Letters to the Editor 09.03.26

That’s Politics

Wow! Vince Malfitano, failed businessman and sexual predator, running for mayor? With those credentials he should be running for president! (“In Monterey’s election for mayor, challenger Vince Malfitano seeks to unseat the incumbent,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). — Harry Nagel | Monterey

In my opinion, Vince Malfitano has several “red flags” that I find deeply disturbing. Ultimately, concerns about his honesty and credibility are enough for me to believe he is not qualified for the position. — Jonathon Bullock | Monterey

With all the mud that Vincent Malfitano is struggling to squirm out from, you have to wonder who is giving his campaign money. What do they want?

I’m happy with the job Williamson is doing thus far. — Marco Poehner | Monterey

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Nice “HIT PIECE” by Aric Sleeper for the publication that endorsed current Mayor Tyller Williamson two years ago. I believe [the Weekly] is using the same tactics that were used by the Nevada Gaming Commission in 2014. Dr. Malfitano’s businesses were granted Gaming and Liquor Licenses in 2019. Aric, why don’t you dig deeper and report on the fiscal quagmire that our current mayor has driven the City of Monterey into? — Peter Boysen | Monterey

Monterey deserves better. Running for elected office is not easy and it’s difficult to find candidates with appropriate experience and motivation.

Voters deserve a full picture of candidates asking for their votes. Mayor Tyller Williamson inherited a structural deficit from the previous city leadership due to its ongoing failure to adequately fund infrastructure maintenance. Nobody wants more taxes or fees yet this deficit must be addressed with facts, not omissions and distortions. During the pandemic a multitude of expenses were cut by the city that were never replaced.

The sharp contrast between these candidates is so glaring that it begs the question: What real reasons do Malfitano’s donors and endorsers, including a previous mayor, have to believe he’s worthy to represent and lead our beloved city? — Esther Malkin | Monterey

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He claims to be a successful businessman who will help government finances. I think I’ve heard that line before. — Eric Palmer Sr. | Monterey

Life of a Landfill

In regards to the possibility of raising the dumping fee to $120/ton or $175/ton, that will increase the amount of illegal dumping on the roadside (“Salinas Valley Waste officials explore advanced technology to extend Johnson Canyon Landfill’s lifespan,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). It’s a big problem already in places like Salinas. Then someone has to be paid to retrieve the junk and take it to the dump. Maybe some tax money needs to be used to keep our neighborhoods clean and dump-free. — Steve Markley | Salinas

Room Rate

The Coastal Commission used to exist to block ANY construction ANYWHERE near the coast; now it appears they are the opposite (“A proposed hotel known as the Collections Resort in Sand City inches forward,” Aug. 20-26). — Gene Sutton | Carmel

Just what we need. Now you can glamp in a tent on the same property as the homeless in their tents. — Sasha Winter | via social media

That land is cursed. The Coastal Commission is a joke!

Leave the sand dunes alone. Why pump all this money into protection/rehabilitation just to develop it? Makes no sense. Other than money is more important. I hope that hotel gets eaten by the ocean. — Cheryl “Rebelle” Robinson | Prunedale

Sure glad I got the view of the bay I had for my 50-plus years on the Peninsula. Too bad for future generations. — Wendy Simpson | via social media

River Run

Recreation? The Watsonville and Pajaro areas are lacking in recreational opportunities (“A levee project focuses on reducing Pajaro’s flood risk. Researchers say the benefits are bigger,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). Introducing children and families to the natural environment hidden in their midst would educate and elevate their relationship with the world hidden right at their doorstep.

Not only was this news story devoid of any mention of the opportunity for recreation, but the fact that our elected local officials didn’t include recreation is stunning. Imagine families walking and riding bikes along the Pajaro River levee, or the Salsipuedes and Corralitos creek levee now being constructed.

Imagine children from Watsonville High, Pajaro Middle School, and the dozen elementary schools using the river and creek access for introducing them to the natural world. A lost opportunity. — Peter Stanger | Watsonville

Lettuce Curtain

LAFCO should be completely dissolved. It is a commission that does nothing but muddy the waters of any issue it touches (“The deep divide on the LAFCO board persists,” posted Aug. 25). — Robert McGregor | Salinas

Deep Water

What an incredible woman (“Midway through attempt to become first person to swim the entire California coast, Catherine Breed to stop in P.G.,” posted Aug. 24). Ocean swimming is difficult, the most I’ve ever done at a stretch is three hours, and in warm water. Always keeping an eye out for sharks. — Walter Wagner | Salinas

Sick Beats

So talented! (“Pacific Grove-based rap and hip-hop artist Colton Bell debuts a locally inspired album,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). — Steffanie Porter Gamecho | via social media

This is awesome! — Kimberly Dunn | via social media