Mailbox

Editor: In response to Steve Sandeen’s letter in response to Meg Wall-Wild’s piece (Mailbox, Oct. 12): I, too, was perplexed by Meg’s reference to Prairie Creek’s ancient “deciduous” conifers. I was prompted to do a little research. “Deciduous” means “shed(ding) seasonally or at a certain stage of development.” It’s worth distinguishing between the two halves […]

Editor: I hope the mullahs’ call for a day of rage was heeded. The protest against the gay slurs at the county fair was vociferous (“Homophobic Slurs Mar Fair’s Chili Cook-off,” Aug. 25). Hamas is way worse, criminalizing same sex unions. No mention during the day of rage. Iran, the inspiration and support of Hamas […]

Editor: It’s that time again. If you’re thinking goblins and scary monsters, think again. Humboldt County seniors are being inundated with slick ads, mailers and presentations designed to lure them into the private health insurance plans known as Medicare Advantage (MA). (“California Says No to Privatizing Medicare,” Sept. 21.) These plans are fraught with pitfalls […]

Editor: Just want to say how much I appreciate and am enjoying the much-improved view of our beautiful Humboldt Bay along the U.S. Highway 101 corridor between Arcata and Eureka now that those hideous eucalyptus trees have been removed (Mailbox, Sept. 28). Could still do without the billboards but maybe a winter storm or some […]

Editor: I enjoyed Meg Wall-Wild’s piece about David’s Chair providing access to Prairie Creek State Park for those with mobility issues (“David’s Chair Blazes Accessible Trails in Prairie Creek Redwoods,” Oct. 5). I was a bit confused by her statement about “1,000-year-old deciduous conifers” because I’m not aware of any in that park. Please correct […]

Editor: You have to wonder how many of this COVID-19 season’s vax deniers who will die might have survived if they had just read Jennifer Fumiko Cahill’s  “I Love Fall and COVID is Not Ruining It, Dammit” (Oct. 5). Gordon Inkeles, Bayside Related Stories

Editor: In response to “In Mourning” (Mailbox, Sept. 28): For many years since 1977 I have driven past the eucalyptus trees on U.S. Highway 101 between Eureka and Arcata at least twice a day. I love these plants: the unique bark on the eucalypts is still a pleasure to see. Many years ago, we visited […]

Editor: As a Catholic, I was offended by your criticism of the national coverage that was given to the person who was arrested for indecent exposure and his connection with the organization called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (“A Culture War’s Collateral Damage,” Sept. 21.) I think it is appropriate for the behavior to be […]

Editor: Bravo North Coast Journal for consistent public-interest reporting revealing the stories behind the mugshots, providing in-depth coverage of local issues, asking questions, questioning the answers and even taking the public’s right-to-know to court. Collaborative NCJ efforts focusing on violence against LGBTQ individuals provided readers with a rare reminder of our county’s abysmal human health […]

Editor: Thanks to Patty Harvey for her descriptive article about the privatization of Medicare (“California Says No to Privatizing Medicare,” Sept. 21). As noted, privatizing Medicare is already underway with a goal of total implementation in seven years. Corporate greed, detrimental to seniors, sits on our horizon if this is allowed to happen. It bears […]

Editor: Thank you for printing Patty Harvey’s opinion piece, “California Says No to Privatizing Medicare” (Sept. 21). Each year, seniors are given the opportunity to change their Medicare plans during the Annual Election Period (AEP), this year Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Navigating all of the options can be overwhelming and it’s not because all […]

Editor: Developing solutions to self-destructive human behaviors requires deeper and broader understanding of complex motivations (Mailbox, Sept. 14). While both destructive and toxic, domestic firewood heating is arguably less devastating than “fracked” natural gas (poisoning diminishing sources of fresh, clean water for entire communities). Humboldt County’s large population of low-income seniors and disabled, with access […]