To the editor:
This letter is in reference to a hate crime.
When we went out to pick up our mail on Saturday December 14, we were greeted with smoke bombs that had been ignited in our mail box, along with homo phobic lettering etched on the side of our box "F-U Fag."
We have lived in Ettersberg for about 16 years, and have never made our lifestyle an issue in any way. We have always gotten along well with our neighbors, or so we thought. We have always been private and have never bothered anyone. We are very tolerant and respectful of peoples rights and property.
Let's go back to the cause of the problem. On october 5, 1994, the Humboldt County Tax office held an auction on delinquent real estate, which was advertised and open to all. We were the successful bidders on a 40-acre parcel which corners our residence parcel-it went to the highest bidder. Apparently, there are some in the area who want the property very badly-they feel it is rightfully theirs. Harassment and intimidation is their game.
In the first week of November 1996, some individual(s) smashed in our gate on our newly acquired property and left pot clippings all over the ground. Deputy Sheriff Mike Downey advised it is called shake.
Again someone is trying to cause problems, apparently between us and them-a tactic that is doomed to failure.
We cannot believe that community members need or want this type of activity in our area, the last thing that some should want is high profile surveillance.
In the almost 40 years that we have been dealing in real estate, on a limited basis, we have never been subjected to this type of behavior. This latest mailbox incident is a federal hate crime, and has been reported to the federal authorities as well as the sheriff's office, and will be dealt with accordingly.
As in the past our home is open to our friends, and we thank the many who have called to offer their loving words of comfort and support. We chose to retire and invest in Southern Humboldt as senior citizens and we intend to stay.
Today us-who is next? An informed community is a strong community.
Respectfully,
Victor (Vic) Oteri and,
Carlton (Sam) Willis,
Ettersberg