I write this letter with great concern. I have never had a reason to contact any editor of any newspaper to complain of the unprofessional
ethics and insensitivity of an article that was allowed to be printed in their newspaper. This is a first for me—but I feel that it is absolutely necessary that you be aware of how my family feels about a recent article that your paper published.
I am referencing the editorial cartoon that you allowed to be printed depicting Lompoc as the City of Embezzlers (Mayfield, Sept. 18). My family has lived in this quaint town for more than 15 years, and I am proud to be part of this community and its caring people. I have been a chamber ambassador for close to 10 years, so when I read this cartoon, I was absolutely appalled with the reference that was made. In one clear statement, it was said that our city should be known for the actions of a few unfortunate, misguided souls and not for the wonderful, positive actions of the majority. Your actions make me interpret this matter as though you somehow have a personal issue toward Lompoc—why else would this have been printed?
Do you think that by singling out Lompoc, you are validating that Santa Maria is clean of crime and does not also have a few people who are lacking integrity and positive direction? I recently read an article stating that Santa Maria has yet to publish its 2007 crime statistics. How interesting that over a two-year period (2005-2006), Santa Maria had 117 embezzlement cases. Again, why hasn’t Santa Maria made its 2007 statistics public?
Let me assure you, Mr. Miller, I did not find this article at all humorous—it only dishonored our close-knit community family and confirmed your thoughtlessness.
Lompoc is the City of Flowers and Murals, my city, and my home by choice.
This article appears in Oct 2-9, 2008.