Replacing CNG buses a waste of stimulus money
      Just one of the thousands of earmarks within the stimulus package from Washington is $1.7 million for the replacement of four fixed-route CNG buses for Simi Valley (see www.StimulusWatch.org). What a waste of taxpayers' money.
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Parents should dig into their pockets to help schools
      We could all sit here and gripe about who's to blame for the current budget shortfalls; however, that wouldn't do anything to change the fact that the Simi school district is now faced with some dire decisions.
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It's education that really needs a bailout
      On March 13, out of 1,000 school teachers in Simi Valley, 230 were given pink slips. I find a 23 percent reduction of teachers in Simi Valley absolutely appalling. Why not administrative layoffs or suspension of programs? Why our teachers, who work not for their small paychecks but for the love of teaching?
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The use of Title I money should be reevaluated
      I have been a resident of the Simi Valley since 2004. I enjoy the area and the schools that all three of my children attend. I have, for the most part, been very happy with all teaching staff my children have had in the past, and I look forward to the future.
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California taxpayers are walking off a cliff
      I blame the state budget crisis on the humans in control of the state legislature, but unfortunately Brian Levy's letter to the editor March 6 doesn't see it that way. First, Levy blames the Republicans for the budget crisis when he knows the Democrats control Sacramento and the budget vote. Then he cries we are "robbing the children." What a tear-jerker that is.
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Had a good time at grand opening of Simi Dog Park
      I wanted to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District for the wonderful ribboncutting and dedication of Simi Valley's new dog park. Free T-shirts, food and snacks were provided for the very large crowd that showed up with their four-legged friends.
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Touched by a random act of kindness
      Three weeks ago I went to purchase some dog food at Theresa's Pet and Feed store. I had to buy a large bag instead of the smaller one, but as I checked out my purchase I was short 87 cents. A young lady in line gave me the dollar I needed and said, "Money given away comes back tenfold." I thanked her. She wouldn't give me her address to return the dollar.
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