Letters to the Editor 06.09.16

Feeling the Bern

No other candidate inspires hope like Bernie Sanders (“Thousands gather for Bernie Sanders rally in Monterey,” posted June 1). Jeffrey Oropeza | via Facebook

Never seen it so packed. Wow! What amazing energy and diversity. Kevin Saunders | via Facebook

Editor’s note: Kevin Saunders is running for mayor in Marina this November.

Thousands!!!! Remind me again how many came out to see Hillary Clinton in Salinas. Terry Stidger | via Facebook

Editor’s Note: About 500 people attended Clinton’s rally the week prior at Hartnell College; an estimated 7,800 people attended Sanders’ rally at Colton Hall.

These photos are great! Your photographer did the event justice. We were there and it was so exciting to see that lawn fill with all those people! Karen Sheppard | via Facebook

Went to the rally, totally awesome, felt the Bern! Esther Jimenez | via Facebook

No one supports Hillary like this; Dems need to wake up because they are backing the wrong horse. Peter Stewart | via Facebook

Wohoo, free stuff without earning it, yessss! Jeff Vasalech | via Facebook

Yeah, that’s what Wall Street is used to. Bill Boosman | via Facebook

I hope enough people in this country (meaning the powers that be) will take note of the opinions of citizens of the U.S. who have firsthand knowledge of the effects of fracking (“Bernie Sanders delivers passionate anti-fracking speech in Spreckels,” posted June 1). Maretha Jordaan | via Facebook

Dear Sam Farr, I am a lifelong resident of Monterey County and a constituent who has voted for you since 1993. I see you are still currently uncommitted in your 2016 presidential endorsement. As an environmentalist, I would encourage you to please cast your delegate vote for Bernie Sanders, the candidate I believe is by far the best choice for our planet, our country and the state of California.

As you are well aware, Hillary Clinton hedged her bets when talking about fracking. Bernie Sanders has always spoke unequivocally against it.

I understand if you are in a tough spot and going against the DNC might be a difficult choice to make. Please be an example. Be a leader. Vote for our planet!Karen Cronn | via Facebook

Editor’s Note: Congressman Sam Farr has already pledged his vote to Clinton.

Sand Papers

The permit process was way different 50 years ago (“County: Marina sand mine operated illegally since 1965,” posted May 27). Sure it’s “illegal” but it’s not like it’s an underground contraband business. It could never get a permit today, no doubt. Rose Dean Evers | via Facebook

This article is ridiculous as well as writer David Schmalz. I know Cemex employees who work hard to support their families that I’ve discussed this ongoing fight with. They have been permitted to dredge there all along in 1959, owning the property. The company was grandfathered in back in 1965 to continue mining close to shore.

Coastal erosion has been going on for years, well before Cemex started dredging near the shore. So please Monterey County Weekly, get your facts straight on permits and erosion before you try to put people out of a job. Not to mention cut off revenue for the small town of Marina. Leighton Kane | via Facebook

Editor’s note: David Schmalz, who is not ridiculous, has based his reporting on public documents, extensive data analysis and interviews with experts.

Booze Ban

Why is this additional law needed? (“Monterey considers banning alcohol on its beaches,” June 2-8.) Can’t the police enforce inappropriate beach behaviour/drinking with public intoxication laws if needed? It seems the city would be better served enforcing current laws then creating more that are difficult to enforce. Amsadora Sawhney | via Facebook

Just enforce a ban on littering. Is there a huge surge in drunken fights at the beach, or are you just making another victimless crime to enforce for revenue?Dave Sinor | via Facebook

Seriously, we pay taxes, we love the ocean, we should be able to drink on the friggin’ beach. Jonathon Lachlan-Haché | via Facebook

All this time I could’ve been drinking on the beach legally? Mary Ellen Kujawski | via Facebook

Peace Process

Our recent wars have had little to do with freedom and lots to do with our country plundering the resources of other countries. The Iraq war was waged on behalf of oil corporations; Alan Greenspan, in his memoir The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World, stated the Iraq war was all about oil.

War itself is so caveman, but our weapons are the best science can develop.

Our country has sought to become an imperial power instead of a responsible leader in the world. What a sorry legacy for our grandchildren, who will pay the bills we incur. Marjorie Atkinson | Monterey

Welcome to P.G.

Whether or not an admissions tax is a good idea, that decision belongs to the voters of Pacific Grove.

I applaud councilmembers Dan Miller, Ken Cuneo, Rudy Fischer and Casey Lucius for their support and yes votes at the May 4 City Council meeting, allowing voters to decide.MCarmelita Garcia | Pacific Grove

Editor’s note: Garcia is a former mayor of Pacific Grove.