LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

Recent Letters by Ellen Dale and Judy Shallat lead readers to believe if Orinda detached from Moraga/Orinda Fire District (MOFD) to form an Orinda Fire District, it is very likely LAFCO would annex Orinda to Con Fire. Their undocumented assertions fly in face of the fact that LAFCO has not annexed other municipal fire districts such as San Ramon, Kensington, Richmond, etc. If it is true that LAFCO is in the business of annexing an Orinda Fire District, they could just as well annex MOFD. On the contrary, LAFCO has consistently stated they do not force changes on local communities. Recent newspaper articles state communities in East County are getting approval to detach from East County Fire District, in order to form a municipal fire district.

I along with others have spoken with LAFCO. We received an explanation that the Orinda City Council could be the lead agency to handle the detachment of Orinda from MOFD. The detachment process from MOFD to the formation of an Orinda Fire District sounded straightforward.

I suggest Ms Dale and Ms Shallot meet with LAFCO commissioners for clarification of possible misconceptions.

Orindans annually provide 65% of the MOFD revenue or $11.5 million compared to $6 million from Moraga. If Moraga pays $3 million annually for each of their 2 stations, why isn't Orinda paying $9 million for their 3 stations? Instead, Orinda is paying $11.5 million, a $2.5 million difference.

This $2.5 million difference may increase to $4 million with Wilder development. If Orinda forms an Orinda Fire District, this $4 million could be used for pipe upgrades, and to pave roads with huge potholes to improve response times of emergency vehicles.

Vince Maiorana
Orinda

Editor:

My suggestion for a dog park/run/exercise area for Lamorinda's hairy companions would be Indian Valley. Seth Freeman and the Friends of the Rancho Laguna Park Association could negotiate with the Bruzzone Family - the landowners - to come up with win-win solutions that would benefit everybody but especially the dogs and children of Lamorinda who would not have to interact with each other. For example, the Bruzzone Family could require a nominal fee from each owner that could be either per-dog or per family. This way,the dog families would have a responsibility for the care of the land and some of the $600,000 that the Bruzzones spent to defeat Measure K would be recouped.

The dogs and their owners would get plenty of exercise as Indian Valley is hilly and long with only one way in and out. The dog people would be responsible for keeping the area clean (bringing plastic bags to pick up dog droppings). The dogs would be less damaging to this beautiful area than earthmovers.

I saw a dog park in Camarillo (Ventura County) that was huge. It was not a sometimes park and sometimes dog park. There were children playing with their dogs, and the only food was doggie treats. The communities and the developers worked out this arrangement for the people who live there. This is an example of a win-win situation with the developers and the community.

Caroline Wood
Moraga

Dear Editor,

I am writing to thank and commend the men and women who formed the Revenue Enhancement Committee, and who have just given their final report and recommendations to the Moraga Town Council. This committee was charged with finding sustainable sources of income so that the deteriorating roads and storm drains could be repaired, the town properties maintained, and the business community revived. One conclusion was that Moraga has definitely achieved its axiom of being a town with minimal government. As such, it does not have a spending problem, but does have a significant revenue challenge.

As I listened to Dick Olsen, committee chair, report on all their research, and their thoughtful recommendations and advice, the word "legacy" kept coming to my mind. I thought of all of those unknown folks who created Moraga in the 50's and 60's by building the roads, the homes, the underground pipes, bought the Hacienda, set aside open spaces which became our parks, and so much more - all a beautiful legacy. We have inherited it all, meaning that we have not had to pay for any of this, but have had the pleasure and enjoyment of all of these assets. Today, some 50 - 60 years later, much of this legacy is deteriorating because there has been no money to "keep our house in order". In the weeks and months ahead, the Council, along with the public voice, will be challenged to consider what kind of legacy WE are going to leave for future generations. The status quo is no longer an option.

Ellen Beans
Moraga

Dear Editor:

I read with considerable interest the opinions and analysis offered by Art Haigh published in the Public Forum section of the Lamorinda Weekly. I found Mr. Haigh's assessment of the Fire District issues to be thorough yet concise. I for one am glad that Mr. Haigh and other members of FAIR (Fire and Infrastructure Renewal) are holding the Fire District accountable while educating their fellow residents. It certainly seems that change is called for.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Bob Larsen
Orinda