SHAMEFUL SNARK

Squid’s snarky tone when relating anonymous reports of financial travails at the Monterey Herald is badly misplaced (“Squid Fry,” March 3-9). The Herald is easily the most reliable and comprehensive source of Central Coast news. It also serves as an important corrective to Paul Miller’s hard right Carmel Pine Cone and Gary Wilmot’s pro-development Marina Gazette. Joe Livernois and Royal Calkins are hard-working professionals who deliver a quality product day. If indeed the Herald is struggling, Squid should be lamenting the situation, not playing it for laughs. - Hal Ginsberg | Sand City

(Note: Mr. Ginsberg is the general manager of KRXA 540 AM.)

FOOD TRACKERS

Tracing produce is essential for health issues and food scares (“Consumers groove on knowing where their food comes from, but for the ag industry, it’s become a matter of safety and profit,” March 3-9).

However, I think it naive of these trace technology companies to believe that consumers are going to go home and type numbers into a website to see what farms they come from.

Most consumers will pay no attention to the origin of the food as they will trust the vendor as to the source and just consume the product without a care that it comes from farm 2151 or whatever – also I am sure mega retailers like Wal-Mart may not want consumers to be able to contact the farmers directly – the truth about what prices are paid to the farmers might be revealed! -ndyR | via Web

AU CONTRAIRE

Consumers can scan the barcode in the store and get farm info in the palm of their hands. (“Consumers groove on knowing where their food comes from, but for the ag industry, it’s become a matter of safety and profit,” March 3-9).

No need to go home. We’ve not begun to comprehend the technology and how it will change the way we shop, not to mention eat. Keep posted! - Greenman | via Web

CLINICA DE CARING

As a lifelong Monterey County resident, it warms my heart to encounter a public service staffed by caring, competent and effective professionals. The Clinica Salud de Salinas is such a service. The mobile clinic especially operates under difficult conditions. Every week it is challenged by setting up in different venues. Often beset by mechanical failures, inclement weather and cantankerous patients, these angels of mercy bring medical and dental care to the indigent.

Dr. Christa Balch is supported by Maria Camarena, the tiny truck operator/nurse, and Ruby Chasteen, stevedore/office manager. These women and the dental staff are managed by Mr. Walter Espinoza, who coordinates and organizes the prodigious effort they bring to our community. - Dammen Campbell | Salinas

REVIEW THE REVIEWERS

Given the controversy at both the county and city levels, why is there such a reluctance by elected officials to review the appointment process and document it? As long as they are nebulous, then the people doing the appointing have control and can manipulate it as they please. Committees and commissions have taken on political overtones focused on special interest agendas and no longer focus on the merits of the item at hand. It is interesting to note that whatever political bent the voting majority has, they will avoid like the plague any effort to review how the process works and what are the criterion for making those selections. Take a look at your own city and ask, “Is the appointment process understood, does it provide for representation of all points of view, is it fully documented, and what is the basis for selection?” If it is not all of the above, then how transparent is it? - Dan Amadeo | Marina

THANKS FOR THE DOUGH

The Food Bank for Monterey County gratefully acknowledges a very generous grant of $25,598.61 through the Monterey County Gives! campaign. A great BIG thank you to [Weekly] CEO Bradley Zeve and to all those who selected us for their gifts! - Melissa Hartman | via Facebook

(Note: Ms. Hartman is development director at the Food Bank for Monterey County.)