Letters to the Editor 07.31.25

Tragic Loss

What a huge loss (“James Vincent, owner of Aquarius Dive Shop, is one of three victims identified in Pacific Grove plane crash,” posted July 27). Condolences to all the families. — Rosemary Maldonado-Barron | Salinas

This is so incredibly heartbreaking and sad and tragic. — Bill Freeman | Salinas

Tragic story; many condolences to their loved ones (“Three bodies recovered after a small plane crashed into a cove off of Asilomar State Beach,” posted July 27). Side note: Well written article! — Cliff Beard | via social media

Iced Out

I really don’t understand the fear when the option of self-deportation is offered. Why live in fear and wait around for the inevitable? (“Even when ICE isn’t in town, the fear that they might be unsettles people,” July 24-30.) — Cheri Gray Lyons | Fresno

Do you understand that some people have never lived anywhere else? They’ve built a life here.

We need immigrants. The problem is that our immigration system is broken and we have politicians who have used immigration for their political purposes without any thought of those who bear the pain. Racism is a big part of the problem and uneducated citizens are another major part of the problem. — Mary Jarrett | via social media

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Illegal is illegal no matter how you spin it. — Tim Bengard | King City

Leaving Castroville today, I passed by 100-plus farmworkers working in the fields on Highway 183 between Blackie Road and Cooper Road. It just struck me that without these hardworking people we would have nothing on our tables (“Local law enforcement agencies worry that fears of ICE could compromise cooperation,” July 24-30). If someone could take a picture with a camera or a drone to see how many people it takes to feed our nation – and then right beside that, feature the same picture and take all the people out to show what is soon going to be left if all the ICE raids continue with their horrific actions.

I know people are aware of our government’s actions but are they really? It just breaks my heart.

Thank you folks for all you are doing to keep us informed of all the important matters in our country. — Jan Overweser | Salinas

Traffic Flow

If these AI signals are as effective as the ones on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, traffic will still be awful (“Adaptive AI signals are coming to Highway 68, and roundabouts may be out for good,” July 17-23). Keeping standard signals in place also doesn’t alleviate the danger of making left turns.

Anyone who commuted before and after the roundabout project at Holman Highway knows that roundabouts work. I can’t believe that TAMC – actual traffic engineers – deferred to a retired dude who had time to make a website and attend meetings. So disappointing. — Amanda Whitmire | Monterey

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And when the technology fails resulting in a fatal accident, what then? I’d prefer roundabounds for sure! — Celia Bosworth | Salinas

Saving the money to go toward other projects sounds good to me. — Tina Walsh | via social media

Sand Castle

I read with interest your article and finished wondering why there was no mention of the existence of a nonprofit organization having an interest in obtaining the property (“An ownership dispute over Sand City’s ‘eco-resort’ property drags on as debts keep mounting,” July 24-30). Surely the land along the coast should be preserved and not developed – except as open space for limited public use.

I wonder where might [local nonprofits] be on this preservation? Seems to me that this 39-acre parcel is worthy of being saved. — Gloria J. Moore | Salinas

Show Time

It’s an incredible space (“An event venue in Monterey is ready for Car Week with a new permit,” July 17-23).

Super excited for them. Events there are sure to be amazing. It’s unique and cool. — Shawn Adams | Monterey

Bird Brain

I so agree with you related to these poor baby seagulls (“Baby birds need you to slow down to save a life,” posted July 25). People need to slow down on Del Monte and not use it like a highway. Think about all the areas we have taken from these birds that they now roost in buildings.

People also need to be aware that there is mega-construction going on in Marina and Seaside. There will be many wildlife residents displaced including coyotes, hares, owls, mountain lions and bobcats to name a few, who may be wandering in town trying to figure out where to go after they are kicked out of their habitats. Please use caution. No need to be rushing to get to the next stoplight at the same time someone going slower does! — Susan Schiavone | Seaside

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I am so glad you addressed this topic. I am a lover of birds and in general, animals in nature. I have seen the “roadkill” and found myself crying. In this particular incident, it was an adult. I could not help thinking about the baby and family. Maybe it is because I am aging. I find the loss of non-human creatures more difficult to stomach. I obviously don’t wish the human variety ill will.

I guess I am tired of all the stupidity we show the natural wildlife. They have few defenses from our “advances,” such as cars.

Thanks for addressing a topic that is very close to my heart. I hope it hits home for others. — Laurel Eden | via email

Musical Milestone

Happy birthday Cowboy! (“The Golden State Theatre celebrates its lead stage manager, known as Cowboy,” July 17-23.) Grateful for all you’ve done for the Monterey County music scene over the years! — Meg K. Ryan | via social media