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16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 10-16, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Black and White Our branch has always aimed to represent the best interests of our community. It is unfortunate that Mr. Jealous has chosen to interpret our actions as prioritizing corporate interests over community values (“The local NAACP asked Ben Jealous, Sierra Club’s national leader, if he was willing to acquiesce to Chevron. He said no,” posted Sept. 19). To address the serious allegations concerning Chevron’s involvement, it is crucial to reiterate that our primary objective is to support initiatives that benefit our community and uphold our mission. Acceptance of donations is always conducted with transparency and for the purpose of furthering our educational and community support initiatives. It is deeply regrettable that Jealous perceives our actions as a betrayal, particularly given his deep connections to this branch and the NAACP’s broader mission. However, his public statements have caused significant harm to our branch’s reputation and have sown unnecessary division, spreading yellow journalism. We remain dedicated to our mission and values and are committed to the advancement of communities of color without compromising our principles. We invite open dialogue to resolve any misunderstandings and to ensure that our mutual goal of community advancement remains intact. Lyndon Tarver | Marina Note: Tarver is president of Monterey County’s chapter of the NAACP. Get Out The Vote Well said (“Too many local candidates have a history of not voting,” Oct. 3-9). Your tone was measured, but quite clear. It would be interesting to see if there’s an improvement next election cycle. Christina Lund | Pacific Grove Sad to see so many excuses for not voting. With all the options, there is really no good excuse. H.S. Brown | Pacific Grove If you don’t vote, you shouldn’t complain about what happens. Likewise, if you don’t vote, you shouldn’t be running for a position. Walter Wagner | Salinas Campaign Cash I find it hard to believe that the Weekly, being the top investigative newspaper, is completely oblivious to the abhorrent and irresponsible behavior of the Salinas City Council over the last several years (“Big business is spending big money on Salinas City Council elections,” Sept. 26-Oct. 2). The entire Salinas Valley—residents, business people, police officers, Chamber of Commerce and more—are coming out to support change and new leadership, because of the offensive and destructive behavior of the current City Council. They have made bad financial decisions, including firing and paying out a city manager a whopping $250,000! The council voted for a 400-percent raise for themselves when the city had critical needs, such as police and fire and street repairs. Councilmember Andrew Sandoval led the charge to intimidate councilmember Steve McShane, presumably leading to his [resignation]. Former Police Chief Roberto Filice left due to “political circumstances.” This city council’s dysfunctional and irresponsible lack of leadership is doing substantial harm to Salinas. When councilmember Carla Gonzalez insulted the public with an expletive-filled tantrum, no councilmembers admonished or even criticized her behavior. People throughout the community are greatly concerned and are working together and providing necessary financial support. Bottom line, Salinas’ residents expect better. John M. Phillips | Salinas Note: Phillips is a retired Monterey County supervisor. Voices from the Past Thank you, David Schmalz, for persevering and getting these wonderful letters published (“William H. Brewer’s letters from 1861 provide a unique window into when Monterey County was still the Wild West—and it was wild indeed, Oct. 3-9). They gave me a new sense of appreciation for the beauty he described. Imagine a whale decomposing on the beach surrounded by bears feasting. Or a sky full of condors searching for a meal. All happening as the country went to war back east. It must have seemed like a world away. Thanks again for this great trip through time. And for helping us to remember that the English language, when respected and celebrated, is a pleasure to read. Bruce Herrmann | Carmel Fan Club I stand with Superfan Dan. He makes games so much more fun (“Monterey Bay F.C.’s Superfan Dan is on the bench, infuriating regulars,” Oct. 3-9). James Wakefield | Seaside First, we were to understand it was a “misunderstanding.” Now it’s the fault of a “third party.” All I see is an organization refusing to accept responsibility and apologize for “terrible, untrue and unsubstantiated claims” made about Dan, the most visible, joyful, inclusive and positive fan in the stands. First-timers to Cardinale Stadium would be forgiven to assume Superfan Dan was an official mascot. However, Dan is not employed by MBFC and therefore owes the club nothing. He has given so much and doesn’t deserve the disrespect. I stand with Superfan Dan. Jennifer Voorhees | Marina Corrections A story inaccurately stated that Kara Woodruff worked in the California Natural Resources Agency (“As district director for Senator Laird, Kara Woodruff works closely on key issues like climate change,” Oct. 3-9). Laird presided there as secretary, but Woodruff did not serve there. A story about candidates for Pacific Grove City Council inaccurately stated that Nick Smith could have run for re-election this year (“Six candidates vie for three seats on the P.G. City Council while three battle to become mayor,” Oct. 3-9). The Pacific Grove City Charter limits councilmembers to serving two consecutive terms, so mayoral candidate Smith—who was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020—would term out. Letters • CommentsOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@montereycountynow.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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