Salton Sea panel's recommendation against importing Sea of Cortez water is about money

Re: Saturday's story "State Panel Recommends against importing water to the Salton Sea" 

I was amazed to read the recommendations by the state-appointed Salton Sea Independent panel to not go forward with importing water from the Sea of Cortez.

I've enjoyed the sea since the early 1970s and watched in horror over past several decades the deterioration, potentially leading to the worst environmental and health disaster in California history.

After 60-plus years of study, research and millions of tax dollars spent, now the panel comes up with a so-called solution. An expert hydrologist from Israel who spoke at the University of California, Riverside, said desalinization is not feasible this far inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Each acre-foot of water produces one ton of salt. Recommending a smaller lake and dust suppression isn't a new idea.

The real reason for these recommendations is the cost! In 2003, when the Quantification Settlement Agreement was signed, the state said it would take responsibility for the Salton Sea. I recommend those who are interested read the outstanding publication put out by the University of California Riverside Salton Sea Task Force, "Crisis at the Salton Sea." (bit.ly/3RyRtSi)

Is taking shortcuts and trying to save money the best approach?

“The bitterness of poor quality and taste lingers long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten.”

Kerry Berman, Palm Desert

Fire chief seemed to be acting out of kindness

A recent article stated that the Palm Springs fire chief resigned after an "inappropriate" action while attempting to aid a subordinate who had shoulder pain. This involved him attempting to apply an electronic nerve stimulater known as TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).

I have used TENS for 40 years, and have at every opportunity offered my machine to anyone I knew who might benefit from it. This attempt to apply it to his subordinate was an act of kindness, performed in front of three staff members. How it could be construed as sexual harassment or made them uncomfortable is a new low in society's race to punish anyone exhibiting any questionable action between the sexes.

Al Lewis, Rancho Mirage

Akkerman is my first choice for Palm Desert council

I want to encourage my Palm Desert neighbors to vote for Gregg Akkerman for city council. I am a schoolteacher who works with Gregg’s wife and have interacted with him on many occasions. My first impression of him was his willingness to volunteer his time to schools and projects that are in dire need of assistance. At follow-up appearances at my school, I would hear jubilant calls of, “Hey Dr. Akkerman!” from schoolkids he had made a lasting impression on.

That’s the kind of person I want representing our city: someone who elicits a spirit of fellowship and trust throughout the room.

Also, Gregg is a retired educator from a family of educators so he knows what it takes to support our teachers and keep kids safe.

He is currently serving on Palm Desert’s Civic Engagement Committee and the Parks and Recreation Commission, meaning he knows his way around governance and how to get things done.

Lastly, he’s the only candidate who grew up in the area and his intimate knowledge of our history will guide him to protect the city’s future. He’s the total package. Please join me in voting for Gregg Akkerman as your first choice.

Christi Salas, Palm Desert 

Some improvements for cartoon

Regarding Saturday's cartoon:

Very clever and timely, but truth be told, every one of the pachyderm's bats should have huge chips, cracks and breaks in them.  The jackass needs to be a much more buffed and very angry female.

Victor Teran, Bermuda Dunes

Duran is good choice for DSUSD board

I endorse Michael Duran for Desert Unified School District’s board member position in 2022. Michael Duran has been a staple in the Coachella Valley. From student to educator to coach and to parent, Michael has experienced DSUSD in many ways.

Mr. Duran has previously held a position on the board, even that of president. As school board president in 2014, Michael helped increase teacher salaries a well-deserved 11.4%  while at the same time adding additional instructional time for students. He even helped to pass a $255 million dollar bond to build schools.

Working in education himself, Michael understands the need to focus district funds on mental health services as we recover from the impacts of the pandemic. Mr. Duran is committed to expanding career and technical education in order to prepare students for future jobs.  Mike understands the diversity of students and families in the Desert Sands area, and is the voice our community needs in these uncertain times.

I am confident Michael Duran is the best choice for Desert Sands Unified this election year. I hope your readers will agree with me and vote for Michael Duran for Desert Sands Unified board member on Nov. 8.

Rufino Cuevas, Palm Desert

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Salton Sea panel recommendation on Sea of Cortez water is about money