Letters to the Editor 10.01.15

Lot of Action

These scumbags weren’t shot because they had outstanding warrants (“Two Sand City officers injured in deadly Target parking lot shooting,” posted Sept. 21). They were shot because they shot and wounded police officers who were doing their jobs attempting to pick up wanted criminals. Frank Palmer | via Facebook

They shot at the police. Whatever else they did in life is irrelevant. Thank God the police weren’t killed in the process of removing this scum from the earth. Peter Stewart | via Facebook

We all make choices who we hang out with, some people are just stupid about making them. Gyll Meyer | via Facebook

Why do they serve a warrant in a busy parking lot full of shoppers? I hope that the officers are well and that they make a speedy recovery. Esteban Wolf | via Facebook

Dragging Us Down

Unfortunately this is all too common in our state (“Contained Laureles Fire believed to have started by sparks from a chain,” posted Sept. 21). Please check your vehicle, especially if you are hauling something, to make sure there are no metal parts dragging. And if you do see someone creating a hazard by dragging something, immediately call 911! Bryan Flores | via Facebook

Why would anyone knowingly have a chain dragging from their car? Sandy McClellan Whittle | via Facebook

I saw the hillside in Del Rey Oaks go up in flames caused by a spark made from a car driving on its rim. Just one spark. That’s all it took! Amazed me! Kathi Buckley Smith | via Facebook

Death in the Flames

So very sad that anyone could be so horribly confused and desperate (“Suicide determined as definitive cause of Tassajara Fire,” posted Sept. 23). Vicki Bamman | via Facebook

What a disgusting act of selfishness and lack of empathy toward other people and nature itself. Dave Sinor | via Facebook

Sad for this man, devastated for those who are dealing with the aftermath of his actions. Robin Shaw | via Facebook

Defying Convention

The Monterey County GOP thinks it is clever, and who could argue with that (“Monterey County Republicans make a splash at California GOP convention,” posted Sept. 19). Royal Calkins | via Facebook

Wealthy white folk gangs, I mean, politicians. Piercy Gramz | via Facebook

Out By Thanksgiving

Double standard at it finest (“Molester mom faces jail time for violating probation,” posted Sept. 18). If this was a man he would be in jail a lot longer. Amanda Opdyke | via Facebook

Why isn’t she in prison in the first place? Brittney Lebbano | via Facebook

Too bad that this is acceptable. She should serve the full sentence. Stephanie Koehler | via Facebook

A Plea for Seniors

The need for affordable housing in our county is indisputable; the need for senior housing is as pressing. County housing costs have historically been disproportionate when compared with income levels. According to a national database, a senior renter would need to make approximately $26,500 annually to pay for basic food, shelter and health care. Unfortunately, the average annual income for a senior was only $18,000 between 2008 and 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Senior poverty is often overlooked when addressing issues of poverty in our community. The poverty rate for a senior renter living alone in Monterey County is 23 percent according the California Elder Economic Security Index.

The financial crisis that occurred in 2008 had a significant impact on seniors. Seniors were impacted by housing foreclosures, lost savings and reduced pensions – all when living on fixed incomes. Additional cuts to HUD funding mean less affordable housing and fewer landlords willing to accept Section 8 vouchers.

Unless we want to see a surge in the homeless population, we must address affordable housing for everyone including seniors. Bob Petty | via Web

(Editor’s note: Bob Petty is a member of the advisory council for the Monterey County Area Agency on Aging.)

Welp, Marina?

As a resident of the city of Marina, I am forced to wonder. After watching Mayor Bruce Delgado gush about the number of dollars being spent to develop the city and observing large blocks of high-density housing spring up around Imjin Parkway like mold on an old peach; and, speaking of rot, after viewing several times a day an area of decrepit and deteriorating housing the size of a small village; and after finding that Marina is isolated from activities to the south by one of two roadways: General Jim Moore and Highway 1 with direct access on city of Marina streets to General Jim Moore blocked for the apparent convenience of developers; and while forcing the additional fuel and air pollution associated with roundabout detours required to avoid Highway 1; and finding that access to Fort Ord Dunes State Park is blocked by the closure of a city of Marina street, again apparently, for the convenience of developers; after all of this, I am forced to wonder how long it has been since the city government remembered it has existing residents. For how much of its celebrated 40 years has that simple fact been forgotten?

Isn’t it time for the Marina government to stop focusing primarily on increasing the wealth of out-of-town developers and take at least a few simple steps to benefit existing city residents? Sineidin O’Niall | via Web