, we have exceeded our usual budget and now find ourselves in a critical financial situation. Therefore, we are turning to our friends, neighbors and businesses to continue their financial support. Each supporter plays a vital role in our fundraising efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to provide the quality service you should expect of your Community Arson Watch.
No one in the Arson Watch or Friends of the Arson Watch and Disaster Services, Inc., have ever received a penny. We do not receive funds from T-CEP, and we do not solicit funds by phone. We are a nonprofit 501(c) corporation.
Allen Emerson, president, Friends of the Arson Watch and Disaster Services, Inc.
Lawsuit correction
You printed a letter to the editor on Nov. 29, 2001, in which Ron Lawrence talked about a dog park, parking and other issues. In his letter, Mr. Lawrence made one comment that was incidental to him, but important to the City of Half Moon Bay and coastal residents in other communities. Mr. Lawrence noted that “Incidentally, the communities of Half Moon Bay and Stintson Beach are going to be filing an amicus brief in the upcoming case against the Coastal Commission.” That statement is incorrect.
The City of Half Moon Bay is not preparing an amicus brief against the Coastal Commission. The lawsuit to which Mr. Lawrence apparently refers is Marine Forests Society v. California Coastal Commission (No. OOAS00567, Sacramento Super. Ct., 2001) in which the Superior Court of Sacramento County held that the current makeup of the Commission was a violation of the State constitution’s requirement of separation of powers. The court held that, because two-thirds of the Commission’s members are appointed by the Legislature, it may only have legislative powers, not executive or judicial powers. This ruling is being appealed by the Coastal Commission. The City Council of Half Moon Bay has not discussed this lawsuit and has not given its attorneys direction to file an amicus.
Adam U. Lindgren, City Attorney
City of Half Moon Bay