Letters to the Editor
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
read with interest Mr. Zach Rosen’s article on Chris Goldblatt’s reef project. I am uncertain if Mr. Rosen was obtaining his information from Chris, but his initial statements are inaccurate under any circumstances. First, El Niño events are directly correlated with warm waters and heavy rainfall. Not, “droughts” as he represents. In fact, kelp forests thrive in the opposite climatic La Niña conditions, where cold waters dominate our Pacific coastal waters. The decline in kelp forests occurs regularly when warm waters associated with El Niño occur. These same kelp forests rejuvenate when cold waters return, as is the “normal” condition on the Central Coast. Secondly, every attempt to create artificial reef environments (other than decommissioning oil platforms), have failed to produce the desired effect. The ocean currents either obliterate these “reefs” with sand deposits, or wave action renders them ineffective. As a surfer, I wish I could support his hypothesis! While it is true that kelp require hard surfaces to attach their root systems in order to thrive, the more likely cause of the demise of the kelp forests is the emergence of sea urchins that destroy this same root system. The increase in urchin populations is directly associated with the reduced number of otters, resulting from a hundred years of sea otter hunting, and the opposition from commercial fishermen such as Mr. Goldblatt, to the re-introduction of otters to their native environs. Lastly, the assertion that downslope flow from regularly occurring environmental events such as our recent debris flows is absurd. We all can attest to the volume of debris, boulders, rocks, automobiles and every imaginable object that ended up in the ocean after our horrific event, despite the manmade barriers we have erected. All of the Central Coast is not defined as urbanized area...fortunately! Mark Mattingly
Nattering Away
MJ writer Rinaldo Brutoco has a perspective that is both emotional and sometimes illogical. He states every other Western-styled democracy has gotten COVID-19 under control while we have a failure of political leadership. Brutoco says California has many more recent daily virus deaths than New York. While true, total
“This would have been a great game to watch if we didn’t have any money on it.” – Norm MacDonald
California deaths are 9,500 compared to New York’s 32,500. And California has about twice the population of New York. What about that political leadership failure? Both New York and California have Democrats as governors and they make decisions about statewide health mandates. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo famously sent COVID-19 infected elderly to nursing homes where they died by the thousands. Brutoco says “in states with good political leadership, the virus is now under control. Governor Cuomo showed us how to do it. Governor Newsom chose to ignore his example.” Uhhh, logically it appears Newsom is outperforming Cuomo more than three to one. Federalism, which Brutoco often natters on about, means state control over local issues. Seems to me, in a large geographic area, such as the USA, regional mandates are superior, especially in a health crisis. Thankfully, the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution is being respected. Trying to take any issue, and make it a political Issue is the stock and trade of the Left, which seeks to divide us at every turn. Let’s all stay safe and healthy and wash our hands of meaningless politics. Peter Hunt Longtime Santa Barbara and Montecito resident
Let’s Get Kids Moving
Why can’t schools provide PE outdoors, in-person? What is the rationale? Paul Orfalea
Duck Duck Go
I’d like to congratulate you on the wonderfully written, heart-touching article on the lost ducklings at Mount Carmel Church in the May 21-28 issue of the Montecito Journal (“The Great Montecito Duck Caper”). Of course, I read with delight that they had been found and all was well! During these daunting times and all our news sources filled with fearful news, it was such a joy to read this story. Hope to see many more uplifting articles about our local wildlife and how we are caring for them. Sincerely, Marianne Meeker
LETTERS Page 104 6 – 13 August 2020
