Letters to the Editor 03.02.17

Breaking Bridge

Bridges, dams, highways, secondary roads, city streets, railroads and airports are all in dire straits (“Highway 1 in Big Sur closed due to a bridge ‘beyond repair,’” Feb. 23-March 1). When the infrastructure is neglected and maintenance is continually deferred, it falls apart. Time for POTUS to deliver on this campaign promise. Jim Maguire | via Facebook

For so long, prayers for rain were a daily plea by so many. Who would have expected that when the rain finally came that there would be so much destruction. So many lives are affected, and no quick solution in sight. Prayers being sent out to all of you whom live in California. Keep safe! Mary Pummell | via Facebook

So very sad, sad for all the people living and working in the area for tourists wishing to visit Big Sur. Hopefully things can get back to normal very soon as it is such a wonderful part of the world. Sue Baker | via Facebook

And, Action

Bravo to Nic Coury for his list (“A look back at 10 great films shot in Monterey County,” Feb. 23-March 1). Might I add numbers 11 and 12? Clash by Night (Fritz Lang, 1952) has extensive location shooting on Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row; it also features Castroville’s first Miss California Artichoke Queen (1947), Marilyn Monroe. Neil Simon’s Seems Like Old Times (1980) is notable for prompting a ban on filming in Carmel. This was due to the disruption caused by the shooting of a bank robbery scene at what was then Wells Fargo Bank on the northwest corner of Ocean and Lincoln. Geoffrey Cocks | Carmel

Vegging Out

It is wonderful to see healthy, wholesome and organic vegetarian options (“Saffron Café opens in Monterey with fast-casual vegetarian theme,” posted Feb. 22). There are so few in these parts. The owners and staff are very very friendly. Arden Eaton | via Facebook

Vegans, vegetarians and health-conscious people certainly exist in Monterey County. More businesses and/or potential restaurateurs should hop on board ($$$). Let’s show everyone this “salad bowl” knows how to prepare food from plants and only plants. About time. Angelica Garcia | via Facebook

I know there isn’t any bacon, but I say, let’s try?!? Jen Jacobs Bolger | via Facebook

Nuclear Meltdown

This story reminded readers of the ongoing threat caused by the possession of nuclear weapons by the nuclear powers (“Nuclear war has been unthinkable for decades. Not anymore,” Feb. 23-March 1). Omitted was mention of the upcoming negotiations on a treaty banning nuclear weapons. In 2016, the UN General Assembly decided by overwhelming majority to initiate negotiations on a treaty. Negotiations are set to take place March 27-31 and June 15-July 7 in New York.

On Feb. 16, over 100 states attended the organizational meeting for the United Nations conference to negotiate “a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading toward their total elimination.” It was an historic day. Judy Karas | Monterey

Editor’s note: Karas co-chairs the Monterey County branch of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

DRO Drama, Continued

My congratulations to the Weekly for investing the time and resources to follow and develop this story that has shown a small town with concerned and dedicated residents how easily governance can go off the rails (“How a culture of City Hall bullying brought Del Rey Oaks to a boiling point,” Feb. 16-22). Mike Fitzsimmons | Del Rey Oaks

Excellent report by David Schmalz. Detailed yet easy to read – and with, so far as I am concerned, a good outcome: bullies released, steps taken to slow traffic.Michael Ham | Pacific Grove

Thank you for this illuminating article. I am a new resident to DRO and feel this city is a hidden gem in the Peninsula’s sunbelt. The community is safe and conveniently positioned. Over a year my observation is many speeding cars and commercial trucks on our residential streets. Congrats to the residents along Carlton for taking action. To those serving our small city, thank you. I hope that Rosita is also on the city’s roadmap for traffic calming and safety improvements for dog walkers, bikes and pedestrians. Steve Elliott | Del Rey Oaks

Immigration Nation

[State Sen. Bill Monning] writes, “all residents of U.S., regardless of immigration status, are entitled to the protections afforded by the Constitution, including the guarantees to due process and equal protection” (“What President Trump’s wave of dangerous executive orders means for Monterey County immigrants,” Feb. 16-22). I don’t agree, according to the Constitution, Article IV, Section 4: “The U.S. shall guarantee to every state in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic violence.”

The Constitution protects American citizens, not undocumented immigrants, so they are not entitled by the law with equal protection. If Americans go over the border into another country without papers we get arrested because we won’t be protected by their laws. So why here in the U.S. do illegals have equal protection? Marilyn Galli | Carmel

Fine Dining

The writer was obviously on an expense account and decided to live it up at Aubergine (“Squid wonders how Carmel fine dining makes a Salinas travel itinerary,” posted Feb. 21). Richard Kreitman | Carmel