16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 3-9, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com TRIMMING TROUBLE Having been a USFS Hotshot firefighter and Smokejumper, I do respect what my compatriots are doing to make people safer in the wildlands urban interface areas of the county (“Preparing for the worst takes a lot of work. Monterey County agencies and residents are zeroing in on defensible space,” June 26-July 2). However, I note that the Highway 68 resident stands next to his “trimmed oaks.” Instead of thinning the canopy this resident lopped off the top of branches, thus causing wild new growth which will continue unabated and likely create another fire hazard. Regardless, these oaks will not survive this kind of trimming. A licensed arborist would not have done this. Too bad this photo was used in telling the story. Matthew Sundt | Salinas I was so happy to see Monterey County Weekly highlighting the importance of fire safety and defensible space in last week’s issue. However, I was very disappointed to see the pictures of dangerously pruned trees held forth as examples for others to follow. The “pruning” practices depicted on those trees is never recommended. This type of pruning causes excessive weak, new growth leading to dense tangles of broken, dying and diseased branches (read: kindling for fire). I really hope that readers do not see those pictures and assume that is proper or appropriate, as copying these practices could increase their fire risk. For appropriate plant selection and pruning in fire-prone areas, please see the UCANR webpage titled “FireSmart Landscaping Tips.” Also, when in need of a professional for your tree pruning and care, always consult with an International Society of Arboristscertified arborist. Michelle Soulé | Salinas WATER WOES The ongoing delays by the CPUC over Cal Am’s inflated demand projections have made one thing perfectly clear: Sacramento regulators don’t understand Monterey County’s water challenges—and don’t seem to care (“CPUC delays a decision on the Monterey Peninsula’s water supply and future demand,” posted June 25). We have real, local water agencies already tackling our region’s water crisis, from SVBGSA and Monterey One Water, to MCWRA and MPWMD. These are publicly accountable agencies working together to halt seawater intrusion, restore our aquifers, and secure a drought-resilient water supply. It’s time we stopped waiting on the CPUC’s endless deliberations and Cal Am’s endless pursuit of profits. We already have local solutions for local problems. Let’s cut Cal Am loose, keep water decisions in local hands, and finally get this right. Bill Lipe | Salinas The State Water Resources Control Board placed the cease-and-desist order that prevents Cal Am from placing new meters. The Public Utilities Commission last month said we need desal to provide sufficient water to replace this community’s overreliance on the Carmel River. What is preventing housing here are the people who want Sacramento to say we don’t need desal. Enough of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, M1W, Marina Coast Water District lawsuit crazy waste of money. Let’s get on with accepting desal as a solution to our water problem. I know people who have two jobs to pay rent but no one who has two jobs to pay for water. John Tilley | via web AT YOUR SERVICE Service as a city council member or mayor should absolutely be compensated (“A referendum to reverse a P.G. Council pay raise gathers steam—and acrimony,” June 26-July 2). Here in Salinas, the previous council significantly increased their monthly stipends, thereby encouraging younger, working and less affluent candidates to seek office. I fully support the move—which even though many of the current council did not, none has rejected the money. With greater compensation, though, better and more responsive service are required, a quid pro quo Salinas elected leaders should prioritize. Peter Szalai | Salinas SIGN OF THE TIMES I hope the new sign looks just like the old one which is history to our community (“Castroville’s historic Merritt Street sign is about to be replaced,” June 26-July 2). Kathy G. Stefani | via social media Please save the old sign for a local museum to display! Dan Herkimer | via web SWEET TREATS I’ll give them time to iron things out before heading in (“An entrepreneurial couple brings ice cream and coffee to downtown Pacific Grove,” June 26-July 2). I’m super picky with my ice cream, and the reviews on a local food page haven’t been so good. Raycheal Jarvis | via social media Just picked up a double scoop and it was tasty, though it was $12. Aaron Palmer | via social media PARKING PRIORITIES The mayor is so right (“Carmel’s mayor puts parking on the priority list, citing lost revenue potential,” (June 12-18). I live in Carmel-by-theSea and when I drive downtown after 10am, nine times out of 10 I can’t find a spot to park so I drive to the Barnyard, the Crossroads, or even Monterey where I can park with ease. So sad because I truly want to shop local with my friends. Stacy Steele | Carmel I live 10 minutes away and never go for this very reason. I can’t imagine being here for vacation and having to deal with that craziness. Sean McCray | via social media How about a high-rise parking structure, coupled with e-bike rentals and lots of e-bike charging stations throughout downtown. While this is a fair-weather-only solution, most of the time it is fair weather. It would also make for a more enjoyable experience for the day-visitor, as a typical car parking spot could easily handle a half-dozen e-bikes or more. Walter Wagner | Salinas 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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