Letters to the Editor 01.15.26

Home Health

Please reconsider bringing a mental health campus to our area for our loved ones (“Supervisors nix plans for a county mental health facility over high costs,” Jan. 8-14). It could assist our family members in our county and provide medical support and health jobs to our area. — Kim Whitney | Marina

As someone whose loved one required care and had to be transported to San Francisco and Santa Rosa because there was nothing closer with available beds, this is very disappointing for Monterey County residents who need these services. And for those who don’t know, families have to pay for transport via ambulance to these facilities. It’s an awful situation. — FeLecia Bunten | via social media

With the Flow

Thank you, Katie Rodriguez, for this wonderfully thorough article showcasing some of the highlights of Ms. Packard’s career as executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium (“As Julie Packard prepares to retire, a look at her legacy that shaped the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its global impact,” Jan. 8-14). We are indeed fortunate to have visionaries such as Packard who bring into focus the importance of our oceans in maintaining the health of our planet and ourselves. — Derek Dean | Monterey

ICE Thaw

I was one of the people at Window on the Bay standing in solidarity with protestors and immigrants who are being attacked by ICE agents (“Hundreds gather in Monterey to protest ICE shooting in Minneapolis; a protest in Salinas is planned,” posted Jan. 9). The videos show Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman, speaking in a friendly voice to ICE agents as she pulls away from them to leave before being brutally shot in the head.

The attempts to spin this as an act of self-defense by Trump administration officials is outrageous. Do they really think we can’t watch a video for ourselves and see what really happened? Please contact your federal representatives in Congress to protest ICE cruelty and presence in our communities. — An McDowell | Monterey

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Fake news. — Mike James Martines | San Luis Obispo

Salinas Valley is not indivisible, nor is California. We are very much a divided state. — Jessica Anderson | via social media

Drill, Baby, Drill

As a resident of California for over 57 years, I approve of the proposal by the administration to drill (“People’s hearing in Monterey to oppose federal offshore drilling plan,” posted Jan. 7). We have put the nation in tremendous risk by depleting our reserves and oil supplies. Oil, to date, supplies the majority of our products in some form. The safety of drilling has improved tremendously. — Bill Dalhamer | Pebble Beach

Wait and See

After reading your article regarding the Fort Ord Hostel, I believe that Councilmember Alex Miller is right: The City of Seaside is getting passed up by Marina on Fort Ord development and everyone both local and out of the area sees it.

It doesn’t appear that the Hostel Society will ever be able to make this site a hostel, so waiting only hurts the city and its residents (“After 17 years, City of Seaside moves to terminate nonprofit hostel society’s lease,” Jan. 8-14). They need to stop delaying the inevitable. The city needs to wise up and start signing leases with developers that can make things happen, otherwise the Seaside you see today will be the same Seaside you see in 50 years. — Ann Marie Pagan | Seaside

Future is Here

What a great opportunity for our youth (“Gonzales opens its first community center, including a space for teens and a branch library,” Jan. 8-14). Many of them will see that as a ticket out of manual farm labor as the main employment option. I look forward to the completion of the remainder of the project, too. — Walter Wagner | Salinas

Sing Along

I love this so much. Thank you singing, angels (“Bedside singers offer comfort to those nearing death or in moments of healing,” Jan. 8-14). — Lisa Deas | via social media

This is wonderful! — Jackie Scott | via social media

Broom Battle

Thank you for highlighting Al Washburn’s outstanding work removing French broom in Monterey County (“A devoted retiree spends his days clearing an invasive shrub from the Del Monte Forest,” Jan. 1-7). He is truly one of my heroes! If others are interested in joining similar efforts, they can find monthly volunteer opportunities at sustainablemontereycounty.org/c4sm-french-broom-bash.

For the past three years, dedicated volunteers have been removing broom to protect the biological integrity of Fort Ord National Monument and other native landscapes. Our twice-monthly events draw people from diverse backgrounds, and we’re always glad when Al and Maisie can join us. Recognition of Al’s extraordinary contributions is greatly appreciated. — John Mott | Marina

Sharing is Caring

I am encouraged to read about Underground Forrest’s dedication to a shared space concept for their creatives (“Artisans in Monterey County are combining their shops to save on rent and fuel creative energy,” Jan. 8-14).

I have often thought, and even proposed, this same idea for local nonprofits in Monterey County. Fingers crossed that someday that will evolve as well. — Peter Hiller | Carmel

Pour Some Sugar On

This New Orleanian approves of the amount of powdered sugar in that photograph! (“With several local options, there’s no need to go to New Orleans to treat oneself to a beignet,” Jan. 8-14.) — Stephanie Ann Riggs | via social media