Mailbag

Adding artificial turf nothing to brag about

Before you start jumping for joy about the new field and stadium construction at Burbank High and Burroughs, you should stop and consider how awful artificial turf is ("School athletics get boost," July 28).

My child plays club soccer and will be playing at Burroughs this fall.

We have had experience with these artificial fields and the experience is not good.

Have you fallen on an artificial field? Can you say carpet burns?

Have you felt the excessive heat that comes off these fields and the distinct smell of petroleum from the turf and black rubber pellets they add to it?

It is a sickening smell and the extra heat these fields generate can not possibly be a help to athletes.

Instead of jumping for joy, we should be questioning this move. Economics cannot be the sole reason. It is no wonder that the new stadiums built across this country use real turf.

Real grass is better, safer and will be better for the athletes.

BARRY SARNA

Burbank

State of flag was a deplorable sight

I am a longtime resident of Burbank and I believe this is one of the best places in the U.S.A. to live.

Last Friday night my wife and I went to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen across from Macys as we frequently do. I happened to glance up at the flag pole atop Macys and was shocked and dismayed at what I saw — a soiled flag hanging limp against the building. (I have since been informed that the problem has been fixed.) With our men and women fighting and dying every day, this is one of the most deplorable things I have seen in a long time. We might as well have a flag burning every day. This is not the face we want to show the world. I don't know how long this has been there or who is responsible for the maintenance of this site. When we find out, I hope the fine will fit the crime.

AL LANOIL

Burbank