Issues continue with relocation of Metro Center

I am quite surprised that there hasn’t been more kickback on one of the worst decisions that our city has ever made. That being the relocation of the Metro Center, taking over two entire busy downtown lanes of traffic and surrounding area and creating traffic and safety issues.

I understand that the city had few options as to what to do with the Metro Center but it certainly didn’t plan ahead when it decided to give into the “development frenzy” that has occurred in that part of our city. River Street is now a very unsafe one-way street with crosswalks and parking lot exits hidden between busses and creating a visual nightmare with an accident just waiting to happen.

I’m sure the city didn’t have many options as to where to relocate the Metro Center but I sincerely hope they are fast tracking the development that will provide a new Center and eliminate the dangerous situation that now exists.

— David Wilson, Santa Cruz

What are the other options, if not rail?

I have one overriding question for all those who oppose a train going through Santa Cruz County:

With traffic near standstill running west most mornings and east most afternoons, with no new streets or freeway lanes to be built, while more housing is being constructed, what other available route is there to alleviate the situation?

Would a beautiful trail without rail daily move thousands on foot and bike especially during winter and wet weather? Would more buses running on the same streets and highway as cars?

I don’t know for certain whether a train of some sort will work or be cost worthy in the end. But I don’t see anyone, especially those opposed to a train proposing any better solutions to stop the ongoing and growing gridlock.

If a train isn’t practical, what have you got beyond walking and biking? And how much would it cost? And when would it be ready?

I’m ready to consider it. Honest.

— Jerry Kay, Santa Cruz

Perhaps it’s a cult pushing for the $4.3 billion train

The $4.3 billion in capital costs needed for a train will not be paid in optimism and good vibes.

Assuming a best case scenarios, we will need to raise $1-2 billion locally to qualify for a 25-50% matching state and federal grants.

This can only be accomplished via an unprecedented 2-3%, 30-year sales tax increase.

The RTC will bond that tax revenue at 5%, paying it back over the next 30 years, accruing another $1-2 billion in compounding interest.

Assuming two thirds of voters approve such a tax hike, and we secure financing, then we will get to bring our chips to the table and compete for dwindling grants.

If you believe that any of this is likely to happen in our lifetime, and should be prioritized over the expedient construction of an interim trail, you just might be in a cult.

— David Date, La Selva Beach

A ‘special evening’ at Community Bridges gala

On behalf of Community Bridges, thank you to everyone who helped make our 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala a heartfelt celebration of impact, connection and community.

This special evening at Seascape Golf Club brought together supporters, elected leaders and volunteers to raise critical funds for the 10 programs that support more than 20,000 children, families and older adults across our region — helping them overcome barriers, break cycles of poverty and access the resources they need to live with dignity and opportunity.

It would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors and dedicated staff. Thank you for investing in our community, and for meeting the moment with strength and compassion.

We also congratulate our Bridge Builder Award honorees: Driscoll’s, Inc., and event co-chairs Tere Carrubba and Cathe Race, whose partnership has shaped Farm to Fork into what it is today.

If you couldn’t join us this year, we invite you to learn more about our mission — and how you can be part of it — by visiting communitybridges.org.

— Ray Cancino, CEO, Community Bridges, Watsonville