Mailbag: Pool policy is all wet

Let me start by saying what a wonderful resource the Verdugo Pool is for the community, especially after its renovation and the installation of the activities section. The slides and fountains of this section offer a special treat found in very few public pools.

The Verdugo facilities are in good condition and the staff has always been very friendly and efficient. My family has enjoyed the pool many times in the last two years, but this July, I took my son and his friend to Verdugo three times in the month, planning to purchase admission for the activity pool, only to be told that this section had been bought out by summer camp — just a few minutes before opening.

I asked if they could look ahead and tell me what days any camps had reserved the pool in the future, but apparently no reservation is needed. Whoever calls up can buy out the activity section for camp or a party with no prior notification. It was frustrating to show up early each time only to be told a buyout had just occurred.

Yes, to some extent, just bad luck for me, and the regular section of the pool was still open to all comers, and that’s a great thing. But when you have your heart set on the bells and whistles of the activity section, it is disappointing. I question the wisdom of this buyout policy. I understand the Parks Department’s need for revenue, but it seems unfair that a buyout can occur on the morning of admission without prior notice.

Tom Abrams
Burbank

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Letter forgot Jesus’ teachings

Re: “High praise of religiosity,” Mailbag letter, Aug. 28. Though I am not an atheist myself, letter-writer John Janssen’s attack on atheists cannot go unanswered. Most notably because it flies in the face of so many lessons that Jesus taught. For example, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled.” Another, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” And finally, “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.” An atheist did not initiate the Salem witch trials, Christians did. Atheists did not initiate the pogroms or the Holocaust, Christians did. An atheist did not create the Inquisition, Christians did. Atheists did not invade the Holy land to convert the infidels by the sword, Christians did.

There is blood on the hands of all organized religions. And there are charitable, loving adherents in all world religions. Atheists strike me as a group that would just like to be left alone, and not have the beliefs of others imposed on them. If Jesus works for you John, that’s great. But you should adhere to George Carlin’s Fourth Commandment from his famous monologue about “How to Reduce the Ten Commandments to Four.” That Commandment is “Keep Thine Own Religion to One’s Own Self.” If everybody did that, the world would probably be a much more peaceful place.

Steve Eastin
Burbank