Letters to the Editor 09.27.18

Investigation Age

No one on City Council should be going to Hawaii on the taxpayers’ money. And with all the mothers and fathers struggling to pay child care just so they can go to work, paying for child care – for something you chose to do and is not a necessity – again on the taxpayers’ money is ridiculous and an insult to struggling families everywhere (“Seaside launches investigation into sexual harassment claims, and audit of council expenses, posted Sept. 21; “A young woman running for Seaside mayor finds herself under attack,” Sept. 20-26). Chris Caffrey | via Facebook

I served in an appointed position and when encouraged to run for elected office said, “Thanks but no thanks.” I understand the public wants transparency. The disclosures that go with public office can be onerous while leaving the officeholder open to prosecution or removal from office for infractions. Scott Cunningham | via Facebook

So the money spent to travel to Texas to vet the current police chief was OK? Jody Hutchinson | via Facebook

The city of Carmel is paying its attorney way too much for bad legal advice (“Carmel city attorney lays out possible appeal to judge’s public records ruling,” posted Sept. 20). While it may not rise to the level of conflict of interest for him to continue to represent the city, his personal involvement in the issue certainly clouds the issue. Perhaps the City Council would be better served by consulting independent counsel. James Tarhalla | via Facebook

Fight for Rights

Thanks very much for the excellent piece on Jan Black (“As she faces mortality, a human rights advocate starts a scholarship to keep her passion going,” Sept. 20-26). You really captured her spirit. She is a remarkable character, and an inspiration to so many. Jason Warburg | Seaside

I first met Jan when I returned from my first Peace Corps service in 1994. Initially I was intimidated being in the company of such an accomplished intellectual educated woman. But that feeling immediately melted by her genuine warmth, compassion and fun-loving spirit. Over the years Jan and I served together on the boards of the United Nations Association, the Peace Coalition, and others. Her energy and passion always impress me. And she always gets so much done, both during and between her gallivanting around the world. Whenever she does leave this world (hopefully later rather than sooner) the loss will be felt so deeply by me and so many others. Thank you, Jan, for so much! Celia Bosworth | via Facebook

Court of Law

I’ll take 100 full-time, benefited, union jobs in Marina (“Monterey County Superior Court hopes for state’s blessing on a new courthouse,” Sept. 20-26). My union represents the court workers across the state. The Judicial Council needs to address the underfunding of our courts. It’s a problem for access to justice and it’s a problem for the people who work in the courts. Court budgets are totally undemocratic. The Judicial Council budgets the money and the elected Legislature doesn’t get to determine how it is spent and cannot earmark funds. Adam Urrutia | Marina

That courthouse is ours! Jon Wizard | Seaside

Design Sense

The courthouse property looks fantastic. Judy Jeska and Monterey County should be very proud (“Monterey County architectural manager signs off after completing her capstone project,” Sept. 20-26). Eric Palmer | via Facebook

Pie in the Sky

One of the best pizza joints in town, plus good beer on tap and decent wine (“The twain meet at The Oven, with East and West pizzas,” Sept. 13-19). Kenneth Chrisman | via Facebook

Yummy yummy yummy! Yes we ordered three pies and not only enjoyed them on the spot, but had enough left over for the next night’s dinner. We’ll be back. Nicholas Kromer | via Facebook

Went there today – belissimo, well done. Stefeni Luman | via Facebook

Served Up

I like this restaurant and the employees are really friendly and yes, it does need some improvement (“Las Marias Bar and Grill, a new Mexican spot in Seaside, is colorful and pleasant, but may need some time,” Sept. 6-12). The margaritas could really use some help; there are large chunks of salt in the drinks. The chips taste stale, and the seasonings need improvement. The service is a bit slow but very kind, cordial and helpful. The entire staff is welcoming and it is a very family-friendly place. Please make improvements; I want you all to succeed! Susan Faurot | Seaside

Campaign Season

The city of Pacific Grove has published a trove of data identifying the relative fiscal contribution of short-term rentals vs. licensed lodging – hotels, motels, B&Bs (“Squid takes note of the latest in deceptive election ads,” posted Sept. 24). The data clearly shows STR guests are spending a fraction of what licensed lodging guests spend. In effect, our local businesses are subsidizing STRs. Commercial lodging is also subsidizing STRs. Vincent Alfait | Pacific Grove

I am perplexed by short-term rental owners using “StrongPG” as their acronym. I find it ironic because short-term rentals take away long-term housing from our community, and that doesn’t seem very “strong” to me.

Having been evicted specifically to turn my residence of eight years into an STR, I am very grateful that my current landlord and rental agency are still local and long-term friendly. Coley S. O’Connor | Pacific Grove