16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 22-28, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com MAN DOWN The city leadership of Marina’s choice to cancel an event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day after the unfortunate police shooting of a Black man at a traffic stop is a disappointment (“Marina police officer shoots and kills one person in a traffic stop,” posted Jan. 19). It simply serves as an example of how the suppression of free speech works. It literally shows a lack of understanding of the civil rights movement. What were they afraid may happen? A violent protest? King actually believed that the Christian doctrine of love operated through the Gandhian method of nonviolence. That is what he stood for! The ability for any and all oppressed people in the community to gather in their struggle for freedom and justice is exactly what should have been encouraged on MLK Day after such a tragedy. Laura Bourret | Seaside I suspect that the decision to cancel the MLK Day event did more harm. It is not a good look and sends a bad message. Celia Madison | via social media A traffic stop should never warrant a killing. Ebony Hand | Fresno It doesn’t matter if he had a background. Prayers for his family. Angela Hernandez | via social media CANNA BUSINESS These cities always act like they want local folks then end up awarding the permit to businesses that are basically McDonald’s (“Eight of 10 companies vying for a single P.G. cannabis license are linked to one source,” Jan. 15-21). Joey Espinoza | Salinas Off the Charts is a good dispensary, nice staff. Would be great for P.G. Katy Annigoni | via social media Katy, not doubting that—the discussion is on the flaws in the application process and the city’s internal management of this. Karin Locke | Pacific Grove DOCTOR’S ORDERS Dr. Tamler was my husband’s radiation oncologist. His staff, his care and his support are appreciated more than he can know. We never felt rushed and felt like a true part of our treatment. It saddens me that CHOMP has pushed out an excellent physician and human being (“A former CHOMP radiation oncologist files a breach of contract and whistleblower lawsuit against the hospital,” posted Jan. 15). Camille Jaque | Soledad Dr. Tamler was the most considerate and conscientious physician I’ve ever dealt with. During a stressful time of cancer treatment, he was a real human for us. For instance when a nurse told him “Your squamous cell is in the waiting room,” he took her aside and said he has a name and is not just his illness. I’ve never forgotten that. You go, Dr. Tamler! Kira Godbe | Carmel WORDS MATTER Five Salinas city leaders attended the censure of City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval over admitted violations of decorum predetermined to vote yes (“Andrew Sandoval censured for social media posts and his conduct at the dais,” posted Jan. 14). Over two hours of overwhelmingly pro-Sandoval comments didn’t influence the final outcome whatsoever. So much for the value of public input. So, Sandoval had his day in court, sort of, a truncated version of due process that involved no examination of the damning evidence (i.e., silly Instagram videos). And it’s now depressingly clear via comments from his colleagues and Sandoval himself that nothing will change moving forward. Just ever-more toxic working relationships among dysfunctional Salinas city leaders. Salinas’ new motto: “Potshots over Potholes!” Peter Szalai | Salinas BEHIND THE SCENES Your article gave us a thorough, in-depth look (“As Julie Packard prepares to retire, a look at her legacy that shaped the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its global impact,” Jan. 8-14). Julie’s original concept grew and morphed into something making a positive worldwide impact into the science of oceans, oceanography. She understood so well the importance of good oceanic health environmentally speaking meant, healthy oceans, equals healthy people on this planet. Christo Soper | Pacific Grove You missed a huge part of the story: volunteerism. Thousands and thousands of volunteers were trained and given the responsibility to meet the public and educate the masses about the importance of our oceans. That was a new idea Julie Packard’s mom initiated. What a gift, personally and to the community! Thanks for your reporting. You remind us of our personal responsibility to do what we can. Pat Dally | Carmel Valley OPEN SEA In response to Bill Dalhamer’s support for offshore drilling along our coast I encourage him to do a few things (“Letters,” Jan. 15-21). Go tidepooling and look closely and you will find an amazing assortment of creatures. Now imagine them coated in an oil slick. Walk along Asilomar beach and imagine it with globs of oil on the sand. Watch out for your dog. And I invite you to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and visit the “Into the Deep” exhibit. I’ll pay for your ticket. If you do this, I think you will change your mind. For your edification: Our country’s massive production of oil means it often produces more oil than it consumes, so you don’t need to worry about depleting our oil supply. Lin Blaskovich | Pacific Grove HALF BAKED Michael and Hillary, feeling for you both as you work through an arduous process (“Big Sur Bakery’s owner and landlord negotiate to settle a court dispute and consider a possible sale,” Jan. 15-21). No doubt a lot, but essential and meaningful to us all. My prayer is that a win-win is established for the both of you and whatever is best for the Bakery and Loma Vista’s future. You got this. Pull it together. We love you! Tracy Parker | Big Sur 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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