Letters to the Editor 12.25.25

Love and Loss and ocean

Your story about Erica Fox was deeply moving even for those of us who only very rarely swim in the ocean (“Today’s big local news story has been about a shark attack, but it’s really about loss,” posted Dec. 22). Your quiet eloquence allowed me to understand and appreciate the purity of Erica’s daily embrace of human life, other species who share this world and the elements which engulf us all.

I hope you keep sharing your writing with the rest of us. — Philip H. Coelho | Greenfield

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I grew up in Carmel Valley, and now live in San Francisco where I swim, paddle and row in San Francisco Bay on most days.

Open water has been instrumental to navigating my own experience with grief and loss and it has given my life profound meaning, and an extraordinary community. — Madeleine Crow | San Francisco

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So sorry to read about your friend. It was a beautiful piece. — Scott Caplener | Muir Beach

I am heartbroken and yet also enriched by your profoundly beautiful and unaffected words about your friend Erica and the loss you and your community have suffered. All that you have shared with her (and now with us, your readers) during your intertwined lives and swims is inspiring and galvanizing. I will never think of swimming in the same way again.

I continue to be deeply grateful for your publication, which keeps me in touch with the Monterey Peninsula where I spent 25 years of my life, and, in the process, gathering friendships that will “stick to my ribs” forever! — Adele Negro | El Cerrito

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I am so sorry for your loss. Not being able to get mad or blame the shark must be an incredibly frustrating feeling. I highly respect the decision to refrain from villainizing sharks in their native habitat. — 

Diana Lopez | Seaside

The Lovers Point area is obviously a beautiful popular spot in Monterey County loved and enjoyed by locals and visitors. But it is becoming obvious that it is also loved and enjoyed by sharks (“Search continues for Kelp Krawlers co-founder after suspected shark attack in Pacific Grove,” posted Dec. 22).

Perhaps it is time to reevaluate the safety of water recreation in that area, without some sort of safety measures being put into place. Australia has had some success with installing shark nets in situations like this. It’s time for some community brainstorming involving local officials, first responders, swimmers, and all those concerned about safety at Lovers Point. — Jane Carey | Carmel Valley

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Condolences to her loved ones and family. She sounds like an amazing person who died doing what she loves. To live a full life means to accept inherent risk. Surfers, kayakers, free divers, divers, the risk is there. There’s been plenty of deaths getting caught in sneaker waves lately. I commend anyone who accepts risk and chooses to live a full life.

Keyboard couch warriors need to check their ego and remember compassion. Rest in peace. — Wendy Leah Waters Barton | Big Sur

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My heart goes out to her husband, family and friends. I understand the draw of open water swimming and give her so much credit for pursuing her passions and co-founding the group so many years ago. Truly a tragedy. — Katie Thomsen | via social media

Sending prayers to her community. Life is so fragile. — Andrea Woodhall | via social media

Fish Dinner

What a timely article (“No crab for Christmas, but local fishers still have catch to sell. Here’s what to look for,” Dec. 18-24). I don’t normally eat much fish, but decided to make a crab bisque and was surprised the Monterey Fish Co. on Wharf 2 had none. Thanks to your thorough and well written article I now know why. I’ll try for the crab next month.

I’m on a mission to create every dish from the Seinfeld “Soup Nazi” episode, so there is plenty to keep me busy in the kitchen until then. — James Macfarlane | Big Sur

Pay Bump

Good to see the police officers in Salinas getting a salary boost (“Salinas City Council approves wage increases for police officers,” posted Dec. 22). They deserve every penny they get! — Robert McGregor | Salinas

Open Road

Just in time for the next storm to close the next section (“Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide in Big Sur is expected to reopen early, potentially by the new year,” Dec. 18-24). — Peter Waligora | via social media

Health Cares

Rising health insurance premiums would hit working families the hardest, especially when preventive care and transparency already feel out of reach (“Health insurance premiums could spike soon, if Congress doesn’t act,” posted Dec. 18).

If Congress doesn’t act, people may delay care and rely more on self-education for health decisions. We’re already seeing this with questions like “does CBD oil show up on a drug test,” where people turn online for clarity before making choices. Policy stability matters more than ever. — Brendon Mooney | Seaside

In the Shelves

Really enjoyed your article about MIIS (“Middlebury College’s board decided to close the Monterey Institute, but some faculty are hoping to rehome it,” Dec. 11-17). I love their library and a few years ago when I was writing my second Milan Series thriller, No One Sleeps, I found great resources about international terrorism at the MIIS library. Not just books, but government and military documents.

I certainly hope another university will step forward and revive MIIS. — Jack Erickson | Monterey

Correction

A piece about watercolorist R. Mike Nichols’ work on display at Carmel Art Association inaccurately stated he is based in Riverside (“Visuals,” Dec. 18-24). He is based in Salinas.