(Editor’s Note: This is the second of three installments of letters submitted by Escalon High School students as part of a class project. Letters for inclusion were selected at random.)
Softball Field Issues
Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring attention to the conditions of the Escalon High School softball fields. The JV and Varsity softball fields are in need of shade for the dugouts and improvements to the JV softball field.
My first concern is that both the JV and Varsity softball fields have no shade for the players. The dugouts for both fields are completely out in the sun. This leaves the players sitting in direct sunlight, which is a problem because it gets very hot during the season. When you add running and playing to the mix, it becomes even worse. Players can experience heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. As a player myself, I think it is essential for players to have proper cover from the heat.
My second concern is that the JV field is not level, causing problems with flooding during the rainy season. Another problem we find on the JV field is that first base is not even and sticks up, which can cause players to become injured while running the bases.
I think these problems should be addressed to improve the quality and safety of the softball players’ performance on the field. Adding shade to the dugouts and leveling the JV field would make a positive difference for the players.
Sincerely,
Rosario Quintana
A Dog Park
Dear Editor,
We don’t have a dog park. Many, if not all of the Escalon community has a beloved pet. I see people walk their dogs all the time, but what about a park for them to play? None of our current parks are gated or accommodating for dogs. This is a problem because dogs deserve to be social just like us. And have a bigger place, than just your backyard, to run and play. We should create a dog park somewhere in Escalon, two separate areas, one for smaller dogs and one for bigger dogs. And of course a place for both combined.
This is so dog owners would be comfortable bringing their pet, and lower the chance of a big dog harming a small one. Many people in our community would go and bond over watching or playing with their dogs. Dogs deserve fun and being social like us; open a dog park in Escalon.
Payton Graham
Flock Cameras In Escalon
Dear Editor,
Flock cameras should not be in Escalon. Especially in a small town like this. Flock cameras are used wrongly and invade our privacy. This is in multiple cases as in stalking, spying, and other uses besides keeping us safe and stopping crimes. Escalon should have no business having these on their streets. If it was used wrongly in other places, what’s stopping them from using it wrongly here?
A way to combat this surveillance is having physical road control and more community patrol. We do not need this camera system in Escalon. This was why we should not have flock cameras in Escalon.
Thank you,
Ethan Young
Community Pool
Dear Editor,
Community pools are such a practical and crucial thing to have in a town. They help children learn to swim, give opportunities for a swim team, and help out families during the hot summer who don’t have a pool. This is a huge problem in Escalon because some people have to travel out of town just to be able to use a pool. The city should consider bringing back a community pool in Escalon. A pool could provide swimming lessons, a swim team, open swim, and other activities for the community. With a community pool, Escalon would have another place where families and kids could come together, stay active, and enjoy the summer.
Sincerely,
Nadia Graham
