Doctor a Community Asset

To the Editor:

I'm writing in regard to the Rolling Hills Estates Business Owners Association recently formed to help bring balance to the Peninsula Village Plan, but most specifically in regard to Dr. Peggy Herrera, owner of Peninsula Pet Hospital. I had only a short relationship recently with Herrera while we kept our son’s dog for a year, but I developed great respect for her as a vet and as a person. Many of my friends have been longtime 'patients' of Herrera's, and some think of her almost with awe for the way she has handled her life's tragedies. To think she faces such an uncertain future as she begins to consider her retirement is appalling to me. Not only has she been practicing in Rolling Hills Estates since 1974, but she is a real community asset, contributing generously of her services for local causes.

If persons such as Herrera, with her personal character and generous spirit, are not given fair consideration along with tax revenue and development profit issues, I think we are all a little diminished as a community. As a consumer in the area, it would certainly affect my loyalty regarding shopping choices at the Peninsula Village.

Patti Richards
Palos Verdes Estates