Getting Along


As someone who lives and works near the plaza, the issue was never “dirty people” or the fact people liked to hang out all day and enjoy a smoke and play music. (“City, police try smoking ban to banish Monterey’s ‘dirty folks,’” Oct. 6-12). The issue was that drug dealing, violence and destruction of property was becoming more frequent. Several less drastic steps were taken to solve the problems in addition to speaking with directly to the guilty parties but nothing was changing. With limited resources and even fewer options, this was the best solution available. 


For most involved, this was not an attempt to marginalize the homeless or inconvenience the general public. Based on those actively involved in seeking a solution and looking at the options available, this was the decision that was made. Is it going to be the long-term solution and better society? Of course not, but we don’t have to accept violence, property destruction and drug deals as a part of our neighborhood either. - PlazaUser | via Web


Adult Ed


I hope MPUSD parents read and comprehend this article (“State funding creates wide disparities at Peninsula schools,” Oct. 20-26). It is imperative that those who complain about the class size and board oversight grasp the reality of the situation. - Hal Raimey | via Web


Fiery Rhetoric


A lesser talked about but equally important election is occurring in the Cypress Fire Protection District, covering a large part of the Monterey Peninsula. Incumbents Denver Dale, Patric Anderson and Edgar Dally are proven, forward-thinking leaders who have consistently insured that residents are provided with the highest levels of fire protection services. Their disciplined approach has resulted in strong cash reserves, putting the district in great financial shape. 


A political operative, Brandon Gesicki, has come on the scene to challenge them for one of their board seats. Voters have endured his intrusive “robo-calls” falsely claiming wasteful spending and cuts to ambulance service. When he claims he wants to provide the best ambulance service in California, he doesn’t understand that the Monterey County Supervisors control ambulance service in unincorporated areas. 


Contrary to Gesicki’s claim, Cypress Fire does not and cannot cut ambulance service. As first responders, Cypress fire trucks arrive with on-board paramedics for medical emergencies. Gesicki claims Carmel and Monterey firefighters have endorsed him. Those endorsements are meaningless and tantamount to interference in Cal Fire’s jurisdiction by trying to influence an election. An endorsement from Cal Fire firefighters would have greater significance because those firefighters work in the district. The only names Cypress District voters need to remember are Denver Dale, Patric Anderson and Edgar Dally. I am sure voters will see the wisdom in supporting their re-election on Nov. 8. - Carolyn Hardy | Carmel 


Radical Change


The people need to march in great numbers today on Washington and make it be known that it is the DO NOTHING CONGRESS that is holding us all hostage and that the time they have wasted is our time (“Occupy Wall Street protests spill over; local banks see surging business,” Oct. 20-26). Wall Street needs to hear from us, but it is Congress that can enact change. We are foolish to ignore them as it happened in the last election. 


Those of you who choose not to vote are the most foolish, for in not voting it is a vote for the opposition. Wake up and let those in Congress know their time is short. We can enact real change in the next election. Stay smart, stay informed and vote. - Sharyn Lewis | Monterey


Rawrrrrrr


Mountain lion preying on a deer seems rather natural. (“Mountain lion attack near Morse Botanical Reserve,” posted online Oct. 17). I suppose it is technically an “attack” but “dinner” is probably more apt. But that wouldn’t be a sensational headline, now would it? - Julie Cason | via Facebook


Correction: A caption in last week’s paper incorrectly identified Monterey Peninsula Water Management District employee Joe Oliver as MPWMD board candidate Scott Dick.