LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 06.06.13 -The Public Voice

Neighborly Divide


This is a very sad situation (“Potter’s office seeks long-term solution to Big Sur’s short-term rental problem,” May 30-June 4). I understand the points of view from both sides. The current debate is already dividing the community into sides and creating distrust, fear and anger between residents who live and have lived in beautiful Big Sur for many years. Monterey County has been actively enforcing the 10.5-percent Transient Occupancy Tax due on the (illegal) short-term rentals.


There are steps short-term landlords can take to mitigate against crime and inconvenience to their neighbors. Having a well-documented fire and safety awareness plan would help. Changing gate codes regularly would also help reduce any possible abuse. 


There are as many arguments against long-term rentals as there are against short-term renters. Some long-term landlords do not pay tax on their rental income of any sort. Many long-term renters drive without care on our private roads. Many are under the influence of illegal substances. Many of the long-term rental units are not permitted building structures. - Big Sur Ethical Resident | via Web


I agree. It is very sad that this issue has so divided our community. And it doesn’t help to use terms like “little tyrant” when describing someone. Many folks with whom I have talked are very, very concerned about having their neighborhoods turned over to the growing transient businesses called “VRBO” [Vacation Rental By Owner] now being promoted by the Big Sur Board of Economic Development as good for me and for Big Sur. Please! That’s the usual pitch developers use when fighting communities and regulatory challenges. Please – I know many of you VRBO folks to be responsible and ethical but what I’m hearing right now isn’t; it’s dramatic, threatening and loaded with “victim” speak. I’m rapidly losing confidence that you will work towards a quality resolution. Yes, the less profitable long term renters can be neighborhood problems but they’re not strangers – they’re our neighbors. It’s apples and oranges. - Resident for Quality Neighborhoods | via Web


Can’t Bear it


I understand this type of situation isn’t common around here but SSPD made an unfortunate decision to kill that bear (“Seaside police kill black bear in Seaside,” posted June 3). Yes, I’m glad no one came face-to-face with it but that bear should have been tranquilized and relocated. I hope they don’t act so hastily next time. - Missgelly | via Web


We live in an area surrounded by wildlife. They should be trained for responses that include our co-habitants. Don’t just eff’n kill it. - Chris Villanueva | via Facebook


Why didn’t they just put a dart in it? Make it go to sleep to take it back to the woods?? I’m sure the cops are patting themselves on the back right now. - Michelle Vargas | via Facebook


Terrible! This could have been done another way! - Ashley Marie Hernandez | via Facebook


That is disgusting! To kill an innocent bear… the cops are as reckless shooting bears as they are killing people! - Sherry Lessen | via Facebook


When the only tool in your toolbox is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. - John King | via Facebook


I wonder if it makes them feel better about not being able to catch real criminals. - Alayna Marie Hernandez | via Facebook


Child mauled and killed by bear in Seaside. Is that better? I think not! Woulda, coulda, shoulda… go hug a bear! - Deborah Raider | via Facebook


I wish this had a different outcome, and the bear could have been captured and relocated. But there was a young man shot to death at Del Monte and Sloat a few days ago. And gunshots every week it seems in Seaside. Where’s the outrage over that? - Jude Mclellan | via Facebook


I’m really surprised to hear that Fish and Game said to do with it what they saw fit. Of course given the choice they were going to take the easiest solution. That bear was scared and turned around considering it didn’t stop running the entire time. Thanks to Del Rey Oaks PD and Monterey PD for at least trying to capture it. That bear didn’t have a chance once it ended up in Seaside. Shoot first, ask questions later! - Kim Carvalho | via Facebook


All Wet


Understand everyone’s frustrated by water issues (“Public-water activists launch ballot initiative petition to buy out Cal Am,” posted May 29). But I doubt you would feel it is fair if it was your company, your property, etc. that some activist group was going to take by hostile means through the courts. 


Public water agencies also pass all the costs of operations and system upgrades to the ratepayers as well as the costs of rich pension and lifetime medical benefits. And they just vote it in, they don’t even need the California Public Utility Commission’s rate case process to do it. Just like the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District just did with a new parcel tax to fund their aquifer and storage project (which won’t work in a drought). 


Public agencies across the state of California are all experiencing major rate increases due to major maintenance projects and infrastructure upgrades that they have also deferred for decades. It is not a problem just here, it’s everywhere. - Frank | via Web


The deferred maintenance should be considered when purchasing. With regards to other issues you brought up, maybe we should ask our government for help. Water is owned by the people, transmission is owned by private or public entities. Cal Am has been screwing the public for some time. I say don’t let the door hit them on the way out. - Patric Read | via Facebook


With population and climate change, use and control of water is the No. 1 issue on the planet. It is no surprise that big money wants a piece of an ever more scare resource that people can’t live without. - ax Lynn | via Facebook


Sin Carne


I’m so excited to hear about the extensive menu! (“El Cantaro vegan Mexican restaurant opens in New Monterey,” posted May 29). I make vegan mexican food at home all the time (it’s so easy) but this place sounds like it’ll outshine my home efforts. 


I would love to hear the owners’ stories – how they got interested in vegan food. Thank you, Mark Anderson, for giving this detailed review. I so agree with you that we need more veg options on the Peninsula. - Marian | via Web