Letters to the Editor 01.05.17

Working Life

The county cannot be allowed to brush this under the rug, to continue with business as usual with no consequences (“A county mental health specialist facing an uncertain future takes his life,” Dec. 29-Jan. 4). What a terrible and senseless tragedy. Nichole Lamb | via Facebook

Wow, great article. Had no clue Jackson left us; he was awesome to work with. Mina Hidalgo | Gonzales

He was and will always be a most honorable and good human being. He was there for me when I faced the same kind of pain and scrutiny in the most unfair and wrong way. Perhaps in the next life “things will be made right” for you. Kymmberlee Navarrette | via Facebook

Racism Today

Yep, got tired of the racism and stopped going to [Carmel]-by-the-Sea long ago (“Former Carmel employee alleges racism, sues the city,” posted Dec. 24). Dessy Junsay Murphy | via Facebook

Unfortunately, not a surprise in Carmel. Sad to say, but I’m surprised she was even hired. Susana Fonseca | via Facebook

Like this is so surprising. Valeria Sandoval | via Facebook

I went to a store once, everyone thought I was gonna rob the place. There are places where you’re just not welcome. Salvador Zavala | via Facebook

Rooftop Lending

Energy cost benefits of solar panels are disproportionately realized by wealthy property owners (“When it comes to going solar, some see a recipe for exploitation,” Dec. 29-Jan. 4). They are being subsidized by poor and working families who do not have solar panels and are forced to pay increasing rates. Schemes that transfer wealth from the poor to the rich have become the California way. Devin Podeszwa | Salinas

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is lowering utility bills by millions of dollars for Monterey-area homeowners who choose it to finance energy- or water-efficient investments in their homes. It’s also creating local clean-energy jobs and reducing emissions.

With such a public policy win-win-win, opponents are stretching to make baseless arguments. One misrepresentation focuses on how the HERO PACE program gives regional government entities the carbon credits so cities and counties can’t use them to comply with cuts mandated by the state. But, by design, the state separates the carbon credit market from how local governments do their emissions accounting.

Another baseless charge concerns the profile of homeowners who choose PACE. The average HERO credit score is 700, demonstrating HERO serves people with high scores and those who need other financial options to improve their homes. The facts are clear: PACE is a successful California idea that offers significant benefits using no tax dollars. Greg Frost | San Diego

Editor’s note: Frost is national communications director and spokesperson for Renovate America, which operates the HERO program.

In the House

I’ve had the same experience (“Crab House attempts to eclipse the shadow of a Fisherman’s Wharf spot,” Dec. 29-Jan. 4). I felt it was overpriced for the portion and the food was mediocre, at best. Valentina Rosendeau | via Facebook

I will not waste my time with this new restaurant. I expect great food on the Wharf. Shirley Graham | via Facebook

Parks and Riders

Nothing new, just spending more money that could be used to paint and build infrastructure in town, which we need (“Measure X paves way for new trail network from Monterey to Marina,” Dec. 29-Jan. 4). Instead, they are just repaving an old military jeep road, putting us further out of the cities…really sad. Me and several other people fought for the bike lane that connects Monterey to Salinas (yes, one already exists and most people never heard about it). The trail is hardly maintained, tractors are driving in it constantly and the mud chunks are so many at times that you have to walk.

We should all be focused on the bigger picture: This place needs to be designed around cyclists and not just cars. People that visit for the Sea Otter Classic often tell me this place could be a cycling Mecca if the cities would make some bike lanes. It can happen. Mike Baroni | Seaside

Scott [Waltz] and Fred [Watson]’s volunteer and professional dedication to FORTAG is notable as an example of effective citizen leadership. Thanks to Scott, Fred, TAMC, CSUMB, Seaside, Marina, DRO, and others. Bruce Delgado | Marina

Editor’s note: Delgado is Marina’s mayor.

Living Language

One of the easiest ways to help children get ahead in life is by introducing them to both a home language and English from birth. Dual language learners demonstrate greater working memory, reasoning, flexibility and problem solving. Switching between languages gives them an increased ability to monitor their environment. Knowing more than one language also can expand their career opportunities, keep them mentally sharp in their twilight years, and help them gain an appreciation for their culture and roots.

The language parents speak to their children doesn’t have to be perfect or grammatically correct. The most important thing is to introduce them to it.

So talk, read, and sing with your kids in multiple languages. They’ll say gracias, danke and merci to you for the rest of their lives. Lupe Jaime | Fresno

Editor’s note: Jaime is a member of the California Children and Families Commission, or First 5 California.