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Given this larger, dangerous trend, I believe cities should go out of their way to help tenants who are affected by this situation and should make sure they get moving assistance from the developer. So, I was disturbed to see the letter (South County Letters, May 11) from Steve Castañeda. He seems to be blaming city staff for helping tenants get the assistance they need to move. He also seems to be defending that he moved into the project and delayed it.

I believe he should do everything he can to make sure tenants are protected, especially since he himself is a tenant. We would all benefit, also, if he came clean about why he moved there, did whatever was necessary to fix the problem and stopped pointing fingers at others for what appear to be his own mistakes.

STEPHANIE MONROE
Chula Vista

Castañeda states that no tenants were forced to move out of the Sunbow condo project. I was a tenant at Sunbow.

I moved one week before Christmas and it was hard for me and my daughter. I'm a single parent and it was difficult for me to move out with such a short notice. The relocation assistance was not given to us until the move-out date. We received $1,000 in relocation assistance although I learned San Diego sets relocation assistance at three times the rent.

I believe he is the only one still living there. When I left in December, it was like a ghost town in my part of the complex.

Castañeda is the reason this project has not been able to go forward.

ELEANOR ZERTUCHE
Carlsbad

Parents crusade against Chula Vista Elementary

Many parents in the South Bay are up in arms about the decisions going on at the helm of the Chula Vista Elementary School District. Our superintendent, his staff and our board, along with 11 unprofessional teachers, are playing games with our children's education.

The parents and teachers who are deeply concerned about our education system in the South Bay want to be heard. When we approached the district board members earlier this month, we were met with an arrogant and uncaring board that only allowed over 300 parents and teachers a mere 20 minutes to speak.

What we want:

Our principals reinstated at Heritage Elementary and at Kellogg Elementary schools – before June 30. They were released without adequate reason.

Superintendent Lowell Billings and his cronies replaced, including indifferent board members.

A full investigation of personnel practices by remaining district leaders and board members.

Some parents and teachers have experienced intimidation from what we believe are the district and their cronies, but we will continue to press forward for our children's education. We now have a Web site, www.otayranchheritage.com.

STEVE YAGYAGAN
Chula Vista

Eminent domain editorial rebutted

I am responding to the South County editorial of May 18 that called Proposition C, a proposed restriction on eminent domain in Chula Vista, questionable.

What is more questionable is the unbalanced pile of shaky assumptions this conclusion is based upon. The editorial concludes that Proposition C is not necessary because it of questionable legality and because it is likely to become moot if an expected state ballot initiative is passed in November.

When Proposition C was placed on the June 6 ballot, two written legal opinions on the initiative's legality and legal basis were provided by proponents to the city. Both opinions supported the measure.

Chula Vista retained two outside law firms to analyze the initiative. The city neither issued an opinion on the measure nor challenged it.

Chula Vista has an ordinance that it won't condemn residentially zoned property for economic development purposes. The initiative expands this protection for tenants, business owners and all property owners.

A redevelopment agency can still condemn private property for economic development purposes but a public vote at a general municipal election would be required first.

The statewide initiative on eminent domain pushed for November is broader in scope and would require compensation for reduced use of property. Passage is far from assured.

Prop. C would not restrict the use of friendly eminent domain in Chula Vista.

Proposition C is needed now to protect Chula Vistans. Chula Vista's new redevelopment corporation bypasses three city commissions and minimizes public input.

Eminent domain should only be used to take property for private redevelopment if it is the will of the people. Vote Yes on Proposition C.

NORMA A. CAZARES
Chula Vista