Letters to the Editor 05.07.26

Amped Up

The pass-through fees transferred to AMP from the City of Monterey accounted for about half of AMP’s annual budget (“City of Monterey drops longtime media partner Access Media Productions amid budget woes,” April 30-May 6). Without those revenues AMP faces a fiscal crisis that could mean the end for the nonprofit community media station. — Brian McCarthy | Marina

It is a sad moment when the founding member leaves the community organization it initiated. — Dušan Tatomirović | via social media

That’s unfortunate. I am still voting no on their panhandling at the ballot box via Measure D, though. — Josh Stephens | Monterey

Health Growth

Weak (“Montage Health buys Carmel Rancho Shopping Center with plans to build a medical campus,” posted May 1). The health care conglomerate is replacing the shopping and entertainment areas. — Zachariah Wilson | via social media

Dang, I was hoping for a Trader Joe’s. — Katrina Dempsey | via social media

They are all about money, not about health care. It’s easy for Montage to spend all that money because they charge everyone so much, plus all the donations they get. It’s crazy! — Joette Catanzaro | via social media

Balancing Act

They can take pay cuts! They should not raise taxes! (“City of Monterey staff present strategies to remedy its projected budget deficit,” posted May 1.) — Miguel Renteria | Monterey

Many residents may not realize Monterey has a uniquely dedicated fund of tourist taxes that helps pay for new infrastructure. At a time of budget deficits, Monterey’s more conservative councilmembers and council candidates reject temporary flexibility with visitor-generated revenues, risking deeper service cuts, including emergency rental assistance, or layoffs, rather than fully using available tools to protect essential public services, our public safety and employees. Monterey’s more pragmatic leaders recognize we do not need to prioritize new projects while existing public buildings are neglected. We need to maintain what we already have and protect frontline workers, our neighbors, who serve this community every day.

If conservative leaders oppose using tourist tax funds in this moment, they should clearly explain what specific services or jobs they would cut, which they have been silent about. People are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. — Eric Palmer Sr. | Monterey

Bravo to those who helped figure out how to close the gap for this year’s budget. That is tough work and sincerely appreciated. — Derek Dean | Monterey

Bike Trailing

That would be amazing! (“A plan to build a bike park at Laguna Seca is gaining steam,” April 23-29.) — Travis Modisette | via social media

This makes so much sense! Also, music festivals would be great. — James Kendall | via social media

There’s a National Park just a short drive from there that all the little towns nearby could be benefiting from too! Pinnacles is starting to really get more and more popular, for great reasons. Only an hour from San Jose, and yet these little towns don’t know how to take advantage of that. — Michael Jimenez | via social media

Ground Break?

Goodbye, eyesore (“The American Tin Cannery luxury hotel project takes a step back to move forward,” April 23-29) — John Tracey | via social media

I always thought this space would be amazing for an indoor farmers market. Think Pike Place [in Seattle]. Maybe a hotel upstairs, an amazing market downstairs featuring fresh fish, and beautiful produce from our area. A girl can dream. — Brook Shadwell | via social media

Sick Time

I knew this was a piss poor proposition when it was on the ballot (“A new method for funding mental health is rolling out, with challenges,” April 23-29). I told people why I disliked it and what the small print said. Their response: “The union told me to vote for it,” as they shrugged their shoulders. Wake the hell up people. Read what the initiative said it was going to do! — Maureen Wruck | Salinas

Park Place

It’s time for Marina and Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District to come to an agreement and show Locke-Paddon Park some love! (“After years of stalling, needed updates for Marina’s Locke-Paddon Park are finally on track,” April 30-May 6.) — Mike Moeller | Marina

Fan Mail

I just want to write and tell Monterey County Now staff how much I enjoy the newsletter! It keeps me informed, up to date, abreast of events and community concerns. I also love the editor’s notes, such as encouraging everyone to vote and what to look out for on the ballot (“Here’s hoping voter turnout for this primary election doesn’t suck,” posted May 4).

I truly appreciate you and all the services you provide. It feels like we’re a true community because of your hard work and dedication. Your care shines through. Thank you. — Joan Achermann | Monterey

Good job reminding Monterey County residents to vote in our upcoming elections.

Hopefully we’ve learned the importance of voting a chosen future rather than leaving the chips to fall where they may. — Sheila Bowman | Monterey

Dress Up

What a cool event! (“Adoptable dogs from Monterey County SPCA have a runway moment with partners of IMSA drivers,” posted April 30.) — Alicia Busa | via social media

Laugh Out Loud

Thanks for the comics. Wonderful! — Barbara Kephart | Needles, California