“Scurrilous letter”

Carmel Pine Cone—July 12, 2024

I am puzzled why you would publish a letter to the editor that was such an obvious personal attack on my husband, Mike Gibbs.

Heather Zunguze’s scurrilous letter had only one objective: To express unfair and false criticism of my husband with the intention of damaging his reputation.

I am very disappointed that you printed this letter. The Pine Cone is considered the most widely read newspaper on the Monterey Peninsula, and those who live away from the coast view it online. How do people unread what they read in your paper?

Mike was asked by moms with kids in P.G. schools, who were not being listened to when they told the district that they had concerns with the material in the comprehensive sex ed curriculum, to help. He asked permission from the curriculum director, Buck Roggeman, who signed Mike onto a district computer at the district office. Mike was careful to bring the concerning material immediately to the attention of Roggeman who, upon seeing it, suggested that they both go directly to the superintendent, Linda Adamson. After learning of the material in question, the superintendent contacted the vendor, asking why the material was included in the curriculum, and asked that it be taken out. The vendor then said they would remove it. It wasn’t just Mike Gibbs who questioned the material, it was three moms, the director of curriculum and the superintendent who, to her credit, had the material removed.

Unfortunately, there will be people who do not know the actual circumstances, and who will believe Zunguze’s accusations. Please do not print letters with personal attacks on people.

No one should have this happen to them when they had the courage to step forward to help when they were asked. The only antidote to scurrilous words is to speak the truth and hope it gives others the courage to do so as well.

Peggy Gibbs, Pacific Grove