Opinion/Letters to the Editor: June, August 2023

June 16 issue:

In defense of Encinitas’ new protected bike lanes

As a life-long cyclist, and a reasonably fast rider myself, I might be inclined to dislike barrier protected bike lanes, such as the ones recently installed between Chesterfield Drive and north of Swami’s in Encinitas. But when I ride there, I can’t help but smile at the kids, older folks, and beginner cyclists out enjoying one of the greatest stretches of coastline in the United States. This project has given something to just about everyone. There are 50 new parking spots for surfers and visitors to use, a dedicated pedestrian walking lane, a new 2-way barrier-protected bike lane, and even a roadway lane for fast riders who prefer to be away from slower users. To everyone who is up-in-arms about this positive change, I invite you to reconsider your opposition and embrace improvements that benefit not just you, but all of us, fast and slow alike.

Jeremy Blakespear

Encinitas resident

June 30 issue:

The dangers created by feeding coyotes

My husband and I have discovered a female coyote and her mate are raising a family in our canyon. The female coyote has tried to snatch both of our small dogs in the daytime several times, when we are walking them or simply taking them outside. This is very alarming. We have lived on this property for 30 years and have never seen this sort of brazen behavior before. The coyotes are both almost as large as wolves, sporting long legs and looking well fed. We hear them almost every night sounding like there might be a dozen of them on our property. This makes us very nervous about even going outside.

People who feel sorry for coyotes and feed them create the situation where coyotes no longer are fearful of humans. These coyotes teach their offspring humans are not a threat. How long before people are fed up with coyotes who grab their pets in broad daylight or bite humans when humans fail to give them food. How long before the law changes and coyotes are destroyed because they have become a constant nuisance and no longer can coexist along humans. Nature has a wonderful way of only letting the strong survive. Feeding coyotes changes that, increasing their number along with increasing the problems those coyotes present. It is only a matter of time before people will no longer tolerate coyotes who are not afraid of humans which imperils the coyotes who are not fed by humans as well.

Cathy Staver,

Encinitas

Aug. 25 issue:

A more specific age of the heritage palm tree would be welcome

Congratulations to all who achieved heritage tree status for the iconic Moonlight Beach palm tree. I enjoyed reading Barbara Henry’s article. Of note, however, this is my 50th summer enjoying swimming and bodysurfing at Moonlight Beach. When I moved to Olivenhain in 1974 and headed to the beach, I was in awe of the setting and particularly of the same tall palm tree that defines the beach. I recommend some research be conducted to determine the tree’s actual age which must be considerably greater than the article stated “about 50 years old”. I recall from years ago seeing somewhere an old photograph of the beach and the same lone palm tree was there. Possibly the photo was taken in the ‘30s. Hopefully, one of your old-timer readers or a librarian will submit credible evidence to honor the true longevity to the date of this remarkable palm tree!

Paul Trester,

Encinitas