Letters to the Editor 01.26.17

Wharf Wars, Continued

Did any LOCAL business owners express interest, or get close to making the cut to move in? (“Monterey considers SF firm for former Balesteri property,” posted Jan. 19.) Molly Nance | via Facebook

A nice super-commercial “local” business. What high thinking by Monterey. Jane Flury | Monterey

An out-of-town chain is the first replacement. The wharf is now officially on its way to ruin. Sad time for Monterey. Jerry Duncan | Fresno

Just the idea of SF Italian meets Monterey Italian should be fun to watch. Definitely good food at reasonable price, and not McDonald’s. Glenn Woodson | via Facebook

I feel the city is egotistically justifying its position on eviction and unreasonable lease terms (“Bad Week,” Jan. 19-25). We had recently put in an entire new deck for $17,000 and spent thousands on plumbing repairs under the wharf, just in the last few years. In the past 10 years, my dad figures he spent around $300,000 on repairs/improvements.

There is probably some termite damage in areas and possibly some roof repair needed. We addressed all roof repairs recently, but a rusted-through neighbor’s gutter was causing more water to come down a back wall.

Regarding a hole in the floor being a drain: That is ludicrous. I care about our bay and was down on the beach and trail almost daily picking up trash in an effort to limit pollution and keep things looking clean. Ben Balester | Monterey

Editor’s note: Balester was proprietor of The Coffee House, which formerly operated on Fisherman’s Wharf.

Shots in the Dark

Tragic for the teen and his family (“Officer-involved shooting leaves Salinas teen dead,” posted Jan. 18). Very sad for the officers who had to make such a difficult choice. I commend them for ensuring the public’s safety while balancing the importance of life against the dangerous situation Richard Avelino | via Facebook

We don’t know that killing this young man protected anyone at this point. I think it is sad that it took just one hour for them to get to this point of taking a life. Even with a knife, a protracted and patient process of waiting out the subject’s distress is worth it. Do not defend the police’s actions until more is known. They are taught to shoot to kill, which is tragic. Karyn Eckhardt Wolfe Lynn | via Facebook

If the police allow the suspect to walk away and he kills an innocent bystander, then the police could be held liable. The police showed a lot of restraint but had to take action in order to protect the public. Parents need to teach their kids to obey the laws of our society. David Dunstan | via Facebook

Stirring the Pot

This is so ridiculous (“Carmel acts to impose pot restrictions ahead of Prop. 64,” Jan. 12-18). An overdose of cannabis usually results in abusive pizza consumption. Carmel promotes wine consumption, which is nothing but self-medicating with alcohol which is destructive, can be fatal and is addicting. Niels Andrews | via Facebook

No restrictions. Just collect those glorious tax dollars and hush! Deb Stephens | via Facebook

Pot smoking is the gateway drug to beach bonfires. Dave Eaton | via Facebook

House and Home

I have been to that property and there is a notice saying that the new owners have attained all the necessary permits and met with the tribal members (“Esselen nation asks P.G. to respect sacred site, deny proposed home,” Jan. 19-25). It is my understanding that they will preserve the sacred space, but the media seems to only be telling one side of the story.Crystal LoManto | via Facebook

Entire tribes who lived in harmony with the land were wiped out by [Fr. Junipero] Serra and others. They were here first. Let them have their legacy! Karen Weichardt Nyere | via Facebook

So who reimburses the owners of the lot? Stuart Newhouse | via Facebook

Kind of a funny question considering that the tribe had all of its land taken without any compensation. Keith Vandevere | via Facebook

Climate Control

I know I’m in good company when I seek every opportunity to focus on fact-based, science-informed, politically neutral dialogue about the big challenges facing our nation. In that spirit, let’s face the reality of climate change and support concrete actions that could make a difference. Let’s support Gov. Jerry Brown and other elected representatives who will keep California’s plan on track. Let’s support local representatives who continue to defend actions, such as Monterey County’s ban on fracking, that protect the environment in the long term. And let’s support national initiatives, such as a carbon fee and dividend that would put a price on carbon, which have the potential to become the law of the land even in a polarized political environment. Let’s protect our future. Mary Nelson | Santa Cruz

Correction

A story (“Monterey County Gives! raised a record $3.7 million in 2016,” Jan. 19-25) incorrectly stated that three of six partners contributed toward $300,000 in matching funds. All six partners – Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Community Foundation for Monterey County, Neumeier Poma Investment Counsel, Packard Foundation, Cannery Row Company and the Weekly – contributed to the matching fund.