Letters to the editor, March 24, 2008

We need roads, not murals

I have an idea! In order to create even more tourism for the city of Barstow, I'll build a Stonehenge-ish type monument (maybe something pertinent to the Barstovian Age) in my backyard in return for city of Barstow financial funding ($20,000 per year for two years). We all know of course that people will come in droves to appreciate this visual document of our history. Never mind the fact that they will travel over city streets that will physically resemble this age in time (a' la Flintstone/Rubble) to heighten the experience. What a bonus! Check the visual: they bounce into town, pothole after pothole, exclaiming, "Finally! The reason to make Barstow your destination ... and the roads are just perfect!"

Okay, okay... sarcasm aside, what's the deal with the roads? The holes and continual speed-bump streets have got to go. I've got the repair bill on my car for two tie rods and a couple of A.R.M. parts (connected to my wheels somehow). In addition to the dangers and costs incurred by those of us tortured by the roads (try 2nd Avenue, from Grace Street all the way to our beloved Del Taco on Hutchison and hang on tight!), there is a matter of public pride. These roads are an embarrassment. When you hear from out-of-towners about the despicable conditions of the roads here, they are verifiably bad.

Pride begins from the ground up and you can't keep your tourists from wandering off the beaten (but well-cared for) main paths (Barstow Road, Mt. View) and onto those that the locals must tolerate daily. You can put fancy clothes on her, but underneath, we all know she's got holes in her undies.

As an artist, I truly appreciate funding of the arts. As a cynic, I doubt the power of the mural program becoming the great catalyst for tourism here. It is what it is: gas, fast food, and a bunch of motels/hotels. In my opinion, this is misdirection on a scale that could escalate into further misgivings. Just calling it as I see it.

City leaders: take care of the infrastructure now please! Prioritize accordingly. We'd appreciate it greatly.

Annette Linebaugh
Barstow