Leters to the Editor 06.23.16

United We Stand

Heartbroken, outraged and disgusted by the horrific mass shooting in Orlando, Muslim Americans are experiencing immense grief at this tragic time. Such an act of violence can never be justified by any religion, including Islam, which sanctifies human life. The Constitution guarantees all people the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness while the Quran tells us that the taking of one innocent human life amounts to the killing of all of humanity.

Muslim Americans offer our deepest condolences to the innocent victims’ families and friends. We stand together with the people of Orlando, with the LGBT community and with all good people against prejudice, bigotry, discrimination, bullying and the demonization of entire communities. Now is the time to unite against hate, gun violence and all those who promote it. As members of a similarly maligned and vulnerable community, Muslim Americans stand together with LGBT people in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. Hajjia Katharina Harlow | Pacific Grove

Dog Days

Mr. Tiscornia, when you’re explaining, you’re losing (“The SPCA responds, and lays out its mission,” June 16-22). When you’re in a hole, stop dig ging. Your euthanasia rate is still 50 percent, right? Yes, I thought so. Sheila Williams | Monterey

Wouldn’t the chances of passing pet sterilization ordinances have been much improved if the public knew that only about half of the animals admitted to the SPCA made it out alive? It shouldn’t require investigative reporting for us to know the truth about the fate of animals entrusted to SPCA care. Even today, SPCA euthanasia statistics remain unpublished. Kristi Fredrickson | via web

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue has had a mutually respectful relationship with the SPCA since our inception in 2009, and although we only took three dogs from the SPCA in 2014, we did take in 10 in 2015 and six so far in 2016 (“A close look at the SPCA for Monterey County’s euthanasia rates,” June 9-15). The staff and volunteers have always been caring and helpful in our collaborations. We at POMDR are aware we have the luxury of choosing the dogs who come into our program. It is a luxury that open-admission shelters, like the SPCA, do not have. We work hard to adopt senior dogs and dogs with major medical issues, but we must turn away aggressive dogs.

My hope is our community will continue to support all the animal welfare groups: SPCA, Salinas Animal Services, Monterey County Animal Services, Animal Friends Rescue Project and POMDR. We all do critical work. Carie Broecker | Pacific Grove

Editor’s note: Carie Broecker is executive director of Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.

Whose Park Is It Anyway?

When I heard about the possibility of a Carmel State Park, I knew it would be a dream come true for any visitor (“Carmel residents embrace NIMBYism in opposition to State Parks plan,” June 9-15). But the reality is far from dreamy. The neglect and abuse that our priceless lands and their facilities suffer is appalling. The majority of parks are plagued by deferred maintenance and overdue upgrades due to decreased funds and staff. The conditions are compounded by people’s lack of respect for public property. How would a Carmel State Park be treated any differently and help preserve or enhance the area’s phenomenal natural environment? Until there are sufficient resources available to teach respect and appreciation for our public lands and the conveniences provided and make abusers accountable, citizens don’t deserve a new state park and certainly not on the Monterey Peninsula.Linda Mullally | Carmel Valley

I didn’t see or hear any “hecklers” at the meeting. Concerned citizens, yes, but not hecklers. Concerned about the Highway 1 traffic mess and a parks department planning to make it worse; creating a new, larger park even though they can’t properly manage overcrowded Pt. Lobos; trying to attract more visitors without a shuttle service and more rangers; and eliminating 145 parking spaces. This is what people are upset about, not this unfounded notion of yours that’s it’s all about NIMBYism. Lloyd Finch | Carmel

Thanks for calling it like it was at the State Parks meeting. I was there (to advocate for bike access) and had the same reaction to the crowd, and was surprised [park officials] weren’t better prepared. Thanks for shining a light on the situation and reminding us that state parks are for everyone. Ed Mellinger | Carmel Valley

Hike or Bike

I understand bikes are not designed for Squid, but I still find Squid Fry to be misinformed and biased (“Con Trails,” June 16-22). None of the three committee members mentioned (myself, Sue Benjaram or Keith DeFiebre) have ever hidden our passion for mountain biking or hiking. Squid suggests incorrectly that the committee should be hikers vs. bikers. I see the committee as a means of assisting the county to come up with a plan consisting primarily of multi-use trails. Would not the community be best served by those familiar with both forms of recreation? I suspect Squid has lent an ear (do squid have ears?) to those who want to lock the gates to mountain biking. Phil Craig | Salinas

Since when must we pick just one sport and pledge allegiance only to that activity? As a biker and hiker, I’d want a trails committee member who has literally walked (or cycled) in the shoes of another, and truly understands the needs of more than one user group. The “us versus them” mentality is counterproductive. As a member of Fort Ord Recreation Trails Friends, comprised of many types of trail users, I encourage Toro Park folks to adopt its philosophy of “friends of the trails, and friends with each other,” and work cooperatively toward positive solutions. Henrietta Stern | Pacific Grove