Death by A Thousand Cuts
We are better than what happened this morning in Monterey (“Two homeless men found dead near downtown Monterey,” posted Dec. 14). Monterey can lead the way on compassionate and effective and fiscally responsible solutions for sisters and brothers living in hard circumstances. These two men died across the street from [Trader Joe’s]. It didn’t have to happen. Brian Bajari | via Facebook
From the amount of money in Monterey County to an empty barracks sitting on the former Fort Ord, there’s no reason for us to have a homeless problem. No one should die from exposure when there are places for them to be in shelter. Steve Kampa | via Facebook
This is just so sad. There has to be a way to help those who need help besides county. The only shelter I know is in Salinas, and for someone with no money and no transportation, it’s hard to reach. Cyndi Olvera | via Facebook
Carrying old coats and blankets we no longer need in my car in case I see anyone who needs such. Kenn Morrison | via Facebook
The places in Fort Ord that have stayed vacant and been vandalized over and over sure could be some thoughtful places, if fixed up, for our community homeless peeps! Such a shame. Tresa Burks-Campbell | via Facebook
What’s foul is the lack of action in a community so overflowing with wealth that a Catholic church in the area has the time (and audacity) to bless rich people’s cars. It’s an absolute crime that this happened in a place as wealthy as this. Jessie Lillie Lemon | via Facebook
Beach Babies
Carmel was once a freedom-loving artists’ town (“Carmel’s ban on beach fires allowed to stand,” posted Dec. 11). Then the wealthy moved in and everyone else out. Same thing that’s happening in San Francisco – aristocratic gentrification. Daniel Retta | via Facebook
We used to drive around with no seat belts and sit in the sun with baby oil on our skin also. It’s called evolving, learning from science and past mistakes and doing what’s necessary to correct it for the good of all. Anyone that goes to that beach regularly has seen the degradation over the years. The saying, “This is why we can’t have nice things” comes to mind. Ellen Hrabek Beck | via Facebook
Better start ticketing everyone with a fireplace that uses it too! How many houses in Carmel are owner occupied? How many of the multi-million dollar mansions are just summer homes for filthy rich? You might be surprised. Terri Pinkham Vandermark | via Facebook
Oh, well. If God had intended people in Salinas and South Monterey County to have a beach, he’d have put one there. Of course, then these selfish phonies would’ve bought up that property too and kicked everyone off that beach as well. Matthew Fleming | via Facebook
Did anyone read the article? They purposely did the air quality tests during 4th of July weekend. When more people come to the Carmel Beach than any other time. This “science” is flawed in method, and worse, it is knowingly fabricated by using an outlier as the norm. Joseph Borawski | via Facebook
When this began, I was pro-fire. But when I learned more, and observed how thick the smoke frequently was, I changed my mind. David Garnham | via Facebook
Murdered Children
If we can’t trust the system to help when the proper protocols are followed by people who notice something wrong, who can we trust!? (“Couple accused of killing two children and torturing a third had previous contacts with Salinas Police, county social services,” posted Dec. 15).
These are the same systems we have in place to protect us against threats and violence, yet I shudder to think about all that could fall through the cracks if people aren’t paying attention.
We have to watch, community, and do what we can to care for each other. We cannot rely solely on government entities to pay attention. I have no idea what that looks like, but something’s got to give. Heather O’ Donnell | via Facebook
It’s horribly, horribly sad that these poor innocent children fell through the radar of those who were there and didn’t do a very good job investigating. So sad and my heart aches for those poor babies and what the had to endure. Andrea Houston-Garcia | via Facebook
What a horrible nightmare. So sad that CPS was not notified and random checks should be done by law enforcement even on suspicion of neglect. And where are the neighbors? People need to get involved if they suspect anything. Sam Martinez | via Facebook
Moment of Joy
I wasn’t sure I was the right audience for the recent Christmas concert of the Hartnell Choir at the Wayfarer Church in Carmel – perhaps too highbrow for my low tastes (think Rolling Stones). Boy, was I wrong. This choir, with its small orchestra, sang so beautifully and was so inspiring. It was downright celestial. I have never heard a better choir. The fact that they are going to be appearing at Carnegie Hall will be of no surprise to anyone who has heard them. Bravo! I note that .G.’s own Dwight Edwards, former vicar of St. Mary’s Church, is an 85-year-old member of this wonderful choir was featured in your last issue (“Face to Face,” Dec. 3-9). I guess he will putting singing at Carnegie Hall as one of the highlights of what apparently has been “A Wonderful Life!” Susan Goldbeck | Monterey