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Readers speak out about Raley's sign

Letter to the Editor for September 2, 2009 edition

(Updated: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 5:50 PM)

Dear Editor,

First off, thanks for the great article on the sign ordinance in the Aug. 20 edition. Don't we live in a beautiful community?

We have both been very involved in the community as a Rotarian, as Oakhurst Chamber president in 2006, as board member of the Oakhurst Community Advisory Council and as incoming president of the Oakhurst Chamber for 2010.

We appreciate the efforts and the expense that local businesses have gone to in complying with the Oakhurst Area Sign Ordinance. They have complied even though it has created financial burdens.

We know the ordinance may not be perfect, however, the results speak for themselves. If you look down highways 41 and 49, you will see the obvious improvement. The efforts of these business owners who have complied have resulted in a more beautiful Oakhurst and they deserve a big thanks.

It is discouraging that some businesses have refused to comply -- businesses that have been supported for decades by this community. We personally have both shopped at Raley's for more than 20 years and now feel compelled to change our shopping habits.

Tim and Susan Madden, Ahwahnee

Dear Editor,

The Sierra Star's Aug. 20 feature on the progress of height restriction compliance to the Oakhurst Area Sign Ordinance was informative and revealing.

It is flat-out wonderful that 92 out of 100 businesses are in compliance. That's a tribute to those property and business owners that have made the community a far more inviting place to visit and in which to live.

It is also damning to those who have not complied. Yes, some say they are now on the road to compliance, and better late than never. But a few just won't comply, and that's revealing about those venues.

The most visible case in point is Raley's, whose official spokesperson is quoted as saying their oversize sign "is in compliance with California Business and Professions Code 5499." So there, says Raley's.

They're waving their middle finger at Oakhurst. Those are the same people that claim to want our business. Well, I'm waving back and going across the highway for my vittles.

And a wave of mine to Taco Bell too. And to every other venue that ducks compliance.

Hope your readers join me in the wave.

John W. Hays, Oakhurst

Dear Editor,

I read with interest the article regarding the implementation of the Oakhurst sign ordinance. This is an example of the business community at its best doing what is best for the entire area.

I hope the community at large appreciates the time and expense that these business owners have incurred to come into compliance. Especially taking into consideration the current economic climate.

This being said, to say that the position of Raley's is a disappointment would be a gigantic understatement. The response of their spokesperson was nothing short of arrogant.

Many business owners who do not have the deep pockets of Raley's and with less prominent locations have done their part to their own detriment -- see Mike Sullivan of Big O -- yet Raley's appears to not appreciate the support they have enjoyed these many years. The ordinance is in part based on the Lake Tahoe ordinance, among others, which Raley's is in compliance with.

Why there and not here?

It is also interesting to note that when the Chamber board voted to submit the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors, the manager of Raley's at that time who was also a Chamber board member voted for the ordinance. I know because I was there.

Let us not forget the other grocery store and fast-food chain -- Vons and Taco Bell -- that also are not in compliance. The main difference between these large corporations and the other businesses that have complied is the size of the pocketbook.

The ones with the most appear to think this makes them above the fray and take the support of the community for granted. We have always shopped locally in general and at Raley's specifically -- Susan worked at Raley's for 11 years. However, we will not hesitate to do our shopping elsewhere until they see the light.

We urge others to do the same and to also support the businesses that have made the change and let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifices.

Douglas and Susan Macaulay, Oakhurst