PARIS IS WAITING

The gossipy, flip style of your Squid column is an entertaining approach if you’re talking about celebrities and, in fact, many politicians, but you have underestimated the respect that Leon Panetta has earned nationally, let alone here on the Central Coast, where he is no less than beloved by many and highly respected by a huge majority.

If there is serious, thoughtful criticism based on confirmed reports, not gossip, then write it. Treating someone like Director Panetta like Paris Hilton, with highlighted name dropping, a snide tone and unsubstantiated information will, I hope, not be well received by a whole lot of people in Monterey County.

PARK PLACES

Just a walk in the park can make your day. At the end of my street, a wooden sign marks one of the five entrances to Mission Trail Nature Preserve, the largest park in Carmel. It’s about 33 acres, 5 miles of hiking trails, forested with oak, pine and redwood trees. As part of the Pacific Flyway, it is a major annual Audubon bird counting destination; a watershed for major portions of Carmel, an ecological wonderland for the publics multifaceted interests in ornithology, biology, botany; a nature study that beckons the dreamer in all of us. Why would we sell even one inch of this magnificent park?

John F. Kennedy stated, “It is our task in our time and in our generation to hand down undiminished to those who come after us, as was handed down to us by those who went before, the natural wealth and beauty which is ours.”

Our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of protecting Carmel’s uniqueness and natural beauty. Our General Plan encourages the city “to preserve, protect our forest and open space; conserve and enhance the irreplaceable natural resources of Carmel.”

If a piece of our city is taken away, if our parkland is sold off acre by acre, bit by bit, our community begins to lose the distinctiveness, and charm it once created. “The natural wealth and beauty which is ours,” must be given to the next generation intact. Saving our parkland for tomorrow is a good thing. Vote No on Measure I.

Dynastic Dynamo

Ted Kennedy was the last of a dynasty. He was a giant in every respect. Many liked him, many despised him, but the Latin phrase “de mortuis nil
nisi bonum” fits the occasion. “Say nothing but good of the dead.” He
deserves that.