14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com GOING DARK Bad news. Hoping for a workaround somewhere/somehow (“Amid resignation and money questions, Osio board votes to dissolve and abandon theater revival effort,” July 22-29). Maya Hartman Rizzo | Monterey Perhaps the many fruitless attempts to revive the Osio have something in common, the faulty HVAC system which Green Valley Corporation, an absentee landlord based in San Jose, is failing to replace or repair. Given the possibility that hundreds of thousands of dollars would be required to fix or replace the HVAC, it is no wonder that a small local nonprofit would find it impossible to take that on. Does this mean the city of Monterey is doomed to own a beautiful property downtown that cannot be used? Can Green Valley be held accountable to maintain the Osio structure? Kiera “Beni” Benidettino | Seaside Horrible news. They sure gave up on fundraising quick. Nobody came to me to write a check. Johnny Pomatto | New York Incrementally Monterey will extinguish its culture and history, extinguish itself. All because it was no longer cost-effective to keep it. Michael Beaton | via social media I care deeply about our city’s cultural life. While I respect the confidentiality of the negotiations, I believe the public deserves to know why this matters. During the process, I became concerned about the condition of the building and whether major systems— HVAC, electrical, plumbing—are being maintained as required under Green Valley Corporation’s ground lease with the City of Monterey. These concerns are not simply about one failed negotiation. They involved the future of an important downtown cultural venue and a public asset located on city-owned property. I hope the City reviews the ground lease carefully and determines whether all obligations are being fulfilled. This is not about assigning blame. It is about ensuring a building with tremendous cultural and economic value does not continue to sit vacant while deteriorating. Brant Wilkinson | Monterey Note: Wilkinson resigned from the board of the Osio Arts Foundation, which he founded. PAY BACK I commend the City for candidly acknowledging these significant legal errors and taking steps to correct them (“After an error was found, Seaside council members must return $26,000,” July 23-29). However, Seaside’s experience, much like Pacific Grove’s, demonstrates the inherent conflict of interest that arises when elected officials set their own compensation. That conflict can lead to legal missteps and a failed process. Requiring voter approval provides the public oversight and transparency needed to prevent this kind of legal embarrassment. Luke Coletti | Pacific Grove LOST HISTORY Thank you for your coverage of the Quock Mui Foundation teacher institute presentations (“The Quock Mui Foundation teaches the teachers on local history that they will pass down to their students,” posted July 20). I was there as well and so appreciative and impressed with the program and the educators who participated. I learned things I hadn’t known about the many contributions of Chinese Americans in our region and am so pleased that our local students will benefit from these enriched lessons. Sue Parris | Pacific Grove INSTANT RECALL You wrote an excellent article. Thank you for that (“Bad information leads to conspiracy theories around cyclospora outbreak,” July 23-29). Now I am a little concerned that your readers will think all Taylors are politically allied with the Trump machine! Rest assured, not only myself but several of my relatives have more sense! Stephanie Taylor | Carmel Note: Taylor is not directly related to Taylor Farms leadership. OPEN INVITATION Thank you for getting the [Filipino Heritage Extravaganza in Salinas] into the paper (“Hot Picks,” July 23-29). There were so many events going on and I appreciate your efforts to include us among so many. Thank you for what you do for all our communities. Joanne Burgonio | Salinas WORTH THE WAIT We were among those waiting all these years for Mi Tierra’s return (“Mi Tierra staff are ‘very surprised’ by the fanfare following the taqueria and market’s reopening,” July 16-21). We are most happy they are back and that the taqueria is as good, if not better, than we remember. It’s an added plus that we can grab a great dessert as well from the panaderia case after a meal and then do our groceries. Hans Ongchua | Marina We tried it and will wait for a bit before going back, hoping they improve on their carnitas. Gina Prue | Seaside AMERICA FIRST OR LAST? Before we can no longer recognize this great, exceptional country I want to thank our Founding Fathers for its creation (“With the nation’s 250th anniversary at hand, many Americans— including the president—prefer to whitewash the past,” July 2-8). After 250 years the world is still knocking on our door to be here. Today we have a liberal Socialist Democrat party led by Warren, Jeffries, Schumer, AOC and the Squad, all hypocrites welcoming socialists and communists into their party. Unlike the Democrats, Mamdani and Bernie have been totally transparent about their dislike for our country and have pledged they will do for America what Castro and Maduro did, destroy their own countries. George Galakatos | Monterey CORRECTION A story about the Osio Theater incorrectly reported that two GoFundMe campaigns had raised about $80,000. They had raised about $40,000 and funds had already been moved from one account to the other. In addition, board members did not agree to accept the building as-is. 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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