June
18, 2010
Dear
Three Rivers Visitor:
We would like to talk frankly with you about
our town’s namesake: the three rivers.
Most likely, the Kaweah River is why you are
here. It is certainly the principal reason why
we live here. Read more...
The Kaweah River is sacred. It is the lifeblood
of this community and serves as either the focal
point or backdrop in everything we do. The residents
of Three Rivers respect the river and understand
its power. The river rules; we can never rule
the river.
This time of year, river issues take precedence
in all that most residents think about or do.
Please know that the Three Rivers community
wishes to share this awesome natural resource
with you, but there is some critical information
that you should know.
Most importantly, this entire community mourns
when a visitor succumbs to the forces of the
river. Whether it’s the witnesses, the
heroic locals who will attempt to save you,
the first responders, the volunteer ambulance
crew, or even the newspaper staff who must convey
the devastating story, many people are deeply
saddened by such a tragedy. And multiple drownings
occur in the Kaweah River every year. You must
never, ever underestimate the power of this
waterway or it will take your life away in an
instant.
Also, even if the sight of the refreshing water
proves irresistible on a hot day, please respect
private property and “No Trespassing”
signs. If you do properly access the river and
spend time along its shores, please carry out
what you carried in. This is an unincorporated
community with no scheduled trash pickup or
routine upkeep at local river sites. You were
obviously drawn here by the unique beauty, so
consider it your personal responsibility to
keep the waterway pristine for the next visitor
by properly disposing of your beer and soda
cans, food containers, cigarette butts, and
your children’s dirty diapers.
We sincerely believe that the County of Tulare
has the responsibility to be the lead agency
in providing you with a public river access
site. After all, our local tax dollars all go
to the County. Currently, Three Rivers has no
organization to spearhead such a project. Certainly,
all visitors would appreciate having parking,
restrooms, public river access, trash cans,
picnic tables and awnings, specific rules and
regulations, and regular upkeep and maintenance,
which could all be provided by Three Rivers
tax revenue and visitor-use fees. Yes, we believe
that it is well past time for the County to
invest in Three Rivers.
And, finally, if you are a parent of a teenager
from the Valley, we would like to ask the age-old
question: Do you know where your children are?
Because most likely, they will be coming to
Three Rivers with their friends this summer.
Please discuss with them (1) how to legally
access the Kaweah River, (2) the life-threatening
dangers of these waterways, and (3) the illegalities
of underage drinking and the deadly consequences
of drinking and driving.
Stay safe...
John
and Sarah Elliott
Owners/Publishers
THE
KAWEAH COMMONWEALTH
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