A different take on Capitola rail corridor vote

On April 17, , the Capitola City Council voted unanimously in favor of a motion to interpret Section 8.72 of the Capitola Municipal Code (“Greenway Capitola Corridor”) as meaning that persons using the future Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail in the railroad transportation corridor owned and controlled by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission may not “detour” from the railroad corridor onto Capitola streets and sidewalks.

In accordance with the local law, I propose that the City of Capitola post signs at every street within the city limits that the railroad corridor crosses, saying, “KEEP OUT – NO TRESPASSING – STAY ON THE RAIL CORRIDOR! (CMC § 8.72)” Furthermore, Capitola police officers should be prepared to ticket anyone straying off the rail trail with a misdemeanor citation.

The people of Capitola have spoken. We passed the Greenway Measure L in 2018 with a commanding 52% mandate. We don’t like outsiders in our town. To anyone who walks, runs, or wheels in the rail corridor, especially RTC staff and commissioners, we say, “Go home!”

— Jim Weller, Capitola

Applauds Capitola Council upholding law on trail

Thanks for your Editorial (April 20) regarding the Capitola City Council’s decision to uphold the law that resulted from Measure L. In this day and age of deliberately ignoring the law at the highest level of government, it’s gratifying that some of our local politicians are standing up for the rule of law in difficult circumstances.

Having said that, I was appalled to hear the stories of some Capitola City Council members being stalked by a small number of their constituents. That’s inexcusable.

— Peter Haworth, Soquel

Hopes more will recognize impact of Marion Hollins

As a passionate fan of Marion Hollins and the Pasatiempo Historian, I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for Ross Eric Gibson’s exceptional article about her in Monday’s edition (April 21). The detailed information was truly impressive, and I genuinely hope that more Santa Cruzans will recognize and appreciate the significant impact Marion had on our city and the golf and sports world during her time here. Thank you for your work! I and many others eagerly anticipate the next chapter.

One thing I’d like to correct is the title of the book Ross references for further reading. It is titled “Champion in a Man’s World. The biography of Marion Hollins.” People can buy it at the Pasatiempo Pro Shop or at pasatiempo.com via the online store.

— Emily Chorba, Aptos

Why don’t other cities also push high-rise buildings?

I know I’m repeating myself once again from a previous letter I had submitted. As I understand from the Sentinel article published April 19: the state tells us that the new buildings can go 16 stories. But Mayor Keeley and Councilperson Newsome have offered a local alternative provision to developers of a 12 story limitation. Developers can chose either local or state guidelines (shakes head).

Why are we not seeing Carmel, Altherton, Palo Alto, Monterey, Capitola, Santa Barbara, San Rafael, Santa Rosa being forced to make these decisions? I want our officials to find out what their officials know. And do the same!

— Kim Ruth, Santa Cruz

Aptos HS teacher was a great math explainer

I have rarely come across someone that is both a world-class subject matter expert and a great explainer, but they do exist. Don Brown was a math teacher at Aptos High School. He knew how to explain things in ways that were extraordinarily innovative. I’ve told people that you could put a straight jacket on Mr. Brown and everyone in the classroom would understand even the most complex aspects of trigonometry. That was in 1973, and we had no computers or VR/AR/MR/AI … just a slide-rule.

My point is that everyone in that classroom was able to understand advanced algebra without a lick of technology being used. “Just” Mr. Brown. I have been extremely fortunate to have attended his lectures and hope that those purchasing the latest tech for the classroom do not lose sight of the fundamental aspect of the learning process — the teacher.

— Gregory C. Bihn, Houston, TX