‘Native’ replacements have drawbacks

Interesting article about the tree removal near the Interstate 5 freeway and Western Avenue, especially the quote, “In this case, the trees are non-native and will be disposed. They will be replaced with native species, including California Pepper trees and Boston Ivy.”

I wonder who decided that “Boston Ivy” is native to California. According to the reference book “Hortus Third,” Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) comes from Central China to Japan.

Regardless of where it is native, it doesn’t seem like a very good choice for a ground cover. Rodents, such as mice and rats, love to make homes in ivy; then snakes move in to feed on some of the rodents.

California Pepper trees are native to California, but they do have their drawbacks. Sunset’s “Western Garden Book” says some gardeners like them, others not so much. They have messy litter, invasive roots, and black scale, which is a citrus pest.

We’re very happy that we don’t live in the affected area.

Donna Kirkland

Glendale

Drayman retains support despite detractors

Thank you, Dan Kimber, for defending John Drayman on behalf of those of us who have always supported him. I feel compelled to speak for myself, however, after Herbert Molano’s latest comments (“Kimber should look further into ADI history,” April 21) regarding Kimber’s “interpretation of the events surrounding John Drayman.”

Molano has been a constant critic of Drayman, along with Mike Mohill and Barry Allen, ignoring all of the things that have been accomplished while Drayman was on the City Council.

Maria Smart (“Mud on a councilman’s face,” April 11) also wrote about how John Drayman had attacked Mohill, saying “Public office is no place for the thin-skinned”.

Fair enough, Ms. Smart, but then Mohill shouldn’t have been so thin-skinned and whined about how Drayman made him admit he was gay. Mohill spent more time making and perpetuating accusations against Drayman than actually presenting his plans for improving the quality of life in Glendale.

To give Mohill and Smart credit where credit is due, at least they are citizens of Glendale. Molano, who is constantly criticizing the Glendale City Council, is a resident of Tujunga. As they used to say in the old days, he doesn’t even have a dog in this fight.

Drayman was the first City Council member to actually provide a voice for the Glendale citizens in the foothills — the Glendale annex of La Crescenta, Verdugo City, Montrose — and now that voice is gone. He not only spoke out and advocated for our area, but he also cared and continues to care about the entire city of Glendale.

He has proven, despite the accusations from the likes of Molano, Mohill, and Allen, that he wants to make it a better city for everyone. If he should choose to run again in the future, he can count on me to be a proud supporter.

I would suggest that Molano spend less time and effort criticizing Glendale officials and check out his own area for a change. I would also suggest that if Mohill wants to run for public office, he should come up with ideas to help our city rather than constantly criticizing the elected officials in his role as “gadfly.” He might even think about joining a committee or volunteering his services to a community organization until he can run for office again.

Lastly, I have a question for the registered voters of Glendale who didn’t even bother to vote: why? It’s a disgrace that only one out of four voters cast their ballots in an election that determines the future of our community.

Do you have time to stop at Starbuck’s for a latte? Do you have time to get a manicure? If so, then you have time to vote, a privilege that American military personnel have been fighting and dying to guarantee for you.

Please don’t let their service be in vain next time you have an opportunity to vote.

Kathleen Garcia

La Crescenta