Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen was right on in his July 28 column, “After 155 Years, Santa Barbara News-Press Leaves Without Saying a Word.” It is shameful what Wendy McCaw did, not just to the newspaper but to our town.

I delivered the News-Press in my Mesa neighborhood as a kid, and things were just like Macfadyen said. The News-Press was beloved by my customers, people trusted it and looked forward to it, and the News-Press did a lot for the community.

Although I canceled my subscription after the “News-Press Mess” in 2006, I still feel sadness and anger at how it ended.

R. Collier
Santa Barbara

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Thank you to Bill Macfadyen for his poignant observations about the death of the Santa Barbara News-Press.

I am one of his readers who did not know he had worked there, or that so many other Noozhawks had worked there, too. With the quality of Noozhawk’s news reporting, I can imagine how powerful a newspaper it must have been back then.

The News-Press didn’t deserve to die and Santa Barbarans didn’t deserve to have it killed. Keep up the good work, Noozhawk! We need you!

Ivy Mendoza
Santa Barbara

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I agree with Bill Macfadyen’s column, but wanted to say I really enjoyed his KCRW interview. Good job!

Macfadyen and Josh Molina should do another podcast with some of the other News-Pressers. Oh, the stories they could tell, right?

Jim Miller
Santa Barbara

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Regarding the July 17 article, “Open House Will Share Plans for Expanding Santa Barbara Airport Terminal,” may I suggest that prior to any enhancements to the airport structure, officials first address the woefully inadequate and endlessly frustrating parking conditions?

All too often, the lots are “FULL,” or at least the signs say they are, even as spaces seem available as I drive around the perimeter.

There is no helpful signage directing cars to the overflow lots, but if one can find it, the transportation back to the terminal is inconsistent at best.

Some suggestions might be to move the rental car area off-site as is done at many airports, and build a two-story parking facility on its current footprint.

I consider the Santa Barbara Airport one of our best-kept secrets — convenient, clean, well managed and unusually kind. Now, if only I could find a place to park in order to fly!

Loretta Redd
Santa Barbara

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I am writing about a dangerous condition on Santa Barbara County public property along the Modoc Road multiuse path near the Via Senda intersection in Santa Barbara.

There is no rational basis for the 50 mph speed limit sign pictured above. The sign was removed for the construction of the path, but placed back in the same location.

What’s the reason to have a 50 mph speed limit on a roadway that is currently set for 40 mph and reduced to 30 mph in the small construction zone near Calle De Los Amigos?

No one will slow down to 30 mph or even 40 mph after seeing a 50 mph speed limit sign. It is naïve to believe people will drive their cars at or below the speed limit.

In fact, it is an invitation to allow drivers to travel up to and beyond 60 mph all along Modoc Road after proceeding from the Via Senda intersection. As a resident of the Hidden Valley area, I can attest to this occurring on a daily basis.

Modoc Road is a raceway. The multiuse path was intended to provide walkers and bikers safe access to adjacent roadway areas. However, there is no enforcement of speed limit laws on Modoc or Las Positas roads, and drivers know the absence of policing allows for virtually any speed desirable.

This condition of driving with reckless abandonment is not safe for any walker or biker on the multiuse pathway.

Paul Bielaczyc
Santa Barbara

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I love Noozhawk’s new A.M. Report format! Thank you. 

Margie Lynch
Goleta

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Just wanted to congratulate Noozhawk on the new look of the A.M. Report. It seems newsier, and I really like the sections — especially the Arts and Obituaries.

Stacy Shaw
Santa Barbara

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Regarding Ron Fink’s July 25 commentary, “A Double Standard on Environmental Protection,” everybody knows the City of Santa Barbara “eliminates” thousands of snowy plovers every year. Their natural habitat is East Beach and the sandbar.

I don’t know if Noozhawk dares take on this problem, but let’s see if this gets covered up.

Phillip Beuoy
Noleta

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After reading D.C. Collier’s July 20 commentary, “Why Is There Only One Way to Heaven?” I have been wondering just where is heaven. I think in the past it was supposed to be in a cloud in the sky with an old white-bearded God to be with me.

But some days there are no clouds and some days those clouds rain. So, does heaven disappear when there aren’t any clouds? And if it rains, do we fall to earth with the water?

I got to thinking maybe heaven is on a planet, like Jupiter or one of its moons. Could it just be in the Milky Way, floating from one planet or star system to another? Or an alternate universe?

And does God really know what I’m doing? Does he watch me while I take a shower? How embarrassing! Maybe he just wants me to be good. But how does he know?

I wish I knew where heaven is before I die. And will I see my relatives there, too? How many souls can fit there? And how do they look?

I’m 81, so my days are numbered. I’d just like to have a better idea of where I’m going when I die.

Casey Bemis
Santa Ynez

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