Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.

The big, beautiful, blue smile of the Monterey Bay drives our economy and tourism, provides sea food and opportunities for sport fishing, moderates temperatures resulting in a perfect climate for an abundance of agricultural products that feed the world. It also provides tangible public health benefits such as clean air and outdoor recreation as well as offering sanctuary for birds, mammals and fish. 

The proposed federal leases for oil production and the scrape-and-grab of deep seabed mining offshore in the Monterey Bay threaten all of this.  

While we can’t stop the federal government from moving forward with its plans, we can control what happens on our shores.  

Let the voters decide whether to support facilities in the service of oil and mining in our bay. Vote yes on Measure D, a policy update with no cost to residents. 

Gwynn Benner

Santa Cruz