Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter in response to the recent claims of severe and permanent psychological damage and mental anguish claims of several of San Diego’s “finest”.

In regards to “Firefighters suing the city over being forced to participate in Pride parade”:

Let me see if I have the facts clear. We are talking about firefighters – men and women who are the cream of the crop, highly trained and brave people who have it in their job description that they will be risking their lives to save others.

Firefighters – an elite group that has proven their mental and physical strength to attain employment.

Firefighters – men and women who are called upon to fight fires in all seasons, in all conditions, whether it is a structure fire or a raging brush fire.

Firefighters – those who are charged with rescuing their fellow human beings from automobile accidents, high-rise buildings, or other horrific catastrophes.

Firefighters – a profession that ranks at the top of virtually every American’s most respected list because of the inner and outer strength they possess that few of us have within ourselves.

Now we are to believe that several of these of our strongest and most mentally fit are ‘permanently scarred psychologically’ because they were forced to participate in a Pride parade?

While I will agree that participation in ANY parade or public event should be strictly voluntary, and that it is every American’s constitutional right to disagree with another’s viewpoint, saying that as a firefighter you were caused great mental anguish demeans you and your entire profession.

First of all, these firefighters are stationed in the heart of Hillcrest. Is it credible to believe that they have never had contact with any gay people while out in the neighborhood? Second, perhaps in their rush to become victims, these firefighters should probably have listened closer – that was cheering of thanks, not anger. Third, how could those “cat-calls” be interpreted as anything other than silly?

Finally, on the most serious note, these firefighters claim to have been irreparably harmed by the religious zealots with hate in their hearts and too much time on their hands. All I can say is “welcome to my world!” Now you know what we go through every single day of our lives. When it is done to you, you are permanently damaged, but when it happens to us, we’re told that it is their first amendment right to do so. Yet we survive, and go on with our lives.

To those firefighters that have made claims of permanent damage, I can feel only pity for you. I am sorry that you were “forced” to participate, but your claims of psychological damage simply not credible. If you are as traumatized as you claim to be by our community, then perhaps it is time to transfer to another fire station – one where you will be free of “us” and free to be as judgemental and intolerant as you would like. As for the city of San Diego, I strongly recommend a different psychological screening process for prospective public servants – obviously, too many “delicate” candidates are getting through.

Scott E. Grant

Dear Editor:

Picture this image in your mind: Four fearless firefighters from Hillcrest’s Ninth Avenue stationhouse – Capt. John Ghiotto, Engineer Jason Hewett, Chad Allison and Alex Kane – huddling in fear at the thought of being forced to ride atop a fire truck in the neighborhood’s July 21 Gay Pride Parade.

Recent policy changes within the department allow for available volunteers, and not on-duty firefighters, to participate in the city’s 14 sanctioned community parades.

If the gay and lesbian residents of Hillcrest are so repugnant to this “Firefighting Gang of Four,” they should request a transfer or be transferred out of the neighborhood by their superiors. Because of their whining about something as trivial as participating in a parade, can they really be trusted to protect our community in an emergency?

With all their machismo and bravado, couldn’t this “Firefighting Gang of Four” simply have defied the so-called order to ride in the parade or didn’t they have the brass balls to stand up to their own brass ahead of the parade? It’s difficult to believe this all came about in a whirlwind, last-minute decision the morning of July 21.

With Tracy Jarman as our chief, the community taxpayers deserve better as to who resides in the Ninth Avenue fire station.

Lee A. Schoenbart

Dear Editor:

In response to Pat Sherman’s article “Hillcrest Centennial: Heralding the past, forecasting the future” (Aug. 2, 2007).

Leo Wilson, chair of Uptown Planners, in reference to the proposal for dedicated bus lanes in Hillcrest, was reported as saying that people who can afford to live in Hillcrest are less likely to take the bus and that “switching to bus travel is a lifestyle change people in Hillcrest are not prepared to make.” I’ve been a Hillcrest resident since 1976, and my partner and I have always made extensive use of the bus system in combination with walking. Mr. Wilson seems to think that people in Hillcrest are too well off financially to care about public transit, but no one is so wealthy that they can afford to ignore the environment. He ought to think more about promoting a Green future for Hillcrest. Increased reliance on public transit, bicycling, and walking would enhance life in Hillcrest for everyone and help save the planet.

Richard Barry

Dear Editor:

In response to the editorial of The Sunburst Youth Housing Project. I was the first person to move into this building. I am taking the risk of making my opinion and stance be known. I STRONGLY feel that the Center’s heart IS NOT in the right place. They offer NO drug or preventative services what so ever. In fact this program is the biggest misappropriation of funds I have ever seen in my life. I invite everyone to go online and obtain a copy of the Centers latest tax return. I STRONG URGE people to not stop donating and to continue to support this program. However, I strongly believe after seeing the tactics and charades the current staff and center administration perform. I strongly urge that it is time to get new staff and leadership for San Diego’s Gay & Lesbian Center. There are no services available to us. There is nothing. I currently have nothing in my fridge and have asked for assistance with food to be told I haven’t done anything positive to get “Incentives”. I am 20 and just completed an internship for US Senator Barbara Boxer. I came in this program on drugs. I had the determination to make a better life for myself. Most kids in this project just need love and need to be inspired. Yet half the time no one from the center is ever here. Their offices are always locked. Since this project has been open the project has gone through 7 managers. They have a contracted 3rd party property management company which I am on the verge of filing legal claims due to retaliatory behavior for carrying themselves unprofessionally. I ask that you continue to support the project but demand NEW LEADERSHIP

Raymond Portillos Leon