Readers weigh in on water supply problems, staying weird and dogs.
No Alternative
Re: “Wrong Approach” (Letters, March 20): Let’s get real about solutions to the City of Santa Cruz (City) and Soquel Creek Water District’s (SqCWD) water supply problems. Misinformation being published alleges SqCWD has a viable alternative to the proposed desalination project. That so-called alternative is in fact mandatory reduction of at least 35% year-round for 20 years. This draconian concept would have severe adverse impacts on the quality of life and local economy. The point SqCWD made by adopting the policy to pursue 35% mandatory rationing in the absence of the proposed desalination project is that there is no “Plan B” that solves the groundwater crisis.
The city has been criticized for not having a “Plan B.” The truth is that they share the same dilemma. There are no other viable options–individually or in combination–that solve the water shortage. Added to drought shortages are new fisheries regulations that will significantly restrict the city’s use of streams it depends on.
Bottom line: Both the city and SqCWD conducted thorough and responsible due diligence on the water issue. Desalination is the only environmentally, socially and economically responsible solution.
If you support a realistic approach to solving our water needs, please join the Sustainable Water Coalition www.sustainablewatersantacruz.org
Dan Kriege
Former Director, Soquel Creek Water District
Mike McClellan
Former Member, City of Santa Cruz Water Commission
Safely Weird?
Re: “Postcards From the Edge” (Currents, March 26): Speaking as a born and raised—and young for that matter—local, I can’t overstate how proud I am to see our community honoring recently fallen citizens. The overriding message on marquees, storefronts and impromptu memorials is indicative of a strong, resilient community turning grievance into tangible changes.
I will say I’ve perceived an undercurrent of apprehension at the mention of “overhauling” our approach to crime and “shifting” the paradigm. People seem to confuse this with changing Santa Cruz’s culture en total. Let’s put some dissonance to rest: Santa Cruz is unique because its cultural reach is disproportionate to its size. We are welcoming, accepting, artistic, athletic, educational and altogether unmatched in manifold ways. A little eclecticism is a welcome part of the package. The tinge of funkiness is something I hold dear. Violence, vagrancy and drug abuse, however, has not and should never define Santa Cruz. Our tolerance is not indiscriminate.
Let’s stay weird-peacefully.
B.J. Cope
Santa Cruz
Be the Dog
Let me steal for the Tom Petty song for a moment, and ask people to “stop draggin' your dog around.” Stop dragging your dog behind bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, and your own fleet feet.
Asphalt is unforgiving; if that's the way you get your cardio workout in, wonderful. But don't try to kill two birds with one stone by subjecting your companion to a joyless romp through a harsh landscape. A dog's nature, lest we forget, is to engage with and relish the million bits of information he encounters in his environment–and to do so on doggy time, not on human beat-the-clock time.
Remember the old Zen koan: Does a dog have Buddha nature? Heck, dogs are the damn Buddha incarnate! They're awake! And they like to get their playtime in natural settings conducive to contemplation. For all we know, maybe sniffing another dog's butt and rolling in the grass are paths to enlightenment.
So unless your dog actually enjoys getting tethered and towed around like a water skier on pavement–and I don't dispute that those dogs are out there–take him to the park or the beach. Then just sit back and “be the dog.” It's really quiet instructive.
Tim Rudolph
Santa Cruz
