Overcrowding

After six years of going slowly insane on Southern California freeways, I recently took a 20% cut in pay for the opportunity to walk to work every morning. During the same morning hours when I used to gnash my teeth, breathe carbon monoxide, and be appalled at the inconsiderate driving habits of pinheads in mini-trucks, I now read the paper over a leisurely cup of coffee, go for a bike ride and listen to the birds sing.

I hold no illusions that my decision will have any impact on the commuter situation in general simply because the greed-head developers and the elected officials that they have bought and paid for will continue to throw up clone-home “neighborhoods” as quickly as people move here to fill them up.

I know that this part of the country will never again be the beautiful, clean place that it was when I was growing up, but perhaps the aggravation and stress that I am avoiding with my job change will help delay my inevitable emigration for a few more years.

P.S. If you love California, let your water run over the curb and into the gutter--drought is the only force that can stop development!

STEVE GARCIA

Redlands