Conspiracy Theories


Author Joel Dyer paints a chilling picture of hate groups’ evil tentacles slithering into regular Americans’ minds, driving many to insane violence (“Why is it that people die when we talk about gun control?” March 7-13). It’s easy to tell which seemingly ordinary friends and neighbors will fall prey to this massive conspiracy, though. They’re the ones with anti-government opinions who believe in conspiracies.


Wow. We are seriously doomed. It’s hard to find an ordinary American who isn’t irritated at the government, with odd views to boot. Thanks for the public service, Joel, but I just can’t buy your (conspiracy) theory.


On a non-sarcastic note, Joel makes a point against violence. Now is a good time for us all to pull together and look to common sense, common decency and common purpose; not carelessly labeled “enemies.” - Greg Donovan | Monterey


Train in Vain 


To Monterey Councilwoman Libby Downey: 12 people spoke at the March 5 City Council meeting on behalf of Rick Antle (“City Council bucks staff advice, votes for T&A Marketplace in Train Depot,” posted March 6). Six of them are members of the Monterey County Hospitality Association (four are directors) and five are directly employed/hired by Mr. Antle. This means that nearly all of the “public support” for Mr. Antle’s project were either biased by their direct connection to one entity (MCHA) or to Mr. Antle’s checkbook.


Your Voter Information page dated Nov. 6, 2012, lists the MCHA as a “Key Endorsement.”


You swore an oath to represent the citizens of Monterey. If you do not listen or speak for them, then you are breaking your promise. Worse, you are putting the interests of biased groups and persons in front of your own citizens.


Looking at your record, it is difficult to believe that you didn’t know about these connections. If this is new information, I would urge you to reconsider your vote.


Please stand up for the people you represent: those people who wrote at least 118 letters to the city and who spoke out of genuine, unbiased concern on March 5. I urge you to do so before this corruption embarrasses the city. - Spring Nichols | Monterey


Indie Opinion


Although I agree with the writer’s enthusiasm and will continue to support The Independent’s efforts, I have to share the food was mixed from my opinion. The appetizers were divine. We could have gotten up from the table at that point and been quite satisfied. Main course was very delayed (rain interference with the grills), but the lamb and chicken kebabs were overcooked and dry. Dessert was great, but hard to eat ice cream without utensils. They seemed to have tons of servers, but not the greatest delivery. Understanding it was 100 people at one time, they did the best they could. Band and dancers were exciting and fun. We particularly enjoyed the folks seated next to us. The “beer bark” chips from Eco-Deli were the real find of the evening. As I stated, we will continue to support. - rtmcintyre3 | via Web


Food for Thought


(“Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently encouraged Californians to join KGO radio in choosing the official state food. What are your thoughts? What’s the county’s best food?” posted to Facebook March 13.)


Grapes are important – very important – but when I think of Monterey County agriculture, I always remember driving through the artichoke fields when I first drove down to Carmel before I relocated here from New York. The first thing I ordered to eat here was a grilled artichoke. I did enjoy it with a glass of local white wine though, to be sure. - Sparkles Fay | via Facebook


Avocados. Where would we be without guacamole? - Glenn Steiner | via Facebook


One word: abalone. In the right hands, tender, silky, native treasure. - Chuck Rosewood | via Facebook


Has to be the artichoke… California grows virtually all of the artichokes consumed in the United States, and about 80 percent of those are grown in Monterey County! - Brian Pratt | via Facebook 


Best of the Best


What an insult! Best Mexican Restaurant is a joke! (“Best Mexican: Peppers MexiCali Cafe,” March 14-20.) - Epsonthekitty | via Facebook


Tom is the Best! (“Best Reason to Re-Evaluate Going Out in Salinas: Grower’s Pub Bartender Tom Rodriguez,” March 14-20.) - Sandy93901 | via Facebook


Thanks, Monterey County, for voting the CAA the best art gallery! (“Best Art Gallery: Carmel Art Association,” March 14-20.) Just want to point out that our artist members don’t have to go through a jury process every year – but we do offer a jury process for local artists who want to apply for membership. It’s actually happening right now. Applications can be picked up at the gallery through April 8. - cdevida | via Web


Gorillas soaring through the skies over Monterey? Snuggling giant bananas? Walking pugs on Carmel Beach? Diving and swimming in Seaside? Buying wine in Salinas? Eating tortillas even? Where will the furry beast be next – we want more monkeys! - Renee Migiel | via Web


Well done, gang! Now get some sleep. - ilVecchio | via Facebook


Arf! Arf! And thank you! (“Best Manic Bulldog Conductor: Marci Bracco,” March 14-20.) - Marci Bracco | via Facebook


Fracking Facts


Gasland has now been shown time and time again to have been made up not of facts, but of manufactured untruths to unfairly show fracking as bad (“As oil companies eye the Monterey Shale Formation, what has fracking wrought in the Midwest?” March 14-20). When will people stop holding it out as a documentary? - dkerbs | via Facebook


Bad School Report


What the hell is wrong with people? (“Seaside teacher arrested in child porn investigation,” posted March 14.) I cannot even BEGIN to imagine how a parent would feel to find out something like that. My hope is that no children will ever have to experience anything like that in their lives… maybe some day. - Faith Rees | via Facebook