Letter to the Editor: Don't minimize the value of golf courses

Dear Editor:

My family moved to Downey in 1954 when I was six months old. I grew up attending the Downey schools, playing sports, enjoying youth groups, and volunteering to support our fine city.

Some of the fondest memories I have was playing the back nine at Rio Hondo Golf Course with my father two days a week, early in the morning.

I agree with the letter Alexa Davis wrote last week about AB 1910.

My husband and his friends play Rio Hondo every Friday morning and have shared stories about other interesting people they have met. People come from all over Southern California to play golf at Rio Hondo. My cousin drives from Torrance once a week to play here as well. This all brings recognition to our city and promotes the revenue that help subsidize other parks and open spaces that everyone in Downey enjoys.

Assembly member Cristina Garcia may have good intentions regarding affordable housing but she is barking up the wrong tree when it comes to using our local golf courses.

Our local golf courses are used for fundraisers and there have been times when it’s hard to find a tee time because the courses are being utilized so much.

There has been a recent study that golf minimizes the risk of dementia and heart disease.

Cristina Garcia, do your homework and find other options for affordable housing.

Deborah Bell
Downey