SUPPORT FARMERS, NOT JUST FARMS

Thank you for pointing out a stock photo used in our No on Measure A brochure was from a coastal image in Santa Cruz, not Monterey County. As chair of the communication committee for Plan for the People and a 20-year veteran in marketing communications, I should have caught that one. But in between running a produce company that employs more than 450 people, implementing advanced Good Agricultural Practices with our growers, serving on the board for five non-profits, and raising two young children, I’m not going to beat myself up too badly on that one.

Perhaps Squid couldn’t make any factual arguments against the text in the brochure so started to pick apart our pictures? If so I’d like to educate Squid a bit about Monterey County agriculture. That field on the front cover is a broccoli field, not a lettuce field, as you stated. I’m sure you and other urbanites can tell the difference between the two vegetables when you shop at your Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Safeway Lifestyles stores, but obviously you haven’t spent a lot of time in the Salinas Valley.

So, Squid, don’t blame agriculture for not wanting voters to tell us how and where we can do business when it’s painfully obvious a majority of you know little about it. Is Measure A about protecting farmers or just farmland? I believe the latter and I’m voting no on Measure A.

Enjoy dinner with your family tonight, Squid. It was likely brought to you by a rancher or farmer in Monterey County. You should be thanking us, not trying to put us out of business. —Lorri A. Koster | Salinas

TOO MANY CHAIRPEOPLE

In a recent article [“Culture Wars,” April 12-18] Zachary Stahl writes about Ohlone Costanoan/ Esselen Nation (OCEN) politics based upon his clearly limited knowledge of the issues. While it is true that the tribe is, unfortunately, suffering from some internal divisive forces, Ms. Lorraine Escobar was not “booted” off the council. She and several other council members resigned due to certain unresolved issues. As a result, a new election is being planned at the end of this year in order to help clarify OCEN’s leadership issues.

I served as OCEN tribal archaeologist and OCEN/CSUMB liaison, and later was drafted by the OCEN tribal council to serve as tribal administrator (TA) during the time period about which Stahl writes. While I was serving as TA, Chairwoman Cari Herthel represented the interests of OCEN with professionalism, integrity and sensitivity. She and other tribal members volunteered many hours—monitoring ancestral archaeological sites, consulting with the governor’s office, and consulting with county planners. All of these agencies demonstrated nothing but respect for Herthel and the aboriginal rights of OCEN.

The issues addressed in the article are indeed complex and further obfuscated by misinformation that does a disservice to the 600 enrolled tribal members. Rudy Rosales is no longer the tribal chairperson or on the tribal council; therefore, he is not empowered to serve as official spokesperson for the tribe. Rosales is entitled to his own opinion; however, this should have been made clear in the article.  

The trend in modern-day reporting seems to have drifted toward tabloid and sensation-oriented pseudo-journalism. If the Weekly reporters seek to understand OCEN tribal government they should attempt to obtain more comprehensive information, not just the opinion of one member. —Susan Morley | Pacific Grove

GOOD DAY TO DRINK

Once more we stand on the cusp of Cinco de Mayo—a day for liquor vendors, bars and drunks to rejoice. Being of Mexican heritage, I used to wonder why my family never celebrated. One day when I was around 10 years old, I stood in front of my mom and asked her, “How come we don’t have Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo?” My mom looked at me and smiled. “Mijo, we don’t celebrate that day. Only white people do.” She was right, although she did relent and made rice and beans, accompanied with her home made tortillas.

Even to this day I don’t have the urge to celebrate. Maybe I would if I was in college, just so I could get drunk on tequila or some beer with a Mexican name. No, I think I’ll just walk through town watching all the crazy white people getting hammered while celebrating what they think is Mexican Independence Day, then retire with a bit of mota.

Party on Garth. Happy Cinco de Mayo. Vaya con queso. —Frank Salcido | Carmel