Dear Editor,
From: Joey Racano
Los Osos
As an opponent of only the tree-removal portion of Morro Coast Audubons Sweet Springs 'project,' I read the Holly Stetland letter with some chagrin. As was the case with the Binscarth Butterfly Grove, where massive butterfly microclimate was removed, she talks a good 'inclusion' game, but does what any paid employee does, which is what their boss tells them to do. She sent in the chainsaws after reassuring a large crowd of concerned citizens there she would do no such thing. She has shown that she and MCAS can't be trusted, first and foremost.
Second, according to studies done by cal poly graduate students, there is much historical evidence that Monarchs overwinter in our Eucalyptus, and with the loss of the amount of large canopy trees Los Osos and Morro Bay have already suffered, each tree is now critical habitat for the monarch butterfly.
Finally, Holly doesn't seem to know about the unprecedented level of protection recently afforded the body of water she proposes to silt in and use poison next to. She should do her homework, because she's talking about opponents of the project not providing science that proves tree removal would harm Monarchs and raptors. She seems to have no clue about the two areas in the estuary recently designated as 'no-take' zones under the MLPA (Marine Life Protection Act). The burden of proof in and upstream from a State Marine Reserve is on the poisoner, polluter, clear cutter, debris dumper, what have you. Just ask the California Men's Colony, who have felt the sting of hefty fines for dumping sewage and chlorine into Chorro Creek which ultimately ran into the estuary. Do the project, but do it without removing the only large canopy trees we have left, the mighty and graceful Eucalyptus of Sweet Springs East.
Please visit our Facebook Page: Save Sweet Springs Trees
[See Holly's Response Below]
From: Holly Sletteland
Los Osos
I would like to respond to Joey Racano's allegations. Contrary to his assertion that MCAS can't be trusted to do what we promise, we indicated that we would not cut any trees at Binscarth and we didn't. We said we were going to prune branches overhanging the street for general liability reasons, as well as to address specific complaints from neighboring property owners, and we did.
MCAS does not dispute that some eucalyptus provide conditions that are perfect for overwintering monarchs. However, the habitat requirements are very specific (e.g. temperature, wind protection, proximity to water, etc.) and the Binscarth grove does not appear to provide them. Although butterflies can certainly be seen fluttering through the property, they have not been observed clustering there.
I am well aware that a portion of the estuary has been designated as a State Marine Reserve and I fully support that designation. My point was that project opponents need to present the science indicating tree removal will harm this protected zone in some way. I am not aware of any. There is ample evidence to indicate that the sewage and chlorine released by the California Men's Colony is harmful to the marine environment, whether a reserve or not. It is a violation of the Clean Water Act. I fail to see how any parallels can be drawn between the actual (prison) and proposed (MCAS) action.
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Photo by Judy Sullivan:
Morro Rock Morning
Photo by Linda Tanner:
Los Osos Barn
Photo by Dave Johnson:
Quiet Day at the MB Harbor
Photo by Vince Cicero
Morro Rock
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From: Stephen K Figler
City Not Given
Wonderful article by Lynne Harkins in the December issue about and with Vance Hyde regarding the opportunity for seniors to "get activist." Vance is a model senior to be emulated. Excellent writing and video by Lynne.
From: Linda Stedjee
Morro Bay
Some seem to forget that we all have property rights. Those rights are not limited solely to persons planning development projects. The neighbors worked just as hard to acquire their properties as the would-be developers. This fact has long been recognized and is clearly demonstrated by the fact that we have zoning laws.
Persons who insist that they should be able to do whatever they want with their land, without regard for the rights and needs of their neighbors, do not appear well suited to life in a community. We would all be better off if such individuals would move far out into the country where there are no neighbors for them to impact.
There are some wonderful land values way out there in the country, Ms. Welles. Why don't you and your real estate cronies go there and buy yourselves some lots?
From: Anne Sidaris-Reeves
City Not Given
I was surprised and disappointed to see that you saw fit to publish a letter which has no apparent purpose other than
to denigrate Roger Ewing for his views on the manner in which the current Mayor and Council of Morro Bay choose to run that city.
It's hardly a secret that Morro Bay "cronyism" is the order of the day - nor is it new. If Morro Bay did as well recycling their water as it does their Mayors, it might end up ahead of the game for a change.
All this attack on Mr. Ewing has achieved is to highlight the utter disrespect and contempt rained down on any resident who dares to speak out or to question the 'authoritay' of the puppet theatre that is Morro Bay's political scene.
It's also worth noting that Mrs. Welles appears not to have any insightful, sober thoughts of her own on the real problems facing the town.
[Note from Editor: We don't have to agree with a letter to give the writer their say - no matter how far off base they are. See the notice in the column to the left.]
From: Tom Roff on the F/V Diane Susan
Morro Bay
Thank you for bringing this issue (seismic study effects on marine life and the fishing community) to the public. (See: PG&E Moving to Conduct Seismic Studies Off Diablo Canyon] PG&E has downplayed the potential loss to our fleet and community.
I have been informed about many issues in depth by your reporting. You do excellent research and write in a manner that is easy to follow on complex issues.
Please keep educating us. An informed population makes a stronger democracy!
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