The Old Broad Speaks Her Mind
Airport Noise and the Button
Let’s start this column by saying those of you that will tell me that they are used to the airport noise do not have to read any further. Let’s continue this column by saying to those of you that say that the airport was here before me do not have to read any further either. Those of you that will say there is nothing we can do about the airport can also skip this column. And those of you that will say that I am always bitching about something do not have to read any further either. And those of you that are not bothered by the black soot, or the shaking windows, or the air pollution – well – you can skip reading also. Because I am pissed by all of the above.
Today, Sunday, October 28th, I pushed the airport noise button 7 times; four times within two hours. These were not just airplanes that were on a missed approach. No! These airplanes were the ones that were loud; offensive, and I prayed – and I am not a praying person – that they would get off the ground and up into the air. The noise was unbearable; and it lasted, and lasted, and lasted as they took a turn to the south over Sunset Cliffs.
I am not used to the noise. My quality of life has drastically changed since PSA left. My quality of life has changed since the flight pattern has changed. I bought my house because it was NOT in the flight pattern. I bought my house because I was assured that airplanes would not be flying over it. I no longer can sleep past 6:30am any morning because of the noise of the airplanes. And it is continual. All day. Every day. And it doesn’t stop when the airport is supposed to cease flights at 11:30pm. No. It continues long after that. And, even though I am not a betting person – and just coming back from Las Vegas it should have stayed that way – I bet you that within 10 years the airport will be flying 24 hours a day – every day.
So what are we going to do about it? Say “grow up and get used to it?” Hell no! Santa Monica airport residents are complaining; Burbank airport residents are complaining. La Jolla residents are complaining and the noise is worse in Pt. Loma and all we can do is say “suck it up.”
Get with it people. Complain. Talk about the pollution that you are breathing in every day. Talk about the ear pollution; talk about the possibility of an accident. Do not be so complacent. If the FAA does not hear from you they will think everything is all right and continue to turn those jets southward – over our homes. Don’t tell me that you like it; makes you feel good, because I think if that is you something is wrong with you – maybe hard of hearing.
What we have now is an accident waiting to happen. What we have now is a quality of life that will get worse. Don’t know where to complain if you don’t have the little button? Easy. Put the airport complaint number in your memory dial and call each and every time a plane strays over where it should not go. I’ll make it easy for you – here’s the number – 1-619-400-2799.
You want a button? Go to Amazon. But just don’t sit there. Do something. The entire neighborhood will thank you!
The “Caravan”
Unbelievable! 5200 active-duty troops are being sent to the Mexican border to prevent these people trying to escape from crime, poverty, and assault from coming across the border. Can you imagine how bad your life would have to be to walk over 2000 miles, with your children in tow, to try and escape from your country? These people aren’t murderers, drug dealers, criminals, etc. These people are trying to make a better life for themselves.
What are 5200 troops going to do? Shoot them if they get out of line? This is not a combat situation. These people do not pose a threat to the United States. Are the troops going to be paid combat pay for this ridiculous assignment? The government – read the US taxpayer – is going to pay for their food, their housing, their uniforms, etc. to stop these people from seeking a better life in the United States. What in the hell is this country coming to?
And now, the stupid idiot that is in the white house has said that he might suspend Habeas Corpus. That means that a person cannot be kept in jail unless they have first been brought before a court of law, which then decides whether it is legal for them to be kept in prison. You know who suspends Habeas Corpus? Dictators. That is who suspends Habeas Corpus. And that is exactly what the person in the White House is.
What in the hell is wrong with the Senators and Representatives of Congress? What has happened to the “check and balance” form of government we USED to have? Where are the balls of these people, men and/or women? Isn’t anyone watching? Is everyone so scared of the evil man in the White House – or should that now be called the “gold house?” – that they are too frightened to see what is happening and call him on it.
This is not an “invasion” as trump called it. There are no “middle east” criminals in the caravan. There are no gang members and “very bad people” on their way here. And, if there were, how in the world would he know? These are predominately women and children. Children! In strollers; being carried by their parents. I have yet to come in contact with a child criminal. The president’s mother was an immigrant. His three wives were immigrants. What is wrong with this man? What is wrong with his followers that think this is the right thing to do? What is wrong with the elected officials that sit on their asses and say and do nothing?
What is happening to our Country?
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for saying what needed to be said…the airplanes get worse with each day….and I like you bought a house out of the flight path. The noise is so bad that I can no longer sit outside and enjoy my backyard. The soot all over my plants.
And…blessings on each and every person in the caravan…indeed..what kind of country have we become.
Well said Judy
Thank you, Joyce. Others do not feel the same way. I worry about what our country is becoming.
“These people aren’t murderers, drug dealers, criminals, etc.” ????
How do you know this? There are a LOT of extremely unsavory things going on all over the world, especially south of our border – and how insane would it be for us to just welcome them in cart blanche? What other country would do such a thing? none? I don’t see this as an issue of race at ALL. We have more than our share of crime as is and really very little reprecussion, everyone knows it. We can’t even take care of our veterans or people already here legally!! CA is always crying “broke” – half of our taxes go to “social programs” how much more? My friend is currently fostering 2 of 11 kids (yes, 11) all here illegally to an illegal “mother” and many various illegal “fathers”. Mom convicted of child sex trafficking – using her children as decoys. Who’d believe it? Well it happens all the time! Hard for any half way decent person to imagine but… any idea how costly her trial was? Incarceration for however long? care for her ELEVEN children? Simply unsustainable and infuriating to boot! Read the news (?) daily interception of boats loaded with TONS of heroin, oxy, etc. Right off PL, La Jolla, etc. This is simply reality.
I don’t think anybody is suggesting that we just open our borders, but these people do have a right to file for asylum. Whether or not it is granted is another matter entirely, unrelated to a peaceful march toward the possibility of freedom.
Amanda, there are many “Americans” with the same problem as those trying to come to America. Are you going to turn away women and children because you think they might get pregnant and need welfare, or are you going to welcome them because they have been assaulted; they have been used as sex slaves; they have no means of working. American’s are known for being compassionate and willing to help. Until someone is proven to be a criminal, just like all of those people that have committed mass murders that were born in America, I welcome them and whatever I can do to help them I will do. As for the veterans – many of them do not want to live anywhere. We are taking care of our people; perhaps we can do it better, but those people that want to come here are willing to work at jobs that no one else wants. The eleven children you site is not the norm; and I hope to goodness that your attitude is also not the norm. I also researched to see if there are “daily interception of boats loaded with TONS of heroin, etc.” and could not find anything to back up your statement. There are boats that have been confiscated with drugs on them. Sunset Cliffs has their share, but there are NOT daily interceptions. And the people that are coming here are NOT the people bringing in the drugs. And I don’t mind my taxes going to Social Programs. We are more than a village. We are a country that is compassionate and willing to help others get ahead.
Murderous drug dealing criminals typically don’t walk through months of horrid conditions with ailing family members while publicly announcing their intent to legally apply for asylum from a country that’s fallen apart. And yes, it would be insane to ‘welcome them carte blanche,’ and this is why we have immigration courts. This notion of an invasion would be laughable if it weren’t so insidious.
Or you know, we could all just resort to hysteria!!!!
> how insane would it be for us to just welcome them in cart blanche?
We don’t. Are you aware of what the asylum process entails?
> What other country would do such a thing?
30, actually. And there are only 26 constitutional republics in the world – do the math.
> I don’t see this as an issue of race at ALL.
That’s because you’re willfully ignorant.
> We can’t even take care of our veterans or people already here legally!!
This is a straw man. What do our veterans have to do with immigration?
> CA is always crying “broke” – half of our taxes go to “social programs”
This is the same for federal – in fact it’s higher.
> Read the news (?) daily interception of boats loaded with TONS of heroin, oxy, etc. Right off PL, La Jolla, etc. This is simply reality.
This is a lie. They maybe intercept half a dozen a year.
> This is simply reality.
No. This is a reality you’ve conjured in your mind based on terrible critical thinking.
I think the process entails detaining them…. OH THE HUMANITY
Or waving them through and relying on the honor system that they’ll show up in court without having to be chased down in an expensive fashion by ICE in some sanctuary city that obstructs law and order.
I imagine some might object if the airport just started waving masses of people through because the security line was overwhelmed. “Have a nice day, please don’t blow up the plane”
The US does not allow the asylum process to begin unless you come to US soil. They don’t allow anyone who could possibly be a credible threat to be released until their hearing. Are you aware of how strict the process is regarding this line of questioning?
Even when they arrive, only 75% are initially granted the process. Of those granted the process, only 25% are granted asylum.
Maybe Trump should stop ignoring the pleas for more immigration judges.
I love you Judy – Well Said!
Thank you, Linda.
Judy,
How many of these poor souls have you taken in or supported financially in the past or are willing to do so in the future? My guess is never- not happening. People such as yourself believe that it is our government’s responsibility to take them in. What about all the Homeless Persons that we have to deal with in OB? They “Post Up” wherever, on Newport’s businesses’ storefronts, alleys, and once, under my car cover, pulling it off, and using it as a blanket! From what I’ve observed lately, most are are younger. They choose to live this way, the older vagrants seem to have mental issues, which I think should should be given the opportunity for help. I have no problem using tax $ to facilitate this. I WILL enjoy my much deserved retirement in 2015 -OB, which since 1971, when I went to SDSU, and have not left since…
> How many of these poor souls have you taken in or supported financially in the past or are willing to do so in the future?
How is this relevant? And if it is – how many people are you indirectly responsible for their lack of well being and possibly death because you voted for a man whose administration would rather send them back to unsafe environments with no opportunity because you’re scared of a boogeyman?
> People such as yourself believe that it is our government’s responsibility to take them in.
No. It’s our country’s responsibility to take them in IF they are granted asylum. By the way – did your family just happen to be here with the Native Americans?
> What about all the Homeless Persons that we have to deal with in OB? They “Post Up” wherever, on Newport’s businesses’ storefronts, alleys, and once, under my car cover, pulling it off, and using it as a blanket! From what I’ve observed lately, most are are younger. They choose to live this way, the older vagrants seem to have mental issues, which I think should should be given the opportunity for help. I have no problem using tax $ to facilitate this.
This has nothing to do with the conversation.
> I WILL enjoy my much deserved retirement in 2015 -OB, which since 1971, when I went to SDSU, and have not left since…
I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to watch Fox News in the coming years.
Yes, thank you for speaking your mind..where are the sosmart developers and designers to design quieter, “electric planes” like the cars? Where is the R&D money for that? Spent on unless trillion dollar budgets for the military that likes explosions…explosions are some kind of male orgasmic addition…and to address theworrier about drug imports…well all that can be said is that the drugs are being IMPORTED to satisfy the desires of ANERICANS who want to evade/escape something…
We’re a loooooong ways off from that, considering that the energy density of jet fuel is about 50 times that of a Tesla battery.
That’s gonna be a heavy electric plane.
Hybrids will be first out of the gate for commercial operations. They have to be developed from the ground up.
Smaller scale all-electrics (10 -15 really short range commuter flights) are just three years out! An aircraft manufacturer is developing an electric re-engining kit to convert existing short-haul commuter planes. There are a whole bunch of inter-island routes that flight endurances of less than an hour are perfect candidates for them (the shortest sheduled commercial flight is less than two minutes).
There. Gave y’all some long-term hope. Now, shorter term:
The loudest jets are the oldest. The new aircraft are sooo much quieter. Retirement of the 737/757/767/320s will help a lot.
For decades San Diego studied moving the airport. It is not gonna happen.
“where are the so smart developers and designers to design quieter, “electric planes””
WORKING, unlike most of the people who moved next door to an airport and now sit at home whining about it it and trying to steal from the rest of us. From two days ago: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612351/top-battery-scientists-have-a-plan-to-electrify-flight-and-slash-airline-emissions
The target aircraft that these guys want to start with would be perfect for flying out of SMO to other places in the region, with no pollution and very little noise.
But guess what? When fake NIMBYs and the politicians who pander to them, developers, and other land speculators succeed in having our airports destroyed… there is no financial incentive to develop innovations like electric planes. And thus the hypocrisy and lies of the anti-airport people are revealed: Their own campaign will prevent the resolution of the problems they’re complaining about.
And talk about gullible! I’m going to start selling NIMBY buttons for $30.
I am writing from Los Angeles and I live very close to the flight path of the Santa Monica airport. We are fortunate to have active people working hard to do what’s best for the community. And Bless You for speaking your mind. Hopefully it will wake others to see more clearly and move our country towards a better and more humane world – and vote to boot the would be dictator-president and his cronies out of power.
Thanks, Roy. Used to live in the Santa Monica airport area. Know what you are talking about. Your neighbors are TALKING; only a few of us are making noise – excuse the pun – here.
The world needs more old broads like you!
Thanks, Alan.
I lived in OB/Point Loma most of my life. I flew in an airplane for the first time when I was 13 y.o. That was in 1963 and the plane was a prop, one of 2 flights out of S.D. There were 16 parking spots at Lindberg field. How many homes were in the area prior to this time? I have timed jets thundering overhead today. Every 30 seconds and the “curfew” is laughable. The should have moved the damn airport decades ago.
Re the airport noise, Hearo earplugs have changed my sleeping life. I hear nothing once I put them in. Not even my snoring bf just inches away from me. May not be as practical when you have dogs or alone, but I hadn’t slept well in years without them.
The plane noise sounds like an exaggeration to me. I live under the southbound flight path as well. I have single pane windows and no insulation and great hearing.
Yes there is a line of planes at 6:30, there always has been. It usually wakes me if I’m not up already. Flights get more and more spread apart as the day goes on, and there are very few late in the day that get my attention. The last one is usually around 9:30 or 10pm, low and loaded, heading to London.
Foggy weather can change things by adding late night approaches. There’s more of those than take-offs, and no curfew for it. Maybe that’s what she’s hearing more of lately.
I assume she’ll be voting for Zapf who is fighting against the airport expansion.
I am NOT voting for Zapf!!!!!
The “new” terminal one expansion will mean 700 more low, loud flights per week and, likely, a “modified” curfew. Bet the FAA and Airlines won’t figure out a way to modify the variance the airport currently operates under (which is due for renewal again in 2022), too, eh?
In 1972 San Diego County (county) declared Lindbergh Field a “noise problem airport” in accordance with state regulations.
Judy, keep using the “button”. And encourage every community member to register commercial aircraft noise reports everyday of the year. It generates data that would otherwise not be collected by the local lackeys of the airlines (the SD Airport Authority).
I can solve this problem! And I have an answer for the critical thinking skill-less authors of comments of ‘the airport was here first.’
1st point:
Only allow planes of the size that were taking off and landing in the year 1960 to land at Lindberg Field. I used the word planes you’ll notice, not gi-freaking-gantic jumbo jets. Propeller driven PLANES. Those are the noise levels that the houses on Pt. Loma, OB, and MB were built to listen to.
Or even better. How about only the size planes of the 1st year of operation. Problem solved!
2nd point:
Hasn’t any of you skill-less ever read about the extremely negative reaction of the human body? The endocrine system and brain function etc etc that is subject to increasing and long-term decibel levels of pure noise becomes literally toxic. If none of you have, I’d suggest that you educate yourselves before commenting to keep your embarrassment to a minimum.
If nothing else, to truly understand just how powerful loud sounds can be, I’d suggest a go at standing in front of one of those wonderful new SWAT LRAD ‘Acoustic Device’ that were invented for use in war (and now used on US citizen protesters of course, your tax dollars at work) for, oh maybe, let’s say try to stand there for a whole minute to find out exactly what noise can do for you! I read somewhere that the toughest Navy Seal lasted 10 seconds…
sealintheSelkirks
Well said on all counts, Judi. And I love that picture of you!