Regarding Mark Patton’s June 11 column, “Wit and Wisdom Took Rusty Fairly a Long Way at SBCC,” I just wanted to share a small story about Coach Fairly.
In 1963, I was playing football as a freshman at UC Santa Barbara when, during a practice, I received a knee injury requiring surgery.
The night before, I checked into Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital as scared 19 year old. I was not sure what awaited me after surgery. My dad had died two months earlier. That night, Coach Fairly, who I didn’t really know, and Coach Dave Gorrie both showed up at the hospital to assure me that all would be OK and to show they cared about their players.
It meant a lot to have these “super” coaches care enough to come to the hospital and give me support.
Ed Holdren
Goleta
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What a spot on story about Rusty Fairly. I played football for him at UCSB and he was an excellent coach.
We were friends as well, and I did visit him in his days of dementia. He always had stories. A great coach and mentor.
A great article, Mark. Well done.
Dick Mires
Santa Barbara
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I just received notice from the City of Santa Barbara of the newly published Rules and Regulations for State Street, which I hope will be rigorously enforced.
I suggest that the city issue similar rules for Cabrillo Boulevard, as there have been alarming reports of dangerous bike and skateboard riders deliberately menacing and endangering people walking along there.
It was reported on Nextdoor.com the other day that a small group of young men are terrifying pedestrians and using disgusting language when confronted. This needs to be monitored by law enforcement to protect both local and visiting pedestrians.
Susan Shields
Santa Barbara
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In his June 13 commentary, “$17 Billion Spent, and The Problem Only Got Worse,” Ron Fink hit the homeless problem right on the head. Throwing money at the problem increases the homeless population.
Raymond Lane
Carpinteria
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