16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 17-23, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com OLD BONES This is an unbelievable finding! (“Remains of man lost at sea for 24 years identified,” posted July 10.) Twenty-eight years ago, my Uncle Jeff and his friend Greg were lost at sea. They were out fishing in the middle of the bay when he put out a mayday that they were taking on water. Radio signal was then lost and by the time the Coast Guard reached the location, there was no sign of life or even the boat itself. I remember searching for my uncle aboard my father’s boat; there were so many other boats from all three harbors around the bay out looking. To this day, it is still the largest search on Monterey Bay. Thank you to the fisherman that recovered his remains and the forensics team for the incredible work in identifying my Uncle Jeff. John Hulliger | Hollister PRESS PAUSE What a stupid idea rent control would be in just about every situation, but especially Salinas (“A referendum effort means Salinas residents could vote on rent stabilization,” July 10-16). There is no supply, shortages of places to rent will only get worse. If you can’t afford a house here, move. Work harder, but for Christ sake it isn’t the government’s job to make sure you have a place to live you can afford. Cliff Pilcher | via social media Something has to be done! Fixedincome seniors have so few options. Sandi Blackburn | via social media It would have been wonderful if the press indicated why the ordinances were repealed (“Housing-related ordinances in Salinas are reinstated while referendum’s signatures are being verified,” posted July 11). They had the opposite effect of what was intended. Because of the ordinances, rental prices went up and there are less rentals in our community. It’s a shame when the facts are not presented to the public and people make such rash decisions without knowledge of what is really going on. Debbie Lee Resch | via social media Funny how Mayor Dennis Donohue is not talking to Protect Salinas Renters. We secured over 10,000 signatures. A multi-year rental assistance program will not work. First, the city does not have the money. Second, define renters in need? A person lives in a one-bedroom and one-bath apartment. The person works two jobs. Rent is $2,100 a month. The renter pays half their income to rent. The renter has between $500-$1,000 extra for groceries, phone, PG&E, insurance. The renter pays the rent. However, paying PG&E and other monthly bills becomes harder. What rental assistance is available for this renter? The renter is a teacher and small business owner. What good will a housing summit do? I am on the Housing Advisory Committee for the county. We need more money for affordable housing. End of story. There is your summit. More talk and no action. Cary Lee Swensen | Salinas MELTING POT Yet another immigrant who enriches us (“A farmworker who came to the U.S. for a job built a foundation for future generations to thrive,” July 3-9). Nancy McCullough | via social media Thank you for paving the way for new generations of activism in our community! (“Born into a family of activists, Laura Solorio has been engaged since she can remember,” July 3-9.) Jessie Call | via social media Yay! What a great program (“A Pacific Grove teacher helps others thrive in life by sharing her artistic skills,” July 3-9). Kelsey Shoup | via social media What a wonderful person! Suzanne E. Gravelle | via social media IN THE LANE Your story implies that PG&E is deliberately stalling the project (“FORTAG segment in Del Rey Oaks may be set back months due to PG&E delays,” posted July 11). My experience as a PG&E employee was agencies wait until the last minute to request assistance. In this case it appears the pole in question has a transmission line circuit (over 60,000 volts), a distribution line circuit (probably 21,000 volts) and an AT&T or Comcast communication circuit. Probably an angle pole too, with a guy. What are the soil conditions? Does a geotechnical engineer need to review? Does the pole need to be relocated? If so, the California Public Utilities Commission may need to approve. As is often the case, it’s not always a simple response. Michael Gunby | Pacific Grove Just another waste of money project disrupting the local community. Reggie Owens | Seaside FARM FIELD Those ag leaders voted for and promoted Trump. They did this to themselves (“The One Big Beautiful Bill passed, leaving local ag leaders trying to figure out what’s next,” July 10-16). I wonder how it feels to shoot yourself in the foot. Astrid Jones | Marina I’m sincerely puzzled by farmers support of Trump. Is the loss of demand for agricultural products and lost farm labor worth the racism and hate? Shawn Adams | Monterey PLAY ON Bravo! (“A new jazz festival highlights up-and-coming musicians looking to make a name for themselves,” July 10-16.) Patricia Qualls | via social media So many great performances. Thanks for the rundown. Anthony DeMers | via social media MOTORCYCLE RIDER To the point and a joy to read (“Motorcycle shop owner Emma Booton shares a love of community in every bike she fixes,”July 10-16). Christian Mendelsohn | Seaside Love Emma! Kelsea Richmond | via social media 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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