Letters to the Editor 02.26.26

Last Word

Whenever I speak in public comment I come prepared with my remarks to be as concise and constructive as possible with my allotted time (“Who gets the last word becomes a controversy at the Board of Supervisors,” Feb. 12-18). All elected officials appreciate that. Those I disagree with will often later tell me, “You made good points today.”

To take time out of my day to go up and just rant and basically say “you suck” is a waste. You might think being a jerk is an effective strategy. It’s not. — Paul J. Ingram | Carmel Valley

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The frustration from the public comes from wasted time and wasted money. When only two minutes are allowed and you’ve been there for four hours on a weekday… Do you see how decorum can go out the window?

The Board of Supervisors meetings should be properly timed. Most of the conversations they have between themselves are long-winded and usually go in circles. But then the public is required to get all their concerns polished into two minutes or the chair will ring the bell on you. — Cheryl “Rebelle” Robinson | Prunedale

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Civility and respect is a two-way street. If there is an expectation that the public comes and respects the electeds, there should also be an expectation of those elected or appointed officials to respect the public. When a three-hour agenda turns into a five-hour series of discussions and then items get tabled because they are ready to go home, that is a disservice to the public. — Glenn Woodson | via social media

As an elected official, I deeply respect the public’s right to speak publicly, and in a public forum. Public comment exists so that community members can be heard by the public, in a town-square setting where ideas, concerns, praise and criticism are shared openly.

I’ve had very kind things said about me during public comment – and I’ve had some not so kind things said as well. That comes with the responsibility of serving. Either way, the public deserves the opportunity to be heard, and I would never want to see that opportunity diminished or taken away.

Having said that, it is also the public who should encourage their fellow community members to speak with respect and dignity. A healthy civic culture doesn’t rest solely on elected officials – it takes a village. — Brian McCarthy | Marina

Note: McCarthy is a member of Marina City Council.

Voice of the People

Adriana is a great journalist! (“Univision reporter Adriana Frederick Sutton brings information to a Spanish-speaking audience,” Feb. 12-18.) Thank you for keeping our community informed, Adriana. — Claudia Otero | Monterey

Adriana is the best! Truly a class act. She’s smart, she’s on top of everything happening in her community and works tirelessly to ensure her audience is well informed and understands how policies and events will impact them. And, yes, she is easily the hardest-working reporter on the Monterey Bay. Congrats, Weekly, on having the vision to showcase this wonderful human. — Fatima Dias | Monterey

I think Adriana is the best journalist at covering the stories that matter and keeping democracy alive than anybody in my 36 years in the Monterey Bay region. — Mark Weller | Salinas

I love reading the closed captions of her reports. Really delves into the issues of the community and alerts the public of areas of concern that we should have eyes on. Thank you for showing appreciation for this work, and thank you to our local media! — Colleen Ingram | Pacific Grove

Fire Hazard

If you look around the neighborhoods in Monterey, you’ll see wood fences, and shrubs planted directly against houses (“Citing safety concerns, Monterey residents advocate for flexibility in the city’s tree ordinance,” Feb. 12-18). Do you know what two things Cal Fire identifies as risks in fire-prone areas? Wood fences and shrubs against houses.

Do you know what isn’t identified as a risk? Mature trees.

This isn’t about fire safety. This is about removing environmental protections so that homeowners and home sellers can create ocean views. — Alexander Schenck | Monterey

Old and New

Layne Long has done an excellent job and it will be sad to see him go (“Layne Long announces retirement as Marina’s city manager after 13 years,” posted Feb. 19). He will definitely be a hard act to follow. Wishing him all the best. — Camille Jaque | Soledad

Smuggle Trouble

Crime does not pay (“Former Salinas Valley State Prison employee faces contraband smuggling and weapons possession charges,” posted Feb. 10). Even if you get away with it, you will be wracked with guilt all the days of your life thereafter, affecting your ability to function as a decent person. — Walter Wagner | Salinas

Family Recipe

Love this place! (“A third location of El Charrito opens in Marina, offering the same signature tortillas,” posted Feb. 19.) — Karyn Lee-Garcia | East Garrison

CORRECTIONS

A story about a special district position on LAFCO failed to state that not just one but two of the four candidates are seeking a position as alternate, not a primary commissioner role (“A surprise challenge for a LAFCO seat stands to shift the balance of power,” Feb. 19-25). Both David Kong and Bill Lipe are both pursuing the alternate position.

A story incorrectly stated the number of oil wells that have been idle for over a decade statewide (“Hundreds of unplugged oil wells sit on top of groundwater sources in Monterey County, a study finds,” Feb. 19-25). The number in Monterey is 168, as reported; the number statewide is 12,527.