Letters

Like the vast majority of Californians, especially those on the Central Coast, I view the threat to our planet from climate change as an over-arching, existential issue. That’s why I strongly support the proposal currently before the Hollister City Council for Hollister to band together with all of the jurisdictions in San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties as the Monterey Bay Community Power Joint Powers Authority.

Almost one year ago, City Manager Bill Avera reminded the Hollister City Council during the Dec. 21, 2015 meeting about discussions on medical marijuana, and he provided them with the urgency ordinance adopted several years ago as well as the ordinance adopted by the city that prohibits dispensaries within city limits.

It has been a great privilege to represent the Central Coast in the State Assembly for the past six years. I'm honored that voters put their faith in me three times since 2010 to be there champion in Sacramento.

Until I received a call from the lovely reporter from KION yesterday I had no idea that the city had lost its mind again.

Hillary Clinton garnered most of the national popular vote, but Donald Trump was elected because he won the majority of electoral votes. Many Californians now say they want the winner determined by popular vote. The presumptive argument is that one-person-one-vote is more democratic (little d). Assuming this idea was not put forward for merely partisan political purposes, it’s worth a look.

I have a confession to make. I don’t read the Free Lance newspaper very often. As a writer and a business owner in town that may seem shameful, but it may also be the reason that I pass on it.

In response to Marty Richman's guest view: Marijuana Ordinance Should Wait (Sept. 2 Free Lance) I offer this response:

The Hollister City Council has scheduled Sept. 19 for a decision on Hollister’s medical marijuana ordinance, but acting before the upcoming election results doesn’t make sense. The primary reason for waiting is to get the Nov. 8 local vote view on Proposition 64, the closely related proposal for recreational marijuana.

Poor transportation planning and lack of coordination, especially by San Benito County, will soon overwhelm a critical portion of the local road network.