PARKS AND WRECKS

It is disheartening that some of our beloved State Parks are on the chopping block to save money. (“California will close state parks to save $11 million,” Feb. 10-16). At the same time, we are partially to blame. We already know that the politicians have done their fair share to add to the state’s financial mess, but what about the citizens? Time and again voters oppose minuscule taxes to help fund programs and services that benefit us all. People panic when they hear tax increase rather than really looking at the minute financial impact it would have on each individual. Most folks spend more on their morning cup of coffee than they do on helping save the few things that are really important. We spend hundreds or even thousands a year on Internet fees but won’t pay a tax to save libraries. We buy bottled water but won’t spend a few cents on preserving our oceans. At a recent trip to Point Lobos I watched family after family park their expensive SUVs on the roadway and walk in to avoid paying the $10 entrance fee that helps maintain the area and keep it open for us all to enjoy. It is utterly ridiculous that the people who complain the most about losing our resources are the same ones who don’t want to do their part to pitch in. The old saying that if you’re not part of the solution than you’re part of the problem could never be truer. - Sue Braum | Seaside

BOOKSTORE BYE BYE?

Good! (“Chapter 11 Looms as Borders Blows It,” Feb. 10-16.) Remember all those independently owned local book/music stores in Monterey before that? - Peter Shapiro Hustedt | from Facebook

That clarifies why Borders.com no longer accepts job applications… - Roy Jordan | from Facebook

I would hate to see Borders close in Seaside. I drive 40 minutes from Salinas Valley, one way, just to get there because there are no other book/music stores around. - Gold Leaf Spice and Teas | from Facebook

HISTORY HYSTERIA

Sounds like another dysfunctional board with little sensitivity to the local artistic community and little respect for employees’ involvement. (“The Monterey History and Maritime Museum is under scrutiny by local artists and employees after hiring a Los Angeles-based artist to design its new mural,” Feb. 3-9.) - Carolyn Hardy | from Facebook

OILY STAIN

Why would Monterey County trust any oil company after the disaster they created in the Gulf last year. (“Community group seeks answers to regulatory loopholes,” Feb. 10-16.) They will contaminate our environment and watershed. We would be better to invest and promote green energy business in our county instead of letting oil corporations rape our natural resources. - ItsGretchen | via web

HOIST A FEW

Very excited to hear about possible craft beer house. (“A baffling beer breakthrough, Wolfman barbecue and Chinese movement,” Feb. 10-16.) Been driving to Santa Cruz just to get beer making supplies, and before that had to order everything from SF. C’mon Oglesby. Don’t be that guy. Seaside was starting to feel as if it could have a pulse with the Ol’ Factory, let’s hope this takes its place and starts pushing the area into cultivating some fun and creative businesses. - Shawn | via web

KNOW THE RULES

It is not the law that “Under the Brown Act, city council members must discuss personnel matters in closed session” (“Embattled council debates semantics as city administrator remains on the job,” Feb. 10-16).

Any written complaint against an employee of a serious nature (misconduct) and any record of investigative findings confirming the complaint – especially findings justifying a settlement of $600,000 – are accessible pursuant to the California Public Records Act. - Terry Francke, Cal Aware | via web

CORRECTION

The Weekly incorrectly stated Brandi Chastain would be the only woman in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (“A Tale of Two Celebrations,” Feb. 10-16. Unlike the previous year, she was not, as Heidi Ueberroth and Diane Offereins played along with 309 men.