Letters to the Editor 04.27.17

Sip and Slip

That’s all we need, another wine tasting/event space in our little Village! (“Will’s Fargo closing, will reopen as tasting room/event space,” posted April 18.) Too too sad! These folks have no respect or care for the meaning this space has had for the locals and visitors alike. It is an institution and there are TOO MANY wine places already. Shame and boo on them! They did not even alert the public of their decision so we could say a proper goodbye! The owners did not even have the courtesy to alert their long-time patrons of the closure to say farewell to this iconic haven! Lyn Taylor | Carmel Valley

Round and Round

Roundabouts rule (“In advance of Earth Day, Marina unveils latest roundabout,” posted April 22). More efficient, less on-going cost and energy use, far better for the environment and much, much safer than other intersection configurations. Well done, Marina (and [Marina City Manager] Layne [Long]). Craig Malin | via web

Editor’s note: Malin is city manager of Seaside.

People are worried about safety because roundabouts are new to most Americans and not covered in driver’s ed. Driving through the Seaside Auto Mall, where roundabouts were installed 10 years ago (sorry [Mayor] Bruce [Delgado], but Seaside did it first for once!) can be hair-raising. Drivers need educating about who has the right of way, etc. and then the benefits will kick in and driving in Marina will be just as easy as Paris or Rome. Michael Wildgoose | Seaside

Seaside was actually really early to the traffic circle “party.” While true that the Auto Mall’s circles were improved 10 years ago, they were actually first installed more than 40 years ago when the Auto Mall was first built. Too bad there hasn’t been much cutting-edge planning in Seaside lately! Hopefully Malin’s team will rise to the challenge. Felix Bachofner | Seaside

Pedal to the Metal

MORCA, the Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association, celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Fort Ord National Monument (“The annual Sea Otter Classic celebrates all things bicycle at Laguna Seca this weekend,” April 20-26). MORCA was part of a broad coalition of recreation, military, business and environmental groups who supported the monument to preserve the natural, cultural and military history, including an 83-mile multi-use trail system. The Monument improves our quality of life, provides economic benefits, and is our legacy for future generations. It is fitting that the anniversary falls on this year’s Sea Otter Classic, which has tens of thousands of participants and brings millions of dollars to our community.

MORCA supports protection of the Antiquities Act, used by Obama to create the monument, and keeping public lands in public hands. We urge President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke to be great stewards of our national parks, monuments and other public lands that are beloved by millions of Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Gary Courtright | Salinas

Editor’s note: Courtright is president of MORCA.

Fort Ord Recreation Trails (FORT) Friends, a local nonprofit, celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Fort Ord National Monument. The Monument improves our quality of life, provides economic benefits, and is our legacy for future generations.

The Antiquities Act is under threat by some in Congress, who also want to revoke all national monuments created by Obama. Others are trying to sell off public lands to private interests. Everyone who enjoys our public lands, regardless of political affiliation, should implore their elected representatives to protect the Antiquities Act. Henrietta Stern | Pacific Grove

Editor’s note: Stern is president of FORT Friends.

Pay to Play

Perhaps Susan Ferry should do a little math on what it costs her to drive to Marina with a horse trailer at 30 minutes one way, versus the convenience of five minutes to Manzanita before she objects to the fee (“A new electronic gate at Manzanita Park gives users access – for a price,” April 20-26). Or does she just want to gripe and really enjoys riding at Marina over Manzanita? John Massa | Prunedale

Resisting the Resistance

Why bother? (“Despite rallies – including one in Monterey – Trump refuses to release tax returns,” posted April 19.) Once he does everyone will find something else to complain about. This political crap gets old. Seriously. Same thing, different day. Julie Davis-Bryan | via Facebook

Resist!!!??? What is this, a Star Wars movie!!?? Get over it. You lost.

“You don’t like a particular policy or a particular president? Then argue for your position. Go out there and win an election. Push to change it. But don’t break it. Don’t break what our predecessors spent over two centuries building. That’s not being faithful to what this country’s about.” -Barack Hussein Obama, Oct. 2013. Terry Stidger | via Facebook

California has more issues than worrying about taxes. If it’s so important, it should be required. However, since there is no law saying he must show them, I don’t see why people are wasting their time. Angie Nader | via Facebook

How long did it take for Obama to provide his birth certificate? Just saying. Tony Vazquez | via Facebook

Since when have people expected presidential candidates and presidents to provide their birth certificates? No rational person believed the birther nonsense. Jeff Rothal | via Facebook