Habitat Thanks


We were thrilled to see the cover photograph, taken in the new, green building at the Hilton Bialek Habitat and the article in the Home and Garden Issue (“With the launch of Hilton Bialek Habitat’s green building, kids can get a hands-on education in sustainable living,” April 5-11). The green building is a wonderful addition to our community and we are grateful to share the story of its development with your readers. On behalf of the entire staff of MEarth, we would also like to acknowledge the participation of Ellen Fondiler, MEarth’s former director of development, who for over a decade worked in support of the habitat and all that it is today. Ms. Fondiler played a critical role in the planning and development of the green building at the habitat and we recognize her significant contributions to this worthwhile achievement. - Andrea Lewis | Carmel


(Editor’s note: Ms. Lewis is the executive director of MEarth.)


Road Warriors


Thank you for the coverage on the Prunedale Improvement Project (“Neighbors critical of highway project see giant piles of construction debris catch fire,” March 22-28). I fully support the Prunedale Improvement Project, but I think there are impacts the project is having that must be addressed.


It was interesting to learn that the stench we had been enjoying for several days, which I had thought was an overflowing septic system, turned out to be decomposing wood chips. I was also appalled to learn that, as my neighbor Katherine Dorset so aptly stated, there seems to be more concern for oak trees than humans. Biological monitors (which I absolutely support) are monitoring the project, meanwhile, the neighborhood could have burned down because of careless construction and debris management practices.


Oak Heights neighbors are fed up for another reason. Our neighborhood is located right next to the interchange that is being constructed to connect Echo Valley Road and Crazy Horse Canyon Road. Yet, we do not have access to the interchange. Despite numerous requests, we were never given an explanation as to why we do not have access. In order to improve the “safety” of residents, we are now forced to drive more than two miles along Moro Road to get to San Miguel Canyon Road, in order to access Highway 101. Moro Road, contrary to what is stated in the article via Supervisor Calcagno and Public Works, is hardly up to standards.


When Oak Heights Drive lost its direct access to 101 in late 2011, all the traffic from our neighborhood as well as the neighboring Marjorie Road neighborhood – a total of upwards of 70 houses – were forced to use Moro Road to enter and exit the neighborhood. Moro Road is a beautiful country road, but it is hardly up to standards. Ironically, there is much more pedestrian and bicycle traffic as a result of the closure of access to 101. Even more ironic, in the name of “safety,” we are forced to use this “safer” route.


I encourage Public Works employees to take a walk along Moro Road some day soon and ask themselves if they’d like their family members walking or riding a bike on that road. I hope something is done before somebody is killed on this beautiful country road. - Brett Melone | Prunedale 


Fish Futures


Whether Oceana is right or wrong (conservative fishing practices, historically, have proven wise), if they get their way everyone still wins, just maybe not in the short term (“City of Monterey, Oceana butt heads over the management of iconic sardines,” March 22-28). If they are right – and not heeded – then what? - Dave Shmalz | via Facebook


Roy-Al Clothing


I noted with some curiosity your issue with fashionista Rachel Roy on the cover (“How Seaside’s Rachel Roy became one of the hottest names in New York,” March 22-28). There are a lot of things I come to Monterey hoping or expecting to see. A New York fashion maven is NOT among them. If I wanted to see a group of deadpan, anorexic, narcissistic young models deploying a line of trendy, overpriced clothes, I would go to New York, maybe Beverly Hills or Vegas. You have treasures that are unique and beautiful. Why not honor them? - Anonymous | Sacramento


(Editor’s note: You’re right. We should have more deadpan, narcissistic otters on our covers.)


Yes on Jane


Jane Parker is the best supervisor on the board, as proven by her vote to protect her constituents from the flawed desalination water purchase agreement. What happened? The claimed “experienced leadership” of the other four created a disaster for the county. Now Parker’s election opponent claims Jane’s decision against that scam shows Parker only votes “no.” Apparently, Ms. Smith would have approved that project that failed on ALL management, financial, business, legal, sustainability, and common sense aspects while squandering millions of taxpayer dollars.


Seaside, Marina, and Salinas deserve a supervisor who will protect the voter’s best interests. You have one with Jane Parker. Please re-elect her. - Ed Mitchell | Prunedale 


Corrections and Clarifications 


Credit for a photo of musician Mantle Core Sound goes to Richard Herbert (“Two bands bring unorthodox sounds and visions to Seaside,” April 5-11). 


A story misidentified the husband of art collector Theresa Del Piero as Marc (“An Informed Vision,” March 29-April 4). Her husband is Eric Del Piero. 


An item on the Henry Hill home in Carmel featured the incorrect picture (“Take a trip through modern Monterey Bay,” April 5-11). 


Pacific Repertory Theatre, which won Best Local Theater Company in the Weekly’s “Best of Monterey County” 2012 competition, was inadvertently left out of the print edition. Their listing follows: “Last season, they were elusive on account of the major renovations of their Golden Bough Theatre Space, which is in phase 2 as of last month. But that didn’t stop audiences from finding Pacific Repertory Theatre’s roving productions at the Forest Theatre, or remembering past triumphs like the scathing Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe, or flocking to recent hits like Hairspray, or appreciating literary readings like the Words on Stage series, or sending their kids to the company’s SoDA training curriculum. This company, the brainchild of Artistic Director Stephen Moorer, a progeny of recently departed Children’s Experimental Theatre founder Marcia Hovick, makes juggling productions look like child’s play. Altogether, it’s a local dynasty in the making.”