‘Cruel comparison’ between Carter and Trump

As we reflect on the legacy of Jimmy Carter’s life, it is a cruel comparison to what was and what is coming with Trump. Carter made a promise to never lie. Trump has fact checkers who can’t keep up with his innumerable untruths. Carter’s goal was to do good for people and the world. Trump’s goal is to fill his pockets, as he denigrates everything except what benefits him. He has honed the art of selling the Trump merchandise. Carter didn’t sell gilded bibles, golden sneakers, guitars or steaks. He built houses, fought disease and lived an authentic Christian life. Carter was devoted to his wife and marriage for 77 years. Trump married, divorced, was an adulterer. Not interested in increasing wealth, Carter lived in a simple house in Plains, Georgia, teaching Sunday school for the years after his presidency. Trump thrives on bragging about his wealth and riches and surrounds himself with the trappings of wealth.

Carter cared about making the world a better place, working for justice, equality and peace. He was a truly good man. I cannot say the same for convicted felon Trump.

— Christine DeLapp, Aptos

A reality check for future of West Cliff Drive

Five year estimated cost $48 million. 50 year cost? Add in inflation, increases for climate change $1 billion or $2 billion or more. What are we really saving; a row of houses? Sorry if you own one. But retreat is logically and mathematically cheaper. Was there a cost benefit analysis; projected over the next 100 years? Logic says that moving West Cliff will win. Old saying is, you can’t fight Mother Nature. My vote still goes to sand dunes replenished from crushed glass at the dump.

— Chelsea Wagner, Soquel

Dismayed by Santa Cruz ‘huge’ building plans

I am surprised and dismayed by the probable approval for both of the huge buildings proposed for the Town Clock area and the one proposed for Water Street. Both of these monstrosities will tower over nearby homes, probably destroying their views as well as putting some in permanent shade. The values of the homes will be destroyed. This seems untenable to treat current residents as if their homes, views, needs and net worth are not valued. Please do not approve these developments.

— Dinah Walters, Watsonville

The innumerable problems with county’s rail plans

The rail-trail has been a long time wish for some in the county. More than a decade ago, I pointed out to Supervisor Ellen Pirie that there is no evidence that there will be any demand for the rail.

Railroads have trucks that were adapted to running on the railroad tracks. My suggestion is to outfit an 18-person van to run on the rails during the summer from Watsonville to Santa Cruz. It should be tested. It would not cost much. They did this in Australia and dropped the rail.

A second problem with a rail line is how do you transport people away from the individual stations? If this is not provided for, the idea will fail.

A third problem is that in Aptos, the two railroad bridges will need to be removed to accommodate the Highway 1 widening project. As taxpayers, do we want to incur the cost of replacing those two? No!

— Bill Beecher, Aptos

SC County must embrace forward thinking

Santa Cruz County is paradise, but our future is being jeopardized by a vocal group of progressive no-growthers. While they aim to preserve the character of our community, their opposition to nearly all new housing developments is worsening the housing crisis and deepening inequities.

Santa Cruz has some of the highest housing costs in the nation, forcing young families, workers and lifelong residents to leave. No-growth advocates consistently block projects that could alleviate the crisis. Their resistance, often framed as environmentalism or affordability, ignores that sustainable, well-planned growth is vital for a thriving community.

We must balance environmental stewardship with smart development. Urban infill, mixed-use housing and affordable projects can solve these issues without compromising our values. Outdated anti-growth policies hurt the very people progressive ideals aim to protect.

It’s time for Santa Cruz County to embrace forward-thinking policies prioritizing inclusivity, affordability and sustainability. Let’s create a future where everyone has a place to call home.

— John Mulry, Capitola