Mailbag: Outraged over pay parking lot

I am writing to express my consternation and outrage at the conversion of the downtown Burbank, 135 E. Olive Ave., post office into a for-profit parking lot after 6 p.m.

Let me get this straight: When I get off work at 7 p.m., I am expected to pay for the privilege of checking my P.O. Box mail? Apparently, no parking spaces have been reserved for postal patrons. Is that land not public property, paid for and maintained by taxpayers?

What's next, having to pay a private company to drive into Wildwood Canyon or Stough Canyon Nature Center? Paying a fee to some corporation for my kid to use the play structure at George Izay Park? Paid parking at the library? By what authority did this policy change occur? I was not made aware of any public comment period on this, and I question its legality.

Furthermore, this flies in the face of one of the best and most charming things about our city: that one can enjoy downtown Burbank shopping and dining without paying the exorbitant parking rates that are the norm in Pasadena, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

I fear this is the thin edge of the wedge — and if Burbank residents can no longer park for free to enjoy a meal or a movie, local merchants will lose my and many other patrons' business.

Sam Dlugach

Burbank

Let's observe Constitution Day

"The best government is that which communicates ease, comfort, security, or in one word, happiness, to the greatest number of people and in the greatest degree" — John Adams, 1787.

Today, Adams would be devastated as to how the current government does not communicate ease or happiness. Once again, in our usual subdued way, we the people of Burbank will honor America's birthday. In all the backyards, patios and parks around the city, we will enjoy our families, feasting and fireworks.

Sure, we all understand the meaning of July 4, but do we ever realize that on July 4, 1776 — 234 years ago — we were not even a country? The concept of having one united nation did not come easily to the diverse colonies of people who thrived on individuality and independence.

On the Fourth of July, 1788, the city of Philadelphia chose to combine independence celebrations with celebrations over the final ratification of the United States Constitution.