LETTERS to the EDITOR 07.27.17

Mapping Water

So not only is ag consuming a disproportionate amount of water, but now ag overuse may actually foul water for everybody else (“New maps show seawater has continued creeping inland, threatening water supply,” July 20-26). Philipp Bleek | via Facebook

Um, “ag” being the people who provide the foods for your table? Do you have a solution? Are they wasteful? You don’t want your food supply to just go away, surely.Fannie Toner | via Facebook

This “food supply go away” argument is silly. Free and cheap water just incentivizes inefficient use of that water. If we want to subsidize certain farmers, fine, but let’s not do it in a way that encourages inefficient use of water. I get that there’s a historical legacy, and contentious politics, here. It’s just frustrating to see this tragedy of the commons play out in such predictable ways. Philipp Bleek | via Facebook

Hats off to the Weekly. The public needs to know. A good summary of a complicated situation. Peter Kwiek | via Facebook

Editor’s note: Kwiek is a hydrologist at the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.

Grain by Grain

I would like to personally thank you for the work you have done bringing matters of local interest to the attention of our community; the most recent and dramatic example is the sand mining issue (“Coastal Commission unanimously approves order to shut down Cemex mine,” posted July 13).

I have no doubt the recent “agreement” between the California Coastal Commission and Cemex that will ensure the end of unnatural and unnecessary erosion of our precious coast was spurred by the involvement and support of many residents as a result of your publication.

My compliments to the dedicated and talented David Schmalz; I still have the “Lost Coast” cover story from the Jan. 14-20, 2016 issue of the Weekly! Mike Fitzsimmons | Del Rey Oaks

Banging Down Doors

Waste of time, go catch the real criminals (“Narcotics task force searches cannabis grower’s Salinas home,” posted July 20). Jody Hutchinson | via Facebook

“Investigative lead” – someone has a bone to pick with him. Probably someone trying to extort money from him and he wouldn’t play along. This guy draws attention to himself and came up pretty fast. Big money brings big problems. Leslie Gonzalez | via Facebook

Are they going to return the plastic bag of cannabis removed from his car? Patty Ciesla | via Facebook

So, they’re pretty much wasting this person’s time. Richard Dot | via Facebook

And our money. How is it possible they would not show his attorney the search warrant when requested?! Stuart Newhouse | via Facebook

Wonder if they’ll have to pay for the broken front door. And what’s the deal with not showing a search warrant? Salinas is still in America, right? Frank Toner | via Facebook

Feast or Famine

I was so interested in your story on the opening of Hotel Del Monte and so excited to go to brunch July 30! (“Legendary old Hotel Del Monte opens its long-closed gates for monthly brunch,” June 29-July 5.) I called the phone number in your article to make a reservation in plenty of time. I made a point to place my calls during their hours of operation. When they didn’t reply, I called again. The deadline [for reservations] has passed, and frankly I’m disgusted as well as disappointed at their lack of response.

Perhaps this would not be such a pleasant way to do Sunday brunch if their negligence is characteristic of their general operations. A good article, but a verydisappointing experience. Suzanne Hendrick | Salinas

Bucking Trends

Hats off to all of your rodeo reporters! (“Pickup men prove fundamental to the safety and well-being of California Rodeo Salinas stars,” July 20-26.) You made some great, humanitarian comments about the animals – especially the human ones – who are participating. Dear Lord, I’m glad the Weekly exists. Thanks. Margie McCurry | Monterey

Rodeos should eliminate all “entertainment” that harasses animals. Susan Stienstra | via Facebook

That it’s over (“What was your favorite part of the California Rodeo Salinas?” posted July 24). We have laws protecting animals from abuse, but I guess when it pulls in money, you’re exempt. Chris Caffrey | via Facebook

Military Might

The House voted last week to increase Pentagon spending by $70 million. At the same time, the Pentagon’s own Inspector General’s Office released a 458-page report of self-audits dating back to 2006 highlighting wasteful spending of $33.6 billion. As more votes come up later this year for a bigger military budget, I ask Congress to vote for smarter spending instead. I hope that as a newly appointed member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, will join the 36 bipartisan co-sponsors of HR 3079 Audit the Pentagon Act of 2017 and hold the Pentagon responsible for its lack of accountability in submitting to a full audit. It’s irresponsible to not hold the Pentagon accountable for mismanagement of funds. Krista Carey | Seaside