« The End Of The World | Main | Council Campaigner's Company Corrals $2.6 Million »
May 06, 2008
Hangliding Beavers
| Video: Political TV ad directed at introducing hangliders
to Bidwell Park. It looks like the paraglider controversy is getting ready to blow up! I saw the political commercial above on local television last night. This will not make the Friends or even the Acquaintances of Bidwell Park happy. It looks like the Bidwell Hangliders are now using the possible paraglider approval as a stepping stone for their own park access. They've got a powerful ally as their spokesperson as well. On the other side of the argument there's another letter-to-the-editor in the E-R today suggesting that paragliding will somehow ruin Bidwell Park. What makes me laugh about this point of view is the total lack of perspective these people must have. I sometimes get the feeling that these fretting park lovers never actually go into Upper Park. I wonder if they sit in front of an alter to Annie Bidwell tucked away in their basement. The reason I get that feeling is that they never complain about the roads/cars, power lines, call boxes, and blueberry toilets. I'm sure they don't like those as well. But it's always recreational use by people that gets them up in arms. How can a dozen paragliders impact the park more than a hundred sunbathers at Bear Hole? They can't. The letter writer also accuses the Park Commission of turning a blind eye to the homes built on the south rim of Bidwell Park. Those homes were approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. The Park Commission had no say in the approval of those homes. More recently the Park Commission has created a park sphere of influence that will allow them to comment on planned development within 1000' of Upper Park's boundary. But even then they just get to make a statement, and have no authority to approve or deny a project. People should keep in mind that Upper Park is bounded by private property on its north and south sides. Chico's City Council could have made purchasing that property a priority over the last decade. Instead of securing the borders of Bidwell Park they've purchased Bidwell Ranch and Comanche Slough. Private property owners do, and should, have the right to develop their holdings. This is not communist Russia, private citizens are allowed to own things in America. The City Council had the right to spend money on pet projects of their supporters instead of expanding our existing parklands, and that's what they did in 2 of 3 land purchases. The paragliders are no big deal. Leave them alone to have their fun. |
 |
 CI Challenge: Can you guess what it is? Winner: None. See comments below for the answer. |
Posted by Lon at May 6, 2008 08:45 AM
Comments
the obvious solution to the paraglider problem is to just shut down the entire upper and lower park. Pull out the roads, bathrooms, picnic tables and signs. Not too mention those new concrete wastelands that they call "handicapped accessible" picnic areas. Sycamore pool could be removed, Caper Acres could be destroyed preferably with some loud obnoxious toddlers still playing in it. (they really do cause extensive noise pollution with their screams of joy...) Then and only then the wrath of the Annie could be appeased.
It is too bad that the paragliders have awoken the beast of Annie. In order to make her happy we now just need lots and lots of barbed wire. Not on her land of course, but we could create an easement on the surrounding property. Barbed wire all the way to Lassen... Then she will be no longer angry.
Posted by: Brian at May 6, 2008 09:28 AM
My guess for CIC is Icarus, who sailed to close to the sun and ensured its fury, not unlike hangliders stoking the fury of the "friends".
Posted by: Tina at May 6, 2008 11:00 AM
Brian,
I'm with you. More cyclone fencing and no trespassing signs all around. Let's keep people in the neighborhood parks that aren't built.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at May 6, 2008 01:59 PM
Tina,
Great guess, but it's not Icarus. It probably should have been. This is from a folk tale of a more middle eastern flavor.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at May 6, 2008 02:00 PM
I am a little bothered that nobody commented on the powerful video that was displayed here. Also, where else can you find out that invasive black panthers inhabit Bidwell Park?
Lon
Posted by: Lon at May 6, 2008 02:04 PM
It's great to see Scruffy getting involved with politics again.
Is he running for Council? He's got my vote. Where do I send money?
This is a great CIC today. I checked in late and nobody has it. Dang...I know I've seen it before.
My only guess so far is Ivan and the Firebird.
Posted by: Gregg at May 6, 2008 02:32 PM
There is nothing wrong with paragliders. I remember when I use to surf down south and watch them glide with the wind off the cliffs. It is not an easy sport and it takes alot of heart to run and jump off a cliff........now thats true grit
Posted by: Doc at May 6, 2008 03:32 PM
Lon,
I believe Mr Olio has been around Chico long enough to know that progressive obstructionism is what really caused those homes to be built so close to the canyon rim. Heck, I'm just a part-time resident and I know better. I guess some people just have to make up facts to fit their agenda. I sure hope someone calls him on it.
Posted by: Sean at May 6, 2008 08:07 PM
The CIC is the Chinese cook Hop-Sing from Bonanza catching a giant rooster for Hoss' dinner.
If it's not that, I give up.
Posted by: Anthony at May 8, 2008 04:01 PM
The CIC is Sinbad the Sailor catching a ride on the giant bird called a Roc. Roc's were supposed to be large enough to carry away elephants. The image is from a postage stamp.
There is also a popular golf disc called the Roc.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at May 9, 2008 07:38 AM