Un-chain Melody


I do want the economy to flourish for the city of Pacific Grove but am of the opinion that the ban on “formula fast food” remain (“Pacific Grove re-examines its fast-food ban; residents rally to keep it in place,” March 22-28). Local restaurants and businesses would flourish if corporate chains other than fast food be allowed.


Having lived in New York City for the past 22 years, I have seen local book stores disappear as huge chains Barnes & Noble and Borders moved in. Seaside Borders was a wonderful bookstore. It was big, stocked a lot of books, had a huge magazine selection and with a coffee shop, a great place to stop and/or shop. Not since Thunderbird Books was there such a wonderful bookstore on the Peninsula. Now, you have to drive all the way to Santa Cruz to experience those warm cozy bookstores. And now with Borders out of business, Barnes & Noble stands alone. I am dumbfounded why the CEO of Barnes & Noble does not think about coming here. It would be a “slam dunk” for the city of Pacific Grove if Barnes & Noble were to locate in Pacific Grove.


That would be the start of possibly more “well-to-do” businesses moving into P.G. “The Works” is a cute book store but it is only that. Cute. After being away since 1977, I do miss Thunderbird Bookstore. - Jcchangtop | via Web


Bill Kampe’s error in judgement putting the fast food issue before council shows how out of touch he is with the desires of the citizenry. He is not qualified to be mayor. - ET | via Web


Au Revior, Methyl Iodide 


I feel mixed about this (“Arysta to pull methyl iodide from U.S.,” posted March 20). When our crops are heavily decreased and there is not much to pick, the workers will follow the crop and go to Mexico. Mexico is still using methyl iodide. I think it is important to consider the workers here. Yes they will not be exposed in California, but there are other chemicals than this one and I am sure a replacement is on the way. For me, I would rather consume California strawberries that undergo testing and inspection, versus crops from Mexico that we really have no idea or control what is in them. I wonder if we are going to “Like” when the cost of California Strawberries goes through the roof while field workers lose their jobs? - Jenny Mac | via Facebook


I am glad that this horrible chemical is banned. Beautiful large strawberries at what cost? And by cost, I am not speaking of just the purchase price. What about the cost to the wildlife being poisoned? Cost of contaminated soil for years to come? Cost of future health conditions due to ingested toxins by the consumer? Cost to the public to pay for healthcare for exposed farm workers that are on government medical plans? Think about the “true” cost of chemically treated food. - Gina Schmidt | via Facebook


Splish Splash


HOORAY… and it sounds like the owners are (thank goodness) catering to locals who would love to eat out more if it isn’t so expensive (“New name, new look for the Old Bath House,” posted March 21). Wow, a reasonably priced dinner for locals with a great view – thank you James Gilbert and partner! - Liz Clark | via Facebook


If the owner is reading this, it’s not too late to put in a jacuzzi/sauna! Also, a Sunday afternoon Happy Hour would be great! - Chris Villanueva | via Facebook


Wither, Dirt?


I garden because I truly think that eventually I WILL grow a tomato that is edible (I live in New Monterey), because I love succulents (and they do grow in New Monterey), because I love hummingbirds and butterflies (and I want them to live in New Monterey), and because I am Dutch (and bulbs grow in New Monterey despite the deer). [“Tell us the reason you garden,” posted March 21 on Facebook.] - Nancy Prins Myers | via Facebook


Limits of Power


The article does not actually identify any constitutional power that would allow Congress to force individuals to buy a product (“As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments over healthcare reform, here’s why the law is constitutional,” March 15-21). Instead it asserts that it would be nice if the power existed, because then you could do all sorts of neat stuff with it. Maybe, maybe not, but that’s begging the question of whether the power exists. - Blofeld | via Web


Transit Views


Having ridden buses in many cities around the world, I was surprised to learn of Monterey-Salinas Transit’s policy to pass up bus stops WITHOUT STOPPING because the potential rider just happened to be sitting. I’d especially ask these MST geniuses to consider changing that policy at stops like the one at Beach and Reservation Road where one has about a 5-second window perchance to stand as the bus hurtles over the crest of the hill which otherwise obscures its approach.


Perhaps someone has done the calculations wherein millions of tax dollars are wasted by buses coming to a stop only to be ignored by a nosegay sniffing dandy who then laughs hysterically at the well-meaning driver whom he has just snookered. But I bet that person hasn’t ever had to use the transit system themselves and probably has an MST staff car to ferry their dumb ass around. - Tom Van Dyke | Moss Landing 


Charity begins at home


I wonder if the $11,381 donated to the nonprofit is going to be written off on Lama’s personal income tax, or his parents’ (“A year after disaster-relief fundraiser, Japan funds finally leave a Pacific Grove bank,” March 22-28). The IRS should look into this. - Regularjoemonterey | via Web


Hmmm… slow day in the news department? I was a donor to this event myself, as were many people I know in our community. Although the donation was not made timely, I don’t think the donation was delayed intentionally or with mal intent. I do believe RZL was sidetracked and just didn’t think about it. In the long run, the inadvertent delay may actually have been more beneficial for this charity, as oftentimes charitable organizations are forgotten about after a tragedy, when the initial publicity tapers off and then, in turn, they do not have enough donations to sustain them. I’m glad RZL got the funds out to a good organization, and hopefully this next donation won’t be forgotten. - hstory1 | via Web


Hopefully, CRBC pulls out of this trainwreck. - jimfrank99 | via Web