River Tales


Thank you for giving the article about Paola Berthoin’s project such a prominent place in the Weekly and for having Jessica Lyons write it (“The physical and emotional well-being of the Carmel River watershed – and those who love it – comes to life in a new, collaborative project,” April 21-27). She did a fabulous job of letting Paola essentially speak for herself. It was a beautifully put-together piece, and I’m sure it will help push the project “Passion for Place” forward. | Debbie Sharp | Carmel


Eat It


The story about South County girls advocating for healthier food at school was a good reminder to me of what parents always said, and that’s the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day (“California takes on school breakfast after Monterey County girls say nutrition matters,” April 21-27). Breakfast doesn’t need to be rocket science, though. For those who can afford it, a handful of almonds, a piece of fruit or some yogurt can provide enough fuel to get students through a tough morning of studying. For those who can’t afford it, though, hopefully the schools will listen to the plea that students need to eat healthier so they can learn more, lead better lives and remain healthy as they age. | MyraB | Salinas


Sustainable Life


I wanted to thank the Weekly for the plastic bag ban write-up along with the other Sustainable Earth Day events ink you gave us (“A billion ways to celebrate earth day, and some of them are strictly local,” April 21-27). Much appreciation. We can’t make it happen without “traditional” media to lend credibility to social networking methods of public notice. Who would have thought an “alternative” weekly would be considered traditional media? | Luana Conley | Marina


(Note: Ms. Conley is a facilitator with Citizens for Sustainable Marina.)


Poly-Glut


Hoping the whole county will be dry of polystyrene very soon (“Despite bans, the Styrofoam product still serves as the go-to to-go container,” April 21-27). It is a major bad actor! We are working hard to get it out and keep it out of our schools in South County. | Maury Treleven | via Facebook


Doing the Math


So five people are sharing $56,000 for six extra days of work (“Monterey Bay teachers union protests administrative raises,” April 14-20). That is $11,200 each, $1,867 a day. For six extra days! Unbelievable. While teachers’ salaries have stagnated for decades. Following the national trend since Reagan, of middle – and working-class people getting poorer, the rich keep getting ridiculously more wealthy at the expense of the American Dream. | Gretchen Miller | via Web


Anyone There?


We want a cell tower along with good reception, too, as everyone opposing the Holman cell tower has clearly and emphatically stated (“Local outcry stalls approval of proposed cell tower,” April 7-13). Nextel and Verizon get good reception in the village, and their towers are virtually invisible on a remote Cachagua hillside. The site AT&T wants goes against the county’s General Plan, the co-location policy and the ridgeline ordinance. As well, it is opposed by LUAC and now the Planning Commission. If people are fooled by a 40-foot magnolia tree atop the most prominent knoll in the village, their confusion is matched only by their aesthetic naiveté. | Doris Fabre | Carmel Valley


Pet Protection


In light of the cat who was recently shot in the head with an arrow in the Santa Cruz area, I urge readers to protect their animal companions by never allowing them outdoors unattended.


Every day, countless animals are used for target practice, stolen for experimentation, used as bait for dogfighting, poisoned (accidentally and intentionally), and worse after being left outside alone for “just a few minutes.” Most of the 400-plus new cruelty cases PETA receives weekly involve animals that were victimized while outside unattended. Keep them indoors and allow them outdoors only on a leash or in a fenced yard, under constant supervision. | Martin Mersereau | Norfolk, VA


(Note: Mr. Mersereau is director of the emergency response team at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.)