Letters to the Editor 04.28.16

Fracktastic

What this article failed to mention is that at the MPC Friday Farmers Market we have an area designated as the free speech area (“Anti-fracking measure supporters get signatures, and arrest threats,” April 14-20). Some of the signature gatherers choose not to use that area. Instead, they have run after the market customers as the customers try to unload their produce into their cars. It can be quite disconcerting to find a stranger looming over you as you try to go about your grocery shopping. One day, there were seven signature gatherers chasing after the same customers. The one respectful signature gatherer, who does abide by the rules and stands in the free speech area, does quite well getting signatures for the several issues he has on hand.

The article is correct, I do not allow them to stand in the middle of the market to collect signatures while market patrons try to buy food from the farmers. Would you want someone to approach you in the dairy aisle in the grocery store? Some of the signature gathers are impeding the act of commerce. We would like these signature gatherers to be mindful of the fact that these farmers are trying to make a living.

For the record, I have never met or spoken to Miss Doocy. Catherine Barr | via Facebook

(Editor’s note: Catherine Barr is the manager of the MPC Farmers Market.)

Nothing against this guy’s cause, but the last thing I want to do while running errands is sign a petition. Jeffery Olms | via Facebook

Social Network

In all the hullabaloo about a good ordinance for short-term vacation rentals (STVC) what is forgotten is the indelibly happy experience – intimate, unique, exhilarating – for hosts and guests when the latter stay for one or several nights or a week in a private home. It was the genius of Airbnb to take the rental money out of the transaction (and put it into the host’s bank account) so hosts and guests can interact on a personal level. A good ordinance, which I hope will follow soon, must take this into account. A good ordinance should include a hotel tax. A good ordinance should not allow empty houses to be used as short-term vacation rentals. A good ordinance should follow the genius of Airbnb, which would not have been so successful if it wasn’t working! Let’s follow their example – you just need to go online and hear the lavish praises from both hosts and guests about what their experience has been like! Why should we, lucky ones living in this beautiful area, not share this with out-of-town travelers? Lotte Marcus | via Web

Weapons Check

It’s funny how people always want cops charged when they do something wrong (“Salinas police officer’s gun, uniform and badge stolen in vehicle burglary,” posted April 18). And yes cops should be held accountable. But when your sons, husbands, and friends are committing all the crimes, there is nothing but silence. And that’s why Salinas will never change! Tommy Ramirez | via Facebook

So are these officers being held accountable? Are they being reprimanded for their obvious mistakes? Because you know damn well a citizen would be held accountable and have legal hoops to jump through. No different than leaving a gun safe unlocked and accessible to children or anyone. Dave Sinor | via Facebook

One must wonder why the weapon and uniform were left outside? A momentary lapse of judgement? Rob Eaton | via Facebook

Money for Nothing

It’s funny to me how the county always says they have money problems when it’s time for labor contracts to be negotiated (“Monterey uses budget surplus to ease this year’s deficit,” April 21-27). It never fails. Funny how that happens. Carole Moore-Blagg | via Facebook

Oh Pagrovia

Nowhere in the developers’ extensive public relations campaign, nor from the mayor or City Council, was the room rate of $625 per night disclosed (“P.G.’s Measure X passes decisively,” posted April 19).

Project Bella’s developers have a history of creating hotels for the economic elite. We only have to look to Carmel to see our likely future. Carmel was not too long ago a charming residential community with distinctive small businesses, much as P.G. is now. Carmel homes are now increasingly vacant, sitting in investors’ portfolios. The shops are corporate owned and there are high-end galleries and jewelry stores catering to Hotel Bella’s clientele. Hopefully the developers can walk the walk and not just talk the talk on transparency – work with the residents to create a project that is appropriate for and enhances the character of our town and benefits it, not one which threatens to destroy it. Vince Onorato Alfait | Pacific Grove

Finally there will be a safe and clean place for all the transient wealthy people. Adric Arcop | via Facebook

Affordable Oxymoron

I’ve been looking for two months for affordable housing here (“Water damage slows affordable housing development in downtown Monterey,” April 21-27). There is none – you have to house share. At least there are no affordable one-bedroom/one-bathroom places that are dog friendly. If you find something affordable and not falling apart, you are going up against 100 other prospective tenants. Then it’s three times the rent income qualifications. [Frowny face] at all these property management companies. Anne Marie Olson | via Facebook

Affordable housing in Monterey County? It does not exist. Luis Cano | via Facebook

No such thing in Monterey. And no parking for them either. Susanne Myreiee Silva | via Facebook