Letters to the Editor 04.26.18

Crash Landing

So many hard-working, honest and good folks in Moss Landing. It’s a shame to see businesses forced to relocate after decades in one location (“Long-time Moss Landing businesses try to hold on in the midst of development shuffles,” April 19-22). I’m very happy that Bob was able to find a spot just up the road! Tiffany Sheele | via Facebook

It will be sad to see some of the changes, the produce market is really important. Gentrification is happening all along the waterfronts. Hopefully with the harbor district here will stay true to keeping it for marine activities and not go Miami Vice on us. Chuck Weber | Moss Landing

While I can appreciate the desire to increase tax revenue that a new hotel and commercial building will bring, it’s sad to see the community changing. Monterey, Seaside, P.G. and Marina are all infected with the desire to increase tax dollars, but are doing nothing to improve the community for the residents – only for the tourists and the money they’ll make from them.James Larente | Salinas

Watch, they will probably use this land for condos or a beer garden to attract out of towners.Thomas Michael Chavarria | via Facebook

I hope not! As it is, spring, summer and winter vacationers make it worse on traffic. Alma Liz Garcia | via Facebook

Charm is disappearing. The area will look like Santa Monica, a tourist trap. Shirley Graham | via Facebook

I believe the number of boats quoted is lower today. Sections of docks failed, some were removed, and others are impassable because dredging the harbor was routinely postponed. The number of places for boats to dock has to be less. After resisting the urge to maintain our historic harbor for so long, now we can also blame the problems on a bad winter in 2017 for creating even worse problems. I’ll miss the produce stand. Lena Drake | Prunedale

Rendering a Verdict

Nicely done [Deputy District Attorney] Steve Somers! (“Jury finds Gonzalo Curiel guilty on all charges of murder and child abuse,” posted April 23.) Excellent work and verdict. Too bad the death penalty isn’t on the table or possible. It’s definitely appropriate in both defendants’ cases.Crystal Bates | via Facebook

May those precious children rest in peace. Sending prayers and blessings to their brave sister. Devastatingly heartbreaking. Brooke Adame | via Facebook

Trail Blaze

How could banning bikes even be a consideration? (“While pros dominate at Laguna Seca this weekend, long-term trail projects – and questions – for local cyclists are inching forward,” April 19-22.) As hard as it is for county officials to admit it, the lack of an adequate budget, park rangers and management has left Toro Park dysfunctional and susceptible to unauthorized trail-building for over a decade without much oversight.

Even though it was the mountain bikers who originally built these now well-used trails, local hikers are attempting to claim them as their own. Regardless, it would be an atrocity to allow a small group of anti-bike residents to dictate who gets to use our local parks. We need to collaborate and do something similar to Santa Cruz and the bike-specific trails of Nisene Marks State Park. We all have a right to enjoy this park; however, separation of hikers and bikers is absolutely necessary for safety reasons.

It’s obvious that the solution is to build a few more trails so this outdated park can accommodate everyone’s needs. I hope both hikers and bikers are ready to get their hands dirty and start digging. Trevor McHenry | Monterey

Taking Aim

In response to Helen Ogden of Pacific Grove (“Letters to the Editor,” April 19-25), I am appalled that an American is inciting protests at the Monterey Fairgrounds because she thinks the NRA promotes gun violence. This is the USA which was founded on our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It is our First Amendment right to tell you that our Second Amendment should not be infringed, because it is our right to bear arms in this country. The NRA teaches shooting, gun safety and proper storage to prevent illegal use of a firearm – and when has a NRA member caused gun violence? Marilyn Galli | Carmel

Slurping Noodles

I have decided I need a bib for ramen consumption. Worth it! (“Ramen roundup: Three prime spots for Japan’s signature soup,” April 19-22.) Patricia A. Reed | via Facebook

Green Taxes

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors reviewed public input regarding how cannabis revenue could help meet community needs (“Residents weigh in on how to divvy up $7 million in annual county cannabis tax revenue,” April 5-11). The consistent top priority: early childhood development and preschool programs. Those of us in the early childhood field appreciate this recognition. Early childhood remains an upstream investment that meets urgent needs while ensuring young children and their families have what they need to reach their unique potential.

It’s a tough budget year. Critical services for children and families are at risk of being cut. Revenue from cannabis could go toward existing prevention programs that strive to create an equitable Monterey County. It will be important to maintain early childhood programming within libraries, Department of Social Services and Public Health. Francine Rodd | Marina

Editor’s note: Rodd is executive director of First 5 Monterey County.