Squid Smackdown


I notice Squid speaks a lot about fairness and equality in your writing (“Squid Fry,” June 30-July 6). Let’s talk about that.


The name of this publication indicates that it is a news source for the entirety of Monterey COUNTY. Why is it that every article on this site pertains only to happenings on the Monterey Peninsula and in Salinas? Did the county line move north without me knowing it?


Here’s a quote from your site’s “About” section: With a growing state university (CSU Monterey Bay), expanding marine science exploration in the Monterey Bay, and regional impacts from Silicon Valley, the county is in an explosive time of growth and transformation.”


What about the transformative changes taking place in our beautiful county’s most important industry – agriculture? Where’s mention of the amazingly innovative things those fine people are doing?


Where’s the love for the nearly 70,000 people who reside in South Monterey County? I realize that us “Southerners” may be too podunk for you and your political agenda. That’s fine, we’re used to being ignored. But let me ask you this: What’s thoughtful, provocative and engaging about ignoring an entire area of your supposed circulation? 


Are you afraid that our conservative, pro-business ideas might somehow discredit you? What gives? - Jasper Casey | King City


Squid Smackdown, Take Two


Squid do you enjoy trying to destroy peoples lives and businesses? (“Squid Fry,” June 30-July 6). Do you really think it is funny to say such hateful things about people? 


This is the nature of a very insecure person who has no friends. Someone who hates themself usually writes such vulgar pathetic tripe. 


Go get a real job in the real world and stop spreading your lies, distortions and vile opinions. - im4justice | via Web


The Weight of Water


Where was Lou Calcagno when the public needed protection?


Thank goodness some government Watchdogs are on alert, monitoring Supervisors’ every move. Sadly, some activists don’t receive credit when deserved. Example: Prunedale community leader, Ed Mitchell, supports the regional desal project, and was one of a large group who initially suggested the more equitable “Hybrid” project to the California Public Utilities Commission. 


Benefited by his 25 years of government contracting expertise, Ed sacrificed personal time, money and effort, warning Supervisors on April 6, 2010 regarding flaws in their regional desal contract. 


Ed literally “predicted” what is now the Steve Collins “conflict of interest” debacle. Ed was the first to file the matter with the FPPC, requesting investigation. This week, Ed also presented documentation that Calcagno and other officials knew Collins had a financial conflict, but still allowed violations to continue. Even Collins admits that Calcagno and others knew.


It’s disappointing that someone like Ed Mitchell, with skill and integrity, wasn’t elected to represent us last June. 


Instead, we’ve got Calcagno’s “experienced leadership” proposing this costly desal project… a project with no water rights, where Monterey Peninsula ratepayers lack a vote on the controlling board, and the same project tainted by conflict of interest which Calcagno helped foster. - Janet Fay | Salinas


A Bay View


The only way to stop the continued demise of MPUSD is to vote out our school board of trustees and send the superintendent and her minions packing. (“Bay View Academy charter school finally finds space, and the students to fill it,” June 23-29). 


Goodbye and good riddance. - Brainman | via Web


Not real pretty, but real


I’m glad he’s gone. This man has hurt so many woman (sic) in his life… (“Seaside Police hold community meeting for last week’s shooting/suicide,” July 1.)


I was one of them. It’s too bad he took the chicken way out. - dkowbow | via Web