Party On


Reading the last paragraph of Squid’s commentary regarding “Moderate” Steve McShane was cathartic (“Squid Fry,” June 9-15). It’s disappointing that the Weekly so often relegates harsh, sound criticism of The Egregiously Absurd (TEA) party to a spineless, clandestine reporter. No offense, Squid. Keep up the good work.


I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a progressive champion such as the Weekly to do a better job of exposing these “patriots” as the reactionary bigots they truly are. No, I don’t mean more photos of tribal depictions of Obama at their rallies. I’m asking for more articles related to their support of federalized restrictions on abortion, assisted suicide, drugs, and marriage, their reticence during Bush’s eight-year spending spree, and funding received from the likes of the Koch brothers. Please, Weekly. You’re (almost) our only hope. - Sean Gallager | Salinas


Wet Works


There’s a mighty foul stench wafting from Marina, and it ain’t coming from the docks (“Local water has disintegrated into local insanity,” June 2-8). 


It’s emanating from the Marina Coast Water District – and it reeks. The latest incident involves Jan Shriner, the newly-elected addition to that board. In the newest episode of the soap opera that is Marina Coast, the board is accusing Shriner (falsely) of creating a hostile working environment. My sense is she’s being set up.


As a friend and colleague of Shriner’s for several years, I have known her always to be a very serious person, irreproachably honest, and superbly dedicated. She’s also highly intelligent, articulate, and, yes, inquisitive. These are all qualities that would normally exemplify public servitude, but are apparently unwelcome in this back-room arena. Practically from day one, she has asked questions that have gone unanswered; emails have continually not been replied to; meetings have intentionally been scheduled during Shriner’s’ day job; etc. The pattern of stonewalling couldn’t be clearer. 


Then, when she gets frustrated and justifiably persistent, she’s accused of basically being a nuisance. Starting to catch the foul aroma?


Now, it may be that these particular good ol’ boys don’t like a woman nosing in their business. But when you take a rinky-dink water district like MCWD and throw a $400 million gold mine their way, my guess is it’s something else. Something else called transparency – a concept that Marina Coast has endearingly embraced like it was a radioactive porcupine with rabies. It’s a funny thing about transparency, sometimes you shine a light into a dark corner and rats come scurrying out. One such varmint recently exposed was Steve Collins. I wonder what other revelations await disclosure?


Investigate Shriner? Sure! But let’s investigate the rest of the bunch also. Let’s find out just what questions were asked, why they weren’t answered, and just what those answers might be. My hunch is, more resignations may be in order, and none will bear the signature of Jan Shriner. - Larry Parrish | Carmel Valley


Artistic Beckoning


The article concerning the importance of the arts was absolutely spot on in explaining how the arts do enrich our communities (“What happens when funding for arts education goes away?” June 2-8). A “thank you” to Jessica Lyons and to everyone at the Weekly for taking the time and providing the space in the Weekly for such a comprehensive approach.


It is not too late to improve education in California. The Arts are the answer!


We urge your readers to join us at the Arts Council for Monterey County in ensuring that every child has access to the benefits of the arts and arts education. To do so, one can take any or all of these steps: Purchase your specialty arts license plate at www.artsplate.org – every dollar goes to arts education in California and you can send a great message to others wherever you drive; Make a donation of time and/or funds to the Arts Council or your favorite arts organization to improve and expand arts education; And join the newly formed Monterey County Alliance for Arts Education. To become involved, just send a message to: laurie@arts4mc.org! - Dr. Richard H. Anderson | Prunedale 


(Note: Dr. Anderson is president of the board of directors for the Arts Council for Monterey County.)