The Art of the Budget

Thank you for covering the MPC Governing Board meeting on March 8. (“MPC may cut a dozen teachers and ax entire departments because of the state budget deficit,” March 10-16). We are really disappointed with the results of eliminating dance, photography, horticulture, American Sign Language, et. al., and the process leading up to it. In his opening remarks, MPC President Garrison commented on the financial crisis in California, noting the high cost of health care as a key part of the problem. How does eliminating dance, photography – THE ARTS – add to the health of our community? Students cited dance as a prime reason for their retreat from obesity. This was in addition to all the other examples noted of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and artistic benefits. Learning to participate in a creative experience, especially during stressful times (financial and otherwise) is a really important, healthy lesson to assimilate. Creativity brings forth possibilities not seen any other way.

We are disappointed with the hasty process in which this issue was handled and the cold manner in which the decision was delivered to the teachers. There was little time for the public to be made aware of the problem and formulate any creative solutions. It was a poor example of the democratic process and leadership, especially for all the young people at the meeting. Our teachers, their students and our community deserve to be treated with more respect and service than has been shown here. - Amy Essick and Frank Takacs, M.D. | Carmel Valley

Berry Surprise

Kudos to MC Weekly for the excellent cover story this week on methyl iodide. (“The controversial fumigant methyl iodide may soon be applied to local fields, despite dire warnings from some of the best scientific minds in the country,” March 10-16). I’m curious… there is no shortage of organic strawberries at my local market, and they are only about 25 percent more expensive. Why can’t those sustainable, healthy practices be used on a much larger scale, and economies of scale drive down the cost? Probably something to do with Big Ag being in bed with Big Pesticide with the blessing of DPR to reap Big Profits regardless of health issues to strawberry workers and residents. I surmise. - Michael Baer | Monterey

Ring Up Sammy

Sam Blakeslee is supposedly our representative for the Monterey Peninsula, but he is NOT representing our best interest by putting school funding in further jeopardy. (“Republicans may not support a deal that puts higher taxes on the June ballot,” March 10-16). The least he could do is support the extension initiatives and let the people of California make the final decision. If you do not want further cuts to education and public services, please call his office at (916) 651-4015 or (805) 549-3784. - Loulou | via Web

Victim Aid

Clergy sex abuse victims are, justifiably, very distrustful, especially of authority figures. (“Lawyers in abuse case claim Salinas PD is too tight with accused priest to investigate,” March 10-16). So even a hint of too much “coziness” is potentially problematic and will likely deter victims (and perhaps witnesses and whistle blowers) from coming forward and helping with the investigation. All parties should do everything possible to encourage, not discourage, people with crucial information from speaking up. - David Clohessy | via Web (Note: Mr. Clohessy is director of St. Louis-based SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.)

Questionable Claim

If my son had killed his wife, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near the headlines. (“Parents of accused murderer file $20 million claim against the county,” March 10-16). I don’t celebrate the fact that he killed himself, but really, let’s let this one die a quiet death. - Kelly Davidian | via Facebook

Correction

The story on food traceability (“Consumers groove on knowing where their food comes from, but for the ag industry, it’s become a matter of safety and profit,” March 3-9) incorrectly described the relationship between Earthbound Farm and private equity firm HM Capital Partners. HM is a partner in EBF, not sole owner. Additionally, the bagged fresh spinach implicated in the 2006 E. Coli outbreak were Dole conventional salads co-packed by EBF.