20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 7-13, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com Ocean Front I must clarify one thing; lest our lender becomes upset (“Against the odds, a developer is pushing a Cannery Row project that no longer has a permit,” Nov. 30-Dec. 6). As for “free and clear,” it is a clear title but not free as one of our priorities is to pay off our lenders. Second, I don’t quite recall “pipe dream.” I am quite analytical and calculated. Just as when I purchased the property, I studied all legal concerns and knew what the ultimate ruling would be. The same is true with our California Coastal Commission lawsuit. The Writ of Mandamus is not about the change of circumstances, but instead about the legal requirements that the Coastal Commission transfer the then valid permit before any decision of “changed circumstance.” This suit is about property rights, in which ultimately, we should prevail—for the good of the community and all property owners. Bob Faulis | Monterey I’d rather see a “big gaping hole” than have another developer take away what little we have left of the original Monterey. Thomas Michael Chavarria | via social media Maybe some local residents do not want “87,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, 38 market-rate condos, 13 workforce housing units, 377 parking spaces and an onsite desalination plant.” Maybe retail seems to be shuttering, as online marketplaces continue to outpace in-person shops. Maybe the Monterey County Weekly should consider that development is at odds with its purported environmental stance. Joseph Bridau | Seaside Here’s hoping that this piece of Cannery Row stays as it is. Vibrant and full of life. In the spring, gulls and other birds collect grasses for nesting. The cormorants are residents on the platform just offshore. Deer tracks are seen on McAbee and nearby beaches. This fine example of Cannery Row history is perfect as it is. Patty Kolb Hubble | via social media Has anyone tried to park anywhere near Cannery Row lately? How’d you like to add this to the mix? You’ll be wishing someone had come along and made a beautiful green space along the ocean. Wouldn’t that be something? Kira Godbe | via social media They should let him develop it. And thank him for developing that abandoned lot. This will not only make Cannery Row even better, it will also create more jobs. Nicholas Shake | Monterey Up and Out If the concern is destroying farmland then why isn’t Salinas building up? (“Housing and agricultural needs clash in a major land use policy decision,” Nov. 30-Dec. 6.) The people in this state will say they need housing but then insist that every city not build upward because of some silly idea that every city needs to feel like a small town and everyone needs a view of their neighbors’ ugly, ill-treated yards full of garbage and weeds. We have slightly more people in this state than all of Canada. The only option if you want to stop eating up land is to build up, and stop being afraid of buildings over five stories. James Vollbringa | via web Gun Fire So he has a lousy shot, hit his target but several others too (“Surviving shooter in double homicide in Pajaro bar fired in self-defense, prosecutors say,” posted Nov. 30). It appears to be negligent homicide of the innocent bystander. I’m surprised [District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni] is not letting a jury decide. He was carrying, so should he be held to the higher standard of not being a lousy shot? In any event, the innocent victims have a civil claim against the shooter. Walter Wagner | Salinas Raise a Glass Cheers! (“After a long, often frustrating growing season, winegrape harvest delivers a very promising vintage,” Nov. 30-Dec. 6.) Gretchen Allinson Walker | via social media Christmas Spirit Greetings from the North Pole! As the holidays approach, I wanted to share some exciting changes happening in Christmas preparations this year. I am delighted to announce that our beloved reindeer will be retiring to a beautiful sanctuary. They have served tirelessly, guiding my sleigh through snow and stars for years, and it’s time for them to graze peacefully and bask in the care they deserve. In their place, we will be introducing a new, eco-friendly electric sleigh. This change aligns with our commitment to reducing our carbon hoofprint and taking steps towards a greener, more sustainable future. But that’s not all! This year, I’ve made a personal choice to embrace a vegan lifestyle. In doing so, I encourage families around the world to join me in spreading kindness to all beings. Instead of the traditional cookies and milk, I kindly ask children to leave out vegan cookies and plant-based milk. I understand change can be unexpected, but I hope these adjustments will inspire a sense of togetherness for our planet and its inhabitants. Christmas is a time of love, generosity, and making the world brighter for all. With cheer, Santa Claus Lisa DeCrescente | Odenton, Maryland Corrections A story about negotiations between administrators and teachers union members at MPUSD (“Class sizes and compensation are on the table in negotiations for MPUSD and teachers union,” Nov. 30-Dec. 6) incorrectly stated that the parties had agreed to a pay increase of 8.22 percent. That counteroffer is still under negotiation. In addition, Monterey Bay Teachers Association President Nicky Long’s last name was incorrect in a caption; it is Long, not Williams. A story about singer Macy Gray omitted a mention of her most recent album (“Grammy-winner and R&B star Macy Gray is coming to the Golden State Theatre with old favorites and new works,” Nov. 30-Dec. 6). The Reset, released on Dec. 1, 2023, is her most recent album, not 2018’s Ruby. Letters • CommentsOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@mcweekly.com. Please keep your letter to 150 words or less; subject to editing for space. Please include your full name, contact information and city you live in.
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