Dear Editor,

From: Donna Canet
Morro Bay

Thank you so much for the "Gun Ownership Myths" column by Dr. Sainsbury in last month's issue. He laid it all on the line in a way that anyone can understand and take to heart. I send the link to all of my friends. Those who don't have computers got a printed out copy mailed to them.

From: Janet Eigner
Santa Fe, New Mexico

How fortunate to have the page of Jeanie Greensfelder's lovely, honest, direct, whimsical, optimistic observations about life in all its forms and feelings.

Brava to Jeanie, and Bravo to your Slo Coast Journal for having engaged and allowed her to share her wisdom and perspective.  She's a long-time friend of mine, who, with her characteristic modesty, never asked me to write a letter of support.

From: Lynn Craig
Philadelphia

I came across this wonderful resource while dreaming of a trip along the West Coast. All of the beautiful photographs have turned my attention from Santa Barbara to an extended stay in your area. You all live in paradise!

From: David Atkinson
Los Osos

Dr. Steven Sainsbury said it better than anyone - it's stupid to have guns so readily available to the general population. I come from long line of gun owners. Having guns laying around was the norm in our family. A cousin accidently fired a shot that went through a window and wounded a neighbor girl. No one died, but she was badly hurt. I saw a lot of that during the eight years I was a police officer. Today I have kids and there are no guns in our house. Thank you, Sir, for your column.

Photo by Howard Ignatius:            Dredging
Operations by Moonlight #2

Photo by Judy Sullivan:       Morro Rock Morning

Photo by Marlin Harms:   Marina Sunrise
with Heron

Photo by Kevin Cole:      Setting sun in Baywood Park

Photo by Anita Ritenour:      Pier Sunset

Photo by Mark Williamson:         Gull at Sunset

From: Carol Georgi

What is going on in Morro Bay?

All of Morro Bay is a bird sanctuary and nature preserve?

Do the birds know they are being seduced into a preserve only to be shot if they venture to the other side of the estuary?

Bird Hunting -Shooting!

Bird Watching

From: Caroline Bailey
Cambria

My husband and I lived in Los Osos from 1973 to 1994. We loved it there but could no longer stand the constant gunfire sound from sunrise to sunset (and often well after) from the "hunters" in the back bay. Our neighbor's cousin shot Brandt geese there and once offered his kill to us, saying, "No one eats these things - they taste awful - but supposedly some people figure out how to cook them ok."

It is a joke that the city of Morro Bay advertises itself as a "bird sanctuary," then allows the killing of migrating birds who stop here to rest on their way south. Exactlly what are they providing sanctuary to? Birds that don't go near the water? If they can't stop the hunting in the bay, the city should at least remove their designation as a sanctuary. What a mockery.

Take down the signs until you no longer allow people intent on killing birds to launch from your shore!

From Cindy Hunter

Love, love, love Critter Care! Smart, compassionate advice that all pet lovers should read. I go straight to that page when I get the notice that a new issue is online. One request - a column about ponies. We want to get one for our eight-year-old daughter.

[You're in luck, Cindy, and should really enjoy this month's article.]

Photo by Marlin Harms:  Night Painting