Columnist weighs in on MAH ‘mission drift’

Thank you for your informative editorial (July 1) on our beloved Santa Cruz museums, for Natural History, and Art & History (MAH).

As an early member of the Santa Cruz County Historical Trust, which established the history part of MAH, I had long appreciated the level of scholarship found in our history exhibits, lectures, tours and publications. These were supplemented by MAH’s important historic archives, with the county Landmarks Committee providing blue plaques for landmarks, and public appreciation for preservation and restoration activities.

I was among the founders of the Researchers Anonymous group, as a networking service for researchers of any ability, who often became authors supplying the museum book and gift shop. Mission drift is when our valued services lose priority and backing. Our museum’s founding programs provide a worthy North Star for MAH’s future.

— Ross Eric Gibson, Santa Cruz

Let people celebrate the Fourth of July, safely

Yes, nothing shouts “Freedom!” quite like filing past the searchlights through the razor wire to be searched on your way to the beach.

Time for my annual common-sense letter about Independence Day.

How about this year: NO spotlights, NO fences, NO triple-fines.

Open some designated beaches to safe and sane fireworks, have firemen discretely on hand and let the people celebrate the birth of our nation in the manner they so clearly love and look forward to each and every year.

I want the revelry where it’s safe, not in the forests and flammable lots.

— Pureheart Steinbruner, Aptos

Resistance to ICE raids has become ‘duty’

Our neighbors are the targets of ICE raids. The guys at the car wash, the men and women in the kitchen of your favorite restaurant, the people that pick, process and ship our food, are being harassed where they work or when they go to the store. Many have been here for over 30 years. The last time amnesty was offered was in 1986. It is not easy to immigrate legally to this country. I know that 140 years ago my great grandparents did not have paperwork. They fled from famine, they fled from political upheaval. They came, and if they were healthy enough they were allowed in.

I cannot stand by and watch my neighbors, the parents of my students, the nice family down the street be separated from each other. This is not how you treat other human beings. I plan to stand in their way, follow up on arrests and witness what is being done. This is a time for peaceful protest and civil disobedience. When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.

— Laura Shaw, Bonny Doon

Weller, Keeley don’t honor community values

“I know the author. … I wish I didn’t have to respond, but this sort of public contumely is repugnant, and no one else is better informed in this matter than I am.” (Jim Weller, Guest Commentary, July 1.)

“The Santa Cruz City Council adopted a structurally balanced, thoughtful and forward-looking budget that reflects our shared values and prepares our community for the future.” (Fred Keeley. Mayor’s Message, June 29.)

When you read these type of commentaries, BEWARE! Don’t expect them to prioritize funding nor place community values in your interest.

The former commenter wants the Capitola historical bridge and its senior citizens removed while the latter insists that the Coral Street druggies — like the Tenderloin district in SF — should reside in your neighborhood.

An estimated RTC $4.5 billion train wreck to prioritizing affordable housing for drug users and dealers is not a community value Santa Cruz citizens should live with nor should we. It’s our responsibility to stand-up and say, “No!”

— Jeff Staben, Soquel

A better way to deal with abandoned vehicles

Great that you passed this new set of fines for illegal dumping (Sentinel July 1). You could add on the clean-up costs too.

There is a more expensive penalty that I have for years wished your state colleagues would pass. Perhaps you could pass a board resolution encouraging a new state law that would trace abandoned vehicles through their VIN number to their last registered owner. (If they have filed a notice of non-responsibility then get the name of the person they sold to.)

Track the abandoned vehicle, send them notice of a fine and record it against their record. No more registering any vehicles or renewing their driver’s license until they pay for the cost of picking up the vehicle, towing it, and disposal fees.

Here in Bonny Doon it happens quite often and also just outside the city limits. Statewide we pay many millions to collect and dispose of those abandoned vehicles along with their contents, which are often strewn around them.

— Cliff Bixler, Bonny Doon