September 12, 2004

To the Members of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors:

Fernando Armenta, District 1
Louis Calcagno, District 2
W.B. "Butch" Lindley, District 3
Edith Johnsen, District 4
Dave Potter, District 5

SUBJECT: RIPPLING RIVER

We urge you to adopt the proposed Statement of Agreement with the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority which is on your Consent Agenda (Item #43) for Tuesday, September 14. Keeping the residents of the Rippling River residential project on site, with phased reconstruction of the complex, is clearly the optimal course, and concurrence between the two agencies on this as a priority is a positive step.

The commitment of County staff and resources will also help in addressing problems and moving the project forward. Rippling River is a vital housing resource for Monterey County residents. It is essential to rebuild and preserve it in good operating condition for many years in the future.

We commend all those who have devoted so much effort to get to this point, including public officials, Carmel Valley community members, and the Rippling River residents themselves. We hope they will be encouraged by your decision to develop a joint plan for keeping them in their homes.

With everyone working together, the outcome should be successful.

Sincerely,

Jean Esary
Housing Chair, League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula