12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 28-JUNE 3, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com OFF ROAD It really is the best news (“Supes move forward with Bixby Bridge parking moratorium; start date uncertain,” posted May 20). For every person who lives locally and has the need to drive up and down the coast, and/or wants to just to enjoy it, it’s not just about getting to Big Sur or to Bixby Bridge. It’s about going to all the big stopping points and going to visit friends in communities along the coast. It’s not just for locals, but it does need to be kept safe for everyone. Caroline Perry | Monterey Smart idea. However, I feel that cars are going to go exceptionally slow/stop so they can catch pictures rather than park. I also hope there isn’t a barrage of metal no-parking signs all over the place. Michele Marchese | via social media Yes, please shut it down (“County Supes will consider a 12-month moratorium on parking at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur,” May 14-20). I was there this weekend and people [were] running into oncoming traffic. Beatriz Lopez Minjarez | via social media I support that for sure! It is a constant cluster-F and truly dangerous. Jennifer Haydu | via social media BREAK THE ICE I have had my many disagreements with [County Supervisor Luis] Alejo’s decisions and comments, but I am very proud that he immediately started focusing his energy to protect immigrant families (“Monterey County Board of Supervisors to discuss opposing proposed ICE detention center,” posted May 18). Thank you, Alejo. Diana Lopez | Seaside THOUGHT LEADER Extraordinary and wise visionary (“Thinker Riane Eisler is finally right on time,” May 14-20). Patricia Qualls | Carmel Kudos on the fantastic cover story about Riane Eisler. What an amazing woman and clairvoyant thinker with amazing insights she has to offer. I am astonished that I did not know she lived in our midst. I clearly need to make a trip to the library to check out some of her books and catch up on the brilliant ideas she has put forth. Thank you for sharing her story with your readers. I’m encouraging lots of people to get a copy and read about her. Joseph Hertlein | Carmel Valley BREAKING GROUND I love this for our community. What a blessing (“Affordable housing development at Greater Victory Temple in Seaside poised to break ground,” May 14-20). Rose Thomas | via social media This is good to hear. Michelle Brooks | Seaside RUN TO WIN The Weekly definitely got it right by endorsing Jimmy Panetta for Congress District 19 (“Our endorsements for local, state and federal races in the June 2 primary election,” May 7-13). From the instant he stepped into office, Jimmy has fought for us, and not just against Trump and this destructive administration, but here at home. The dude is everywhere in the district and consistently brings in major federal investment for things that affect our community, from a pedestrian bridge in Seaside to helping fix our wharf in Monterey. Jimmy continues to stand up to this administration’s plan to drill for oil off of our coastline, and opposes Republican cuts to health care and nutrition assistance. Jimmy repeatedly voted against funding for ICE and Border Patrol and continues to support our immigrant community. Jimmy gets it and gets what we need and value on the Central Coast. Tracey Blackhill | Seaside I support Sean Dougherty for Congress. Dougherty is for abolishing ICE, and Panetta thanked them last summer. Dougherty is truly committed to ending our forever wars, unlike Panetta, who just says he is. Dougherty rejects all PAC money, whereas Panetta’s biggest organizational donor is AIPAC. Dougherty is solidly pro-choice and a committed environmentalist. Panetta is also pro-choice, but his loyalty to establishment agendas keeps health care inaccessible. On the environment, Panetta will make gestures— but our military is the world’s largest polluter. Dougherty represents us regular people. No Kings means no local dynasties either. Jessa Rego | Pacific Grove Our Congress is failing us. Republicans and Democrats are focused on power grabs and blame games, not improving lives. I am running as an independent candidate to bring the change people seek. We must think beyond Republicans and Democrats. Congress needs people with realworld experience solving problems. Too many elected officials spend their careers inside political systems that reward partisanship more than effectiveness. Leaders like me who worked outside politics know how to incorporate viewpoints, make difficult decisions and bring negotiated outcomes. My campaign is built on a simple idea: Representatives should answer to communities, not political parties. Chris Demers | Gilroy Note: Demers is a candidate for Congressional District 18. FOX NEWS This is not OK. I didn’t know Erica, but her death was not like everyone else who might request a memorial (“A statue designed to commemorate swimmer Erica Fox, who died in a shark encounter, is denied by a P.G. commission,” posted May 20). It happened there and it could happen again. This was a tragedy that people should remember. Mary Jane Perryman | Pacific Grove Such a shame they can’t see the benefits of more public art at that amazing place. Lisa Jensen | Seaside INSTANT CLASSIC You’re missing out if you don’t see this show. It is incredible (“Paper Wing Theatre continues to prove its worth, bringing a cherished yet thoughtful musical to the stage,” May 14-20). Marianne Zabbo | 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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