MAH: Decline of once-respected institution

As founding members of The Museum of Art & History at the McPherson Center (MAH) we had aspirations that the museum (Sentinel Editorial, June 29) would become accredited so that it might broaden the scope of its exhibits and appeal. To that end, volunteers worked with staff for several years to bring MAH into compliance with established standards for the organization of its archives and collections along with written principled bylaws.

Despite assurances from new leadership in 2012, these efforts were scuttled in favor of a non-curated amalgam of ephemeral, forgettable programs. Any staff with expertise in art, collections or history abandoned the institution. Committees staffed by volunteers with subject expertise were disbanded.

Consequently, donor support deteriorated to such an extent that MAH has had to rely on outside loans to make payroll. Mission failure and lack of financial oversight have contributed to this dilemma.

As for the collections, a rich repository of local history languishes in the basement, awaiting public presentation. A bright light is the rich trove of historical material in the archives, a well-managed unit that lacks funds to digitize its entire collection.

— Joe Michalak, Judy Steen, Santa Cruz

Are there more battery storage facilities planned?

I received information that there are three new lithium battery storage facilities being planned at three locations in the county:

90 Minto Road — near schools and farms — i.e. food we all eat;

Freedom Boulevard — near Aptos High — potential for high fire risk;

Paul Sweet Road — near the main hospital in the county.

The fallout from the Moss Landing plant fire is not yet fully known. What is the emergency plan if a fire takes place at one of these proposed sites? Who is liable for housing lost, health issues due to toxins, lost crops? To my knowledge, homeowners in Bonny Doon have not fully recovered from the CZU fires, which occurred five years ago. Does Watsonville hospital have capacity to take on Dominican patients? ER?

A public meeting on battery storage proposals is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave. Santa Cruz.

— Bengie Hodges, Santa Cruz

SC thinks it can tax residents into prosperity

From the Santa Cruz Mayor’s Message column, it seems we are going to tax ourselves into prosperity. Folks, it’s time to say no. Our resources are funding the homeless industry, the more light being shed on the RTC cost is escalating well beyond any reasonable consideration, and we have the Murray Street bridge project.

Just think, the Golden Gate Bridge was built in just under four years. We’re asked to conserve water yet the construction projects all require hookups that stress our water resources. Do you think the rates will go down?

Property owners and renters are in for a rude awakening if you believe the budget prepares the community for the future.

Remember this when November arrives.

— Joseph Haebe, Santa Cruz

A surfer’s remembrance of Doc Scott’s kindness

I surfed with Doc Scott in the ‘60s, and the following anecdote demonstrates some of his admirable character traits. It was in the winter of 1965-1966, a cool overcast day, and Steamer Lane was clean and big, maybe 10-12 feet. It was the kind of day you could catch a wave outside and ride it all the way to Cowell’s. There were no stairs, so you climbed over rocks on both ends. At the end of a very long ride you would walk back and repeat. There were maybe six surfers out, and most without wetsuits. After an afternoon of surfing, Doc Scott and two or three surfers, including me, decided to go to an all-you-can-eat place on Ocean Street. The only one with any money was Doc. Doc went into the restaurant leaving the rest of us in the parking lot. About a half hour later he appeared with pockets stuffed with fried chicken wrapped in napkins, and rolls, which we devoured.

Doc Scott, you were a class act, may your spirit enjoy limitless freedom.

— Nick Parry, Sequim, WA

SV should follow SC on banning gas leaf blowers

It would sure be nice if the Scotts Valley City Council had the huevos that Santa Cruz has and banned gas leaf blowers. The noise, exhaust and dust is horrible!

— Tom Mason, Scotts Valley