Stretching the truth is getting to be a bad habit

Misinformation was rampant in two of last week's letters about Rancho Potrero.

Let's look at the facts. You can judge for yourself if Save Open Space or some of your politicians have been more truthful.

Fact No. 1: The conceptual plan for Rancho Potrero was created and approved in 2005 without any request for community input--not a good start.

Fact No. 2: The pavilion started out as a small educational facility but changed at the last minute to be reservable for large private events.

Fact No. 3: Input was finally requested this past summer. But no alternatives were allowed to be considered at the community workshop or the focus group meetings. Even Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) now says the vast majority didn't like the plan.

Fact No. 4: It's been two years and CRPD has still not provided basic information on its plan. Could events bring tables, chairs, etc., to accommodate 300 people, or 500?

CRPD has also not said whether events could occur at night. Have they also not thought about whether open flames would be allowed? Would 100 cars be allowed? Two hundred?

How did our elected officials approve this "concept plan"? Most of the basic "concepts" are missing. Have you got a warm and cozy feeling about how some officials are running this project?

Fact No. 5: The city and CRPD are saying they won't zone Rancho Potrero as open space. Why not? What do they have in mind that open space zoning doesn't allow?

Fact No. 6: Several alternative plans will be discussed at a public meeting on Dec. 5. CRPD has refused to provide any information about alternatives even though it's customary to do so 72 hours prior to most public meetings. Is that (compatible with) open and honest government?

Dishonest politicians and their friends don't like it when Save Open Space exposes the truth. They attack the messenger.

Former council member Dan Del Campo stooped so low as to say Mary Wiesbrock's supporters are "deviants." Check out the accomplishment page on Mary's website. Do you think saving thousands of acres as parkland is deviant behavior?

Dan thinks so.

What will happen to Rancho Potrero on Dec. 5?

Come see for yourself. Dave Hettwer Newbury Park