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If they don't bolt to those agencies, then they face eight more months of classroom and field training before they are prepared to start out on their own. During training, some will realize police work really wasn't for them and resign; others will succeed. While the training process goes on, 50, 60, 70 or more senior officers will leave the department, taking countless years of law enforcement experience with them.

When will the city and residents understand, it's not the work, most successful cops love their jobs and don't want to do anything else. This exodus has been caused by the low pay and high cost of benefits, especially the cost of benefits for those trying to raise a family. The truth without any spin: Those who choose to leave for agencies can no longer afford to work here when they can earn hundreds more – doing the job they love – elsewhere.

There are plenty of people who want to serve and become a part of America's Finest. The trouble is, of those who apply, few are truly qualified to serve. While the city claims it's saving pennies on lower salaries for new officers and vacant positions, we're losing millions on the ones we've already trained. How does this make any sense at all?

ROBERT T. DAVIS
San Diego

I couldn't help but notice the headline about police officers' starting salary in San Diego. It is $43,576. Amazing that my first-year starting salary as an English teacher in the San Diego city schools was $43,588. And that's because I had a master's degree. Many of my younger colleagues made far less.

What does it say about a community where the guardians who protect us and those who champion our children make far less than people whose jobs don't put them on the line in tough predicaments every day. Think about it.

CATHERINE SPEARNAK
San Diego

I am so appalled by the lack of public outrage as we read every day of losing more and more seasoned and experienced police officers in San Diego to other cities or areas. San Diego is staggering in debt and funding problems because of greed, corruption and inferior management, and so of course we don't seem to have funds to pay the salaries and benefits we should to keep an outstanding police force.

Where will the money come from to fund the police force the way we should? Where did the money go in the first place that should be available for this most important function?

Our police force has to be a top priority. San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in the country to live in; how can we expect officers to serve and risk their lives with low pay and poor benefits. In the article we see a long line of well-intentioned but inexperienced young people applying for the police force. This is not encouraging since even among those who make the grade it will take too long to train and season them properly to be effective.

People need to flood the lines of their elected officials and raise the roof asking who will be protecting them, while they still have a roof to be protected.

DIANNE LINCOLN
San Diego

Taking issue with prom story treatment

Regarding “'Prom with me?'” (A1, May 20):

When I first saw the picture and read the caption of the prom couple on the front page, I thought it was cute. Then I went on to read the related article and was pretty disgusted.

My youngest of four is now 19, so I am done with all the high school activities. At that time I felt the whole subject of prom and after-prom was getting out of control with finances. Now the bar has certainly been raised, by kids with too much money and time on their hands and irresponsible adults.

By putting this story on your front page, no other promotion for this latest trend could have done a better job. It certainly didn't do the majority of high school students any favors.

KATHY MacMASTER
San Diego

I have to ask myself what the world is coming to when I read the front page of a large-city newspaper only to find the leading story is concerning itself with an overindulgent high school senior.

I suppose having an article like this on the front page means world peace has been accomplished, AIDS has been cured and poverty has diminished. However, last time I looked over other well-established newspapers, this was not the case.

Perhaps next time, the Union-Tribune will capture its readers with an article or issue more vital and integral to the world and society we live in.

RYAN HAZELTON
San Diego

Forget Miramar; look toward Del Mar

Why hasn't anyone suggested the land directly east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds as the site for a new airport? The stretch from Interstate 5 straight east is easily five miles of unfettered terrain. There is easy access from Interstates 5, 15 and 805 and state Route 56. Nobody actually lives in the valley so no one would have to be bought out and relocated. The only occupants are the Fairbanks Ranch Golf Course and a ranch for thoroughbred race horses.

As I see it, San Diego would have to do two things: claim eminent domain covering the area to be used, and redirect the low-level tributary to another path to the sea in a similar fashion as the San Diego River was diverted to accommodate Fashion Valley.

The city could then flatten the land, put in at least 10 three-mile-long runways and have a 24/7 operational airport within a year. Getting back to reality, I guess this will never happen because of all of the rich folks that live in that area. Just a thought.

LARRY SHARKEY
San Diego

Disillusionment over Dynes' leadership

The people of California have got to be feeling disillusioned about the way in which the Board of Regents have dealt with UC President Robert Dynes. This man is either not qualified for the position he holds or realizes he's accountable to a rubber stamp board. Dynes & Co. take good care of themselves while student fees and tuition go up and out of sight.

California has horrendous budget problems because of this sort of situation where no one is held accountable. It was the media who exposed what's been happening and it was the regents who have done nothing. John Moores' comments were disconcerting when he said, “We decided he is the best man to lead this extremely complicated organization.” I haven't gotten the feeling that he's leading anyone and certainly not our university system. If Dynes is the best California has to offer to lead one of the world's great universities, we are in trouble.

BOB ANNETT
La Mesa

Finding fault with Medicare program

I am a college graduate, a registered nurse and I find the Medicare program a total disappointment. It is very confusing, too costly and unfair. The only ones who benefit are the drug companies. This administration cares nothing about its seniors. Shame on them.

GOLDIE WALTERS
San Diego