High gas prices are no shocker
The cost of gas may be high, but it’s not surprising. Not to anyone who has paid attention the last few decades, anyway. In 1978, the average cost of a gallon of gas was 83 cents. A stamp was 13 cents, a dozen eggs was 82 cents and milk was $1.70.
Today, the national average for a gallon of gas is $4.07. A stamp is 42 cents, a dozen eggs is creeping toward $3 and a gallon of milk is about $3.60.
Cost on everything has more or less tripled in the last 30 years. Why should we think gasoline would be any different?
I’m not saying I like paying $50 or more to fill up my tank. I’m just saying it’s not a big shocker to have to do so.
JESSE L. BYERS
Burbank
FAA actions are unconscionable
It seems unconscionable that the Federal Aviation Administration, in far-off Washington, D.C., would delay implementation of an aviation curfew for up to a year and a half (“FAA urges further study,” June 18).
Meanwhile, sleep deprivation continues, while arguments that nearby airports would have to accept the rejected flights clearly is a specious argument.
In Orange County, the once-planned El Toro International Airport sits empty and unused for 24 hours a day, seven days a week because of the unilateral action by the city of Irvine, which has complete control of the area. Although the former El Toro Air Force Base’s runways are used in emergencies by pilots whose engines fail, there is no FAA in the tower, no general aviation and no scheduled commercial flights.
Stopping all 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. landings and takeoffs at Bob Hope Airport makes a lot of sense to the people who have to listen to them.
These are private airplanes that are affected, and pilots soon learn not to take off when their destination of choice is not available.
Predictions of diverting Bob Hope Airport flights to other nearby airports simply are based on the status quo at Bob Hope, and will not happen with the curfew. Teach the private pilots a lesson. Fix a public health hazard.
DONALD NYRE
Newport Beach
Firing people seems to be top priority
In the June 18 edition of the Burbank Leader, I read that the Burbank school board has just announced it is considering laying off or cutting back nine teaching assistants who provide tutoring to students who need it most (“School board looks at cutbacks to staff”).
