Use Capitola trestle for a continuous trail

Capitola’s iconic trestle has sat unused for years. The RTC is now struggling with how to route the rail trail through Capitola, and continues to ignore this valuable resource sitting right under their noses.

While many want to preserve this trestle for future train use, this will be decades away at best. It’s time to give county residents a continuous trail that can allow pedestrians and cyclists a way through Capitola that avoids the traffic and congestion of the village.

The RTC needs to use the Capitola trestle for the trail now, and preserve it for a future train when that time comes.

— Chris Amsden, Capitola

Amid differing views, trail option is best course

Democracy is alive, especially with the paved road and zero-emission rail-line viewpoints (published recently in this section of the Sentinel).

Capitola’s Municipal Code 8.72 became law after a court, city attorney and Coastal Commission analyzed its intent and found it consistent with the General Plan/LCP/Planning Codes before voters approved its measure. Moreover, after seven years on the books without any lawsuit challenging its validity, it stands to reason it must be valid.

Second, the RTC with a transparency and accountability problem, is not following the intent of Measure D funding. For instance, with its own cost-overrun deficit, RTC continues allocating funds to Caltrans in hope taxpayers will bail them out if they use words like “carbon footprint reduction.” However, commuters won’t eliminate their vehicles even if greenhouse emission reduction is a worthy goal.

Not to mention, there are no EV or parking infrastructures off Highway 1. And, train ridership most likely will be costly to help reduce expensive maintenance problems.

Alternatively, let’s leave Capitola to Aptos as the open-nature trail corridor where you can enjoy watching wildlife while strolling under the canopy of trees.

— Jeff Staben, Soquel

Fixing roads a higher priority than train

Some in the county yearn for the return of the trains. I yearn for the return of good roads, they are deplorable.

Within a year, Highway 1 will be widened and the commute will be greatly improved. This may help the county buses, which have a low ridership. Who would want to ride the train then?

I’m all for the trail and a bike path like Monterey County. I am not for spending $4 billion for something that they will not come for.

I am for improving our county roads where citizens are now repairing the roads on their own.

Shame on nostalgia and let’s improve our roads.

— Bill Beecher, Aptos

What can be known about preparing for earthquake

How often does a conviction start with “I don’t know?” The truth is, I don’t know. National Earthquake Preparedness Month rolls around every April, but no one knows when the next big one will hit. Uncertainty is the heart of disaster prep. Maybe you’ve resented that feeling.

This April, people in Myanmar are living the nightmare. Buildings toppled. Lives lost. A brutal reminder: preparedness matters.

“I don’t know” doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Many Californians have already retrofitted their homes or insured them through the California Earthquake Authority or another provider, protecting critical assets and generational wealth.

Moved or switched insurance? No problem. Every homeowners’ or renters’ insurance company admitted to the California market must offer you earthquake coverage.

Here’s what we do know: earthquakes are coming. Someone in California will suffer catastrophic losses — and insurance pools rebuild homes, rebuild lives.

And one more thing we know: old earthquake advice can harm you. When your ShakeAlert goes off — or when the ground shakes — don’t run for the doorway. Drop. Cover. Hold On.

— Ben Deci, Senior Media Officer, California Earthquake Authority, Sacramento

Guest Commentaries

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