Fred Keeley's bill assumes that there are cost-effective solutions to our water problem. Last year's P.U.C. hearings demonstrated two critical facts:

--There are no affordable and reliable solutions to our water problem except a dam.

--The "stop any growth" forces will continue to use "We haven't considered all alternatives" arguments to stop a dam! All alternatives have been analyzed.

We need a solution. We don't need another election!

Mr. Keeley's key political support on the Peninsula is from anti-dam groups, including a Cachagua family who has a large commercial grape and rose operation, and pumps water directly from the Carmel River for these water-intensive crops.

Keeley's bill is a diversionary tactic to stop all growth, including building on existing lots of record. It is a blatant pander to his "no growth" supporters.

Residents voted for a dam by 63 percent. Voters rejected desalinization by 53 percent. When dam opponents tried to prohibit transfer of dam permits to California American Water Co., residents rejected it by 58.5 percent. This vote was the largest turnout of any Peninsula water election; 19 percent more than voted in the bond election; a dramatic statement that we want "solutions," not gimmicks.

Dam opponents claim that the bond vote was a vote against a dam. False! The vote was against the financing and was based on false information disseminated by opponents, including Mr Keeley.

The 63 percent vote for a dam in 1987, the rejection of desal and the dramatic rejection of Measure A in 1997, demonstrate that residents want an affordable, cost effective and reliable solution to our water problem; a solution which will eliminate the constant threat of rationing. The only solution that offers this? A dam!

CHARLES H. PAGE

CARMEL

Men Can Be Victims

A recent CW article on the male reproductive rights (CW, June 18) received a less-than-favorable response from some readers as it suggested that men can be victims in the hands of women. Several voices were heard exclaiming that it is the women who deserve the rights and that men should, in fact, take greater responsibility for their role in reproduction.

I find no argument there and strongly agree. However, the question remains: "Can men be the victims in the hands of women?" The answer to this question is an absolute "Yes!" Not necessarily in the case of reproductive rights, but yes in the case of sexual abuse; specifically, child molestation.

In fact, one out of six boys nationwide are molested by the time they are 18 years of age. Approximately 15 percent of these incidents involve a female perpetrator. So why doesn't the public hear about this? Only 10 percent of molested boys ever make such reports.

Why don't boys report when they are sexually abused? Boys, like girls, are frequently threatened by the perpetrator that speaking up will lead to further violence for themselves and/or others. There are fears of not being believed and that reporting may tear the family apart. In addition to these, and many other reasons boys share with girls, boys face challenges to speaking up unique to their gender. Many believe that if they were molested by another male that they are now, or will become, homosexuals.

Society tells boys that they should be "tough" and solve their problems on their own. If the boy has an early sexual experiences with a older woman they are told they are "lucky!" How embarrassing for a male to admit he has been molested by his mother, aunt, sister or female babysitter! But some men do speak up, and quite loudly. Some of those who seek help, such as participants in the Monterey Rape Crisis Center Men's Group.

Some of the men molested by women will be speaking up publicly in September when the National Organization on Male Sexual victimization will have its first West Coast Regional Retreat at the Mt. Madonna Retreat Center in Watsonville. Together, male survivors of sexual abuse, some of their partners, and interested therapists will spend four days of healing and education.

Teach your own children how to be safe. Get professional help if you, your partner or children have been sexually abused and make sure you report all cases of sexual abuse.

STEPHEN L. BRAVEMAN, MFCC

MONTEREY