GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT

I must take issue with the article “Price of Paradise” by Hayward Hawks Marcus in the Oct. 11-17, 2007 issue. Although no one can argue that housing prices in the area are significantly higher than in other areas of the country, the author was sloppy in his interpretation of the statistics in the cited Housing Opportunity Index, leaving the impression that somehow Salinas alone is the holder of the title “least affordable.” If Mr. Marcus had bothered to check, he would have learned that the study was focused on the “Metropolitan Statistical Area” of Salinas, which is defined as all of Monterey County, not just the city of Salinas. Therefore, in truth, it is the entire county of Monterey that is the least affordable, not Salinas. Common sense tells you that if you carved out the Monterey Peninsula from the rest of the county for the purpose of measuring affordability, chances are the affordability index for rest of the county, where the vast majority of workforce and affordable housing is being built, would fall down into the middle of the pack and the Monterey Peninsula would find itself the lone holder of the “stinky moniker.”

In the future, I would ask that the editors of your publication do a better job of checking the facts. Oh, and I do feel that an apology is owed to the business leaders and public officials of Salinas, who have taken on the task of providing the bulk of what affordable housing our county has in inventory. – Luis M. Alvarez | Salina

WE’RE NOT THAT WEIRD

Glad to read Walter Ryce’s good news about Hans Auto Repair, the first certified green business in Seaside – and the shop that services my Volvo. Tracy Polockow and Mike Brooks at Hans are the greatest. A Tesla electric roadster is on my wish list, but as long as I’m driving a Volvo, I’m glad my car’s shop is green!

Thank you to Mark C. Anderson for reporting on Ol’ Factory Cafe. Morgan Christopher’s organically grown fare is so needed, and his commitment to Earth care warrants our support.

And then there’s the solar-powered Weekly, sticking your neck out for disclosure of ingredients used in aerial spraying of the light brown apple moth. When residents are forcibly sprayed from above, it makes sense to disclose ingredients. I am grateful to Kera Abraham for reporting on your critical defense of our First Amendment.

Perhaps we’re ready now to make the connection between overabundant apple moths and heavy reliance on imported food, versus eating locally. For too long, the beautiful dance known as “the balance of nature” has been seen as something to overcome.

Look out! We may get as weird as Santa Cruz. This Earth-friendly stuff is spreading! And while adopting the “Keep Santa Cruz weird” slogan might not fly this side of the bay, the majority in MoCo would surely agree on adapting the old “Keep America beautiful.” Hmmm… “Keep Monterey beautiful.” Has a nice feel. – Mari Lynch Dehmler | Monterey

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The Clement Monterey. Yes! What better name for our new hotel on Cannery Row?

I see the hotel developer Clement Chen II chairing a meeting to decide what to call his new hotel on Cannery Row: The Sea Otter – nah. The Steinbeck – nah. The Calesa – nah.

The Balestreri – nah. The Sardine – nah. The Cannery Row – nah. The Clement Monterey, of course! Talk about local flavor, tradition and ego in a hotel name on Cannery Row. – Ed Leeper | Monterey

DON’T MAKE ME GO

I am a single mother who has lived in Marina since July 5, 1995, and have seen this city change from a small undeveloped hamlet to a thriving community. My son has gone to school here and is now in ninth grade at the new Marina High School.

I am incensed to read this week’s article about the changes in Marina to come. Due to disability I am low income and my hopes for buying a home are slim to none, and now I read that the City Council wants to build 70 percent market rate housing and 30 percent affordable housing. How are those of us that have lived here and raised our families supposed to be able to stake permanent roots if we can’t afford to buy here?

I think the City Council and mayor of Marina need to remember that there are people who do not make six-figure incomes who still want to live here where the schools are good and we feel safe. – Ingrid McDonald | Marina