Letters to the Editor 08.20.26

Volume Up

It is sad that one person can cause a local, thriving business such heartache (“Pop & Hiss owner cited for keeping a ‘disorderly house’ due to noise complaints,” posted Aug. 13). It is a business district with mixed use. Isn’t that what we all want? Karen Ladner Gunby | Pacific Grove

Pop & Hiss is the best thing to happen to P.G. in a long time. That place is a damn jewel and must be protected. Candace Hare | via social media

The live music, with very few exceptions, is indoors and completely inaudible outside the business. Downtown Pacific Grove, for the first time in my three decades here, is worth spending a few hours of evening time in, thanks to [owner] Michaela [Kuenster] and a few other innovators. Jeff Rothal | Pacific Grove

Sounds like one lone local who hasn’t agreed with Pacific Grove getting a pulse finally. Send ’em a free pizza and ear plugs. Aaron McGilloway | Carmel Valley

What a sense of entitlement when someone chooses to live near downtown in a mixed-use building and then complains about music, noise and “life” happening.

I’m a senior who lives right up the street, with my window facing Grand Avenue. I hear the music coming from Pop & Hiss, and frankly, I think it’s wonderful. It means there is some nightlife, people are enjoying themselves, and our downtown isn’t becoming a ghost town.

This noise-sensitive issue never ceases to amaze me – from people living near Chautauqua complaining when Jazzercise lasts until 7pm to the pickleball complaints from people who live next to courts. Now we’re downtown, apparently, and it’s supposed to be noise- and entertainment-free?

God help those of us who keep beating our heads against the wall trying to encourage economic development and profitable businesses that people actually want to attend after 7pm. If we want a vibrant downtown, we have to expect some signs of life. Christie Italiano-Thomas | Pacific Grove

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Love the support Michaela is getting online. I hope it manifests in public comments for more live music to the rest of the councils on the Peninsula. John Gaglioti | Del Rey Oaks

Michaela is a local icon. Her passion for music and community is phenomenal. I don’t get it, she is always very conscious of making sure everybody is inside before 10pm and keeping the decibel level (which she monitors) down.

Pop & Hiss is one of the best things to happen to P.G. in decades. Let the people have fun. Leah Beets | Marina

Count on It

The census report validates the hard work and accomplishments of our colleagues (“Homelessness is down in Monterey County but one data point is a cause for concern,” posted July 30). However, the count is an imperfect effort to understand the population of homeless people; it relies heavily on the ability of participating volunteers to know where to look in order to achieve an accurate count. Homeless women are deliberately harder to find.

The numbers in this year’s point-in-time count do not reflect our experience at Gathering for Women in Monterey. So far this year, the number of visits made by women to our day center for meals, clothing, and showers has risen by almost 16 percent. We are seeing many more women facing homelessness for the first time, with more under threat due to changing federal housing program rules and state and local government budget limitations.

I would encourage anyone with doubts about the scope of the need in our community to come and volunteer and see for yourself. Staci M. Alziebler-Perkins | Sand City

Note: Alziebler-Perkins is executive director of Gathering for Women.

Brush Off

I am so surprised that the City of Seaside didn’t choose a muralist from our own city (“Seaside selects an Australian artist to prepare a mural for the city’s library staircase,” Aug. 6-12). If we didn’t have any talented artists in our community, then I could see the necessity to reach out to artists outside. For any future proposals, I recommend that we only consider applicants living in Monterey County.

I would have voted for Hanif [Panni] hands down. You can see his work all around our community. Diane Rowe | Seaside

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While artists from around the world bring unique perspectives, public art commissions funded by local taxpayers should, whenever possible, prioritize the exceptional talent that already exists within our own community. Monterey County is home to nationally recognized muralists whose work reflects our region’s history, culture and diversity while creating economic opportunities for local artists and businesses. Investing in local artists not only results in authentic public art that resonates with residents, but also keeps public dollars circulating within our community, strengthens our creative economy, and supports the next generation of artists who call Monterey County home. Jacquie Atchison | Monterey

Note: Atchison is executive director of the Arts Council for Monterey County.

Salad Bowl

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for Salinas Valley Now! I appreciate the focus on Salinas and South County and look forward to reading more information about the candidates running for mayor and council seats in Salinas (“Salinas mayor’s race set with four candidates for November election,” posted Aug. 13). Liz Crooke | Salinas

Swan Song

I met Mr. Tarmina and the “Lighthouse Crew” while they were restoring it (“Margruss, the Lovers Point swan boat, gets its first makeover in years thanks to volunteers,” Aug. 13-19). Pacific Grove is lucky to have such devoted residents. I wish Monterey would restore the boat at the entrance to the parking lot at Fisherman’s Wharf. Monterey needs a Mr. Tarmina. Very nice story. Kathleen Mauvorneen Balke | Monterey