MAILBAG: Lancers eatery deserves more credit

My husband and I patronize Lancers in Burbank and Foxy’s in Glendale; we like both restaurants. The article in the July 4 Leader by Donna H. Evans, “Diners put up their dukes,” did not do justice to Lancers with her one-time experience there.

We appreciate that the owners of Lancers Family Restaurant keep the price reasonable for good food, and make profit by volume. The customers vote by their feet, some eating there almost on a daily basis. It’s a good feeling to start a day at a friendly place, where everyone knows your name.

NANCY H. DOBBS

Burbank

Lawmaker focusing on own interests

As both a resident of Glendale and also as the chairwoman of the 43rd Assembly District Republican County Central Committee, I am writing regarding your recent article on Paul Krekorian’s decision to run for Los Angeles City Council (“Krekorian set to run for L.A. council,” July 8).

Krekorian’s decision to run for Los Angeles City Council while still holding on to his Assembly seat is a clear example of how he continues to put his own interest before that of the people. Krekorian had likely been well aware of Wendy Greuel’s decision to run for city controller and yet he ran for reelection for his Assembly seat.

He now has moved to the Valley Glen area in a strategic move to hold his seat (and his power) while being able to qualify for the City Council race. While the people of the 43rd Assembly District need their representative to be working hard for them in Sacramento, Krekorian will instead be focusing on his run for City Council and his own political future. Had he had the best interest of his district in mind, Krekorian would have not sought his current term in the Assembly.

I call for Krekorian to now do the right thing and resign his Assembly seat. We need a representative to be working for us, especially in these tough times for our state, not working for his own self interest.

FELICIA M. TWEEDY

Glendale

Virgil’s store a real gem in Jewel City

Thank you for running the recent article about Virgil’s Hardware (“Virgil’s hardware is sold,” July 9). I have known both of the prior owners. Bob Brinkman was a colorful maverick who made his own rules and left us much too soon. I have known Tony Maniscalchi since he worked for Bob, selling nuts and bolts in the back of the store. Tony is an American success story in every way. I am proud of the job Tony has done during his stewardship of Virgil’s dealing with the increased “big box store” competition and a tough economic environment.

Shopping at Virgil’s has always been a pleasure. You can park right in front and stroll in the door. Not only does the store have the part you need, they’ll ask you what color you want it in. Virgil’s has also always been well stocked. I cannot remember getting skunked while looking for something there. They always have something that will solve my problem and they can explain how to install it. Try to find help at the “big box stores.”

Over the years, when I’ve asked Tony for help with a community project, the answer was “yes.” Whether it was donating water to Operation Gratitude or listing a Jewel City Kiwanis Charity Car Show on his sign, he has always said “yes” without hesitation.

I sincerely hope the Do It Center people will keep things as they are with the same people in place and the same community support. As I told Tony today when I saw the Glendale News-Press article, Virgil’s is the Damon’s of hardware stores! Please don’t alter this local treasure.

RICH JESSUP

Glendale

Church recognizes discrimination

As I read about the congregation at St. Luke’s of the Mountains (“Church to continue battle,” July 9) I thought to myself how sad that they want to be just an exclusive club to keep the “others” out. Jesus said, “Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me.”

The Episcopal Church is one Christian denomination that finally gets what Jesus was about! I have a feeling that 20 years from now, the church members of St. Luke’s will look back in embarrassment of how they treated gay and lesbian people, just as we now look back at how ridiculous it was to discriminate against African Americans, Latinos, Asians and women. I hope and pray that one day soon the people at St. Luke’s will welcome all God’s children into their beautiful church, because Jesus wants no one left out!

MARK SATTERLEE

Glendale

Park rangers should be kept for safety

With warmer weather comes more activity in our tinder-dry hills. “Partying” is heating up in some easily accessible locations in the Verdugo and San Rafael Hills.

During a recent morning walk, I discovered numerous cigarette butts on the saddle overlooking Los Angeles on the ridge between Glenoaks Canyon and Eagle Rock. I have reported the recurring hill-top smoking activity to the Fire and Police departments many times during previous dry seasons. In response to these and other requests, park rangers and other fire and police officers, on occasion, have effectively patrolled the ridges surrounding Glenoaks Canyon, even arresting some smokers.

Nevertheless, according to reports in the Glendale News-Press, the city may anticipate a reduction in its police force in the coming months.

Newspaper articles also have indicated that park ranger vacancies will not be filled and that park rangers will no longer have an enforcement role in Glendale. Despite these unpromising developments, I sincerely hope that the city will find a way to patrol the hills again this year.

Neglecting this task would be false economy. I would hate to see this lesson driven home by a major fire caused by cigarette smoking in our hills.

GERRY RANKIN

Glendale