LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 10.20.16

Car Park

Since when did it become a crime to be homeless? (“As the homeless population outside Marina rises, some community members are at odds,” Oct. 13-19.) These people only want a place where they can sleep and be safe. It galls me some people who have a nice cozy little place to reside in seem to be offended they should have to look at these homeless.

When the homeless were working and paying taxes they were welcome, but now that they are down and out we kick them to the curb – and make sure it’s not our curb! The people we elected to represent us, should represent all of us and not just the people who are offended by what they consider blight. Andrew Gonzales | Seaside

I hope they let them stay put so long as they’re not bothering anyone. Look at what happened here in Salinas with the “cleanup” in Chinatown. The homeless population has now spread out all over the city and tents and makeshift shelters are everywhere you look along roads and behind trees. Crystal Martin | via Facebook

Wow, Weekly, nothing like exposing the already vulnerable. This is just mean. Kimberly Rousseau | via Facebook

Snuffed Out

Thank you all for saving Big Sur (“Containment of Soberanes Fire reaches 100 percent,” posted Oct. 12). Rory Montenegro | via Facebook

Thank you to all who put themselves in harm’s way to contain Soberanes and other California fires. You are the best! Susanne George | via Facebook

Ups, Downs, All Around

A few notes: 1) The very last thing any of us should be doing is discouraging youth from being involved in public policy (“Squid Fry,” Oct. 13-19). 2) FORA’s most recent report on the sale price of an average acre of Fort Ord land is $172,000. $172,000 (+/-) X 484 acres = do the math, subtract the cost of a pool, revitalized downtown, improved roads, parks, public facilities and services and let me know how many million more are left over. 3) I don’t have many fantasies. (Go Cubs.) Believing communities improve by repelling investment or demeaning high school students who participate in local government are not two of them. Craig Malin | Seaside

Editor’s note: Malin is the city of Seaside’s city manager.

Hope so (“Tonight’s Monterey Downs meeting may not go off as planned,” Oct. 13). Seaside’s blatant disregard for the local environment with a faulty EIR got In-N-Out through on a much smaller scale. Build some affordable housing with less environment impact. Esther Malkin | via Facebook

This has to be the worst investment in California, what a waste of time. Monterey Downs = DOA. Wyatt Patry | via Facebook

Politics as Unusual

Joe Livernois (“Letters,” Oct. 13-19) dismisses Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson as “goony.” Compared with the detestable, dishonest and unaccomplished Hillary and the appropriately named Deplorable Donald, Gary Johnson is the only island of sanity.

I am a 68-year-old centrist former Republican who is disgusted with how far to the right the GOP has drifted. At the same time, I am appalled at the Democrats who seem only able to promise to spend more and more money on programs that have abysmal records of success, despite a $20 trillion deficit. I spent a 40-year career in international finance, mostly emerging markets, and have seen repeated instances of runaway national debt bringing economic ruin to countries and families. The only candidate even talking about this and proposing solutions is Johnson. George Fowler | Monterey

I disagree with your endorsement of Jimmy Panetta (“The Weekly’s endorsements in 22 local, state and federal elections,” Oct. 13-19). Even though he has never been elected to any office, he is already acting like a politician. He is “open to” drug reform and decriminalization, he is “on the fence” about Measure Z (your words). Mr. Panetta seems more concerned with getting elected than he is with governing.

I agree with you that Casey Lucius is “smart and affable.” Her positions are more thought-out, and she is better prepared to present those positions in Congress. We need non-partisans in Congress. Mrs. Lucius’ non-support of Donald Trump shows she is prepared to reach across the aisle to solve problems. I hope your readers think carefully before agreeing with your endorsement. Joshua McCarver | Seaside

I am self-funding and not accepting contributions, hence why nothing has been reported. As I wanted to remain 100-percent independent and not beholden to anyone, this was really important to me. Self-funding limits are $2,500. Thank you for the endorsement; 2016 is certainly the year of HER. Jenny McAdams | Pacific Grove

Editor’s note: McAdams is running for Pacific Grove City Council.

We All Scream

I cannot wait to taste every one of these! I am so excited, what talent!! (“Revival Ice + Cream eyes opening in downtown Monterey,” posted Oct. 12.) Darlene Kish | via web

Sounds fabulous, and non-dairy options! Patricia Domingo | via Facebook

Went today – soooo good and refreshing. Tami D. Ortiz | via Facebook

Clarification

A story about the state’s proposed regulations for pesticide applications near schools quoted Assistant County Agricultural Commissioner Bob Roach out of context (“Bad Week,” Oct. 6-12). He was speaking about fumigation rules, rather than the new state regulations, which also apply to other application techniques in addition to fumigation.