I would like to urge your readers to please not use the local papers to gather their information about people, or the animals/environment. Although some letters stir up emotions, I certainly don’t believe what I read without my own research on the subject. I encourage all of your readers who don’t seem to understand why native plants are preferred in the Santa Monica mountain areas (where Malibu is!) to do their own research and learn why certain plants are preferred. I have done things out of ignorance also, like finding out that the ice-plants that took ten years to grow beautifully actually were harmful to the soil and their weight is beginning to pull down the hill. After doing research on a subject, it’s amazing how one’s mind can be opened, like finding out how a whole region can become destroyed just because of the removal of a certain butterfly, insect, flower, plant, tree, animal, etc.
I am one who wishes that the development would curb down since where I live condos and huge houses have been built which, besides blocking mountain and ocean views, have pushed the animal further into the mountains. The roadrunners don’t even come close now! As for children being hurt by mountain lions, or cats and small dogs being eaten by coyotes! Well, I hope that parents aren’t going to let their kids roam around at dusk in areas known to have wildlife, and I hope they educate themselves regarding the behavior of the magnificent wildcat.
I made the decision to never let my dog out without me being around. I also do not let my cats out at all and built them a screened in area so they can still enjoy outside, without the dangers of being a coyote’s dinner! The result-they are healthier and I have less anxiety.
I’m glad that someone else besides me is aware of the danger of Round-up “herbicide.” I have been writing letters and complaining about this product for years.
On another subject, when reading all the endorsements for the upcoming city council – ask yourself, “Can these people really do what they claim they want to do?” People will say anything to get what they want. We need different minds but the same goals! We need to have the environmentalist as well as those with a business mind. We need to live in harmony with each other and with the wildlife!
Alessandra DeClario