Editor, Manteca Bulletin,
Dear Ms. Enriquez and Park Neighbors (“Was it Soccer Competition or Trash-a-Thon?”):

Thank you very much for bringing this inconvenience to our attention. We sincerely apologize for the trash that got away. As you rightfully stated, it was very windy and most, if not all, of this trash would not have gotten away. We had 10 large garbage cans in the park that were continuously monitored, and emptied as necessary. We will make sure that this does not happen next time we use the park.

Manteca Futbol Club hosted this event called “Play Date,” where boys and girls ages 8-10 have a day of fun soccer.  About 160 teams, 32 of which were at Antigua Park, came to our city along with their extended families. We believe this benefits our city economically and generates extra revenue needed at times when our State has billions of dollars of budget deficit.  This is by no means that we have to accept trash in our streets from anyone. I am sure the flip-flop sandal was not left behind on purpose as many kids (less than 10 year old) had forgotten their valuables in the park as well.

Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we apologize on behalf of the soccer community, and we shall do better next time.