Auburn City Council's decision on motel is disgraceful

When I read in the Journal that the Auburn City Council turned down the county's offer to buy Elmwood Motel for a home for those without, I was stunned. The council gave two reasons for their refusal: (1) The city would lose tax revenue, and (2) The city did not want travelers coming off Route 80 at the Elm Avenue exit to see a shelter for people in need as a first impression of Auburn. I paraphrased the reasons, but that does not hide the disgrace embedded in the council's decision. Years from now, readers of the Journal (if the Journal still exists) may come across this decision in the archives under a "Yesteryear" column and shudder with shame. George Hoffecker Meadow Vista Listen up, smokers: 'Butt Lady' has a message Wellll! It's that time again for a letter. Listen up, smokers! Please stop throwing your ugly, poisonous cigarette butt trash everywhere! Read my lips! Why do you not care what your poisonous cig butts do to Auburn or the planet? You smokers toss them onto streets, sidewalks, into wood chips, gravel, flower beds. You are poisoning birds, dogs, fish and other animals and plants. Sooo! Again! Listen up and read my lips! Don't throw your poisonous cig butt trash everywhere! Understand? Smarten up!! Since I started in 2014, there were 10 days I picked up over 3,000 cig butts. I keep track on a daily count of how many for the day and where I got them. A "BIG" thank you to everyone who appreciates what I'm doing. Dancing Dogs for 12 T-shirts and a jacket. Auburn Running Co. for 13 pairs of shoes. Local Heroes for some lunches. And also thanks to those who have given me money. I have a suggestion for your smokers. Finish smoking and eat your own cig butts. A good idea! And again, please stop throwing your poisonous, ugly cigarette butt trash everywhere! As of July 27, I have picked up 1,752,456 poisonous cig butts. That many won't be eaten by any animals. Sally Palmer Dawley The 'Butt Lady' of Auburn Thanks, Pat, for your friendship and love Patrick Ferreira, it's always been my life's ambition to do one thing to leave the world a better place because I was here and I believe you have done this. In our time of need, when my wife has dementia and I have cancer, you showed up without being asked and brought us food and friendship and love. We have a man in our community that we should all be proud of. We love you, Pat. Johnny and Libby Hottenstein Auburn Something happening in your community you have an opinion about? Gold Country Media welcomes Reader Input letters in all of its area publications. Letters should be no longer than 300 words and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. All topics must apply to the local community in which they are to be published. Letters must include publication of authors name. Letter writers are limited to one letter every 30 days and content is subject to review and approval by the editorial board prior to publication. Reader Input Letters can be submitted by CLICKING HERE: https://goldcountrymedia.com/live-content/form-letter-to-the-editor/