MUSSEL BEACH

Thank you for your fine article (“Bowing to History,” April 29-May 5) on Gerry Low Sabado’s efforts to recognize and celebrate the Chinese community, especially the ancestral village at Mussel Point (China Point), and the recent efforts by Pacific Grove Mayor Carmelita Garcia to acknowledge this vital community heritage.

One point of history: Actually, the village stretched from Mussel Point (Pt. Almejas; aka China Point or Cabrillo Point), which is the present site of the Hopkins Marine Station, to Point Alones, the present site of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Sandy Lydon referred to the village as Point Alones in his book Chinese Gold. This has led to some confusion; Mussel Point is often referred to as Point Alones, when it is not. Historical maps show that the point was originally named Almejas for the abundant mussels. It was later called China Point for the village residents and then Cabrillo Point, in honor of explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. --Dennis Copeland, Historian and Archivist | Monterey

WATER WARS

How disappointing it is to read another story by another anything-goes pro-growth lobbyist (“Ending the Drought,” April 29-May 5). The cheapest solution has always been right under your noses.

The Environmental Impact Report for the Salinas Valley Water Project stated 240,000 acre feet of water annually flows from the Salinas River into the Monterey Bay.Diverting 12,000 acre feet for Peninsula use would not significantly impact Salinas Valley farmland. It could be treated and stored in the Seaside Aquifer.

When I suggested this years ago, Monterey County Water Resources Agency officials said farmers would never allow it to happen. When I attended a desalination meeting in Moss Landing, Monterey County Supervisor, and then TAMC Chairman Lou Calcagno, accidentally blurted out that the rail line that runs to the City of Monterey could be used as the route for desalinated water from the Moss Landing power plant.

Even before the public was allowed to participate in a regional water solution, Calcagno and individuals loyal to him were manipulating and promoting projects that would benefit lobbyists and their investors, not the public.

For example, the wine industry/land investor lobbyists got water rights for over 20,000 acres of non prime farmland that was not even irrigated 20 years ago when the SVWP was approved. They also negotiated the lowest rates and I doubt there is much left in the Monterey County General Plan Update language that will prevent these investors from rezoning this farmland to residential once the real estate market rebounds. A dream come true for Kevin Stone.

That is if Calcagno is reelected. The only honest solution to end the county’s water problems is to elect Ed Mitchell to replace Calcagno. You’ve been held hostage long enough. --Douglas Fay | Salinas

GREENING OF MARINA

Thanks for the excellent overview of what’s happening in Marina (“Electric Dreams,” April 22-28). We’ve been telling anyone who will listen that since the closing of the Fort, Marina has a central role in the future of Monterey Bay: We are poised to become a vibrant friendly, walkable, bike friendly, true university village, and an eco-tourist destination. Thanks for your attention, especially in our anniversary year.

Good reporting by Zach [Stahl]! Good layout, great photos! Keep it up. --Luana Conley | Marina