Expanded Spare the AirAlerts deserve help
Re: “Bay Area Air District responds to concerns over Spare the Air Alert increase” (Oct. 27).
The Bay Space Air District’s determination to develop Spare the Air Alerts deserves help.
Every winter, tremendous particle air pollution reaches harmful ranges, with residential wooden burning answerable for as much as 34% of emissions. This can be a severe public well being risk. Low-income households and communities of colour already bear the best burden of polluted air, struggling greater charges of bronchial asthma and coronary heart illness.
The necessity for cleaner air is pressing, and limiting wooden burning is an affordable, science-based answer. Cleaner winter air means fewer emergency room visits and lives saved. Residents have the choice to certify eligible stoves as exempt or discover neighborhood energy-assistance packages designed to assist scale back the monetary burden of dwelling heating throughout Spare the Air alerts.
The Air District and native leaders should strengthen outreach and funding for low-income heating options in order that fairness and clear air progress collectively. Defending neighborhood well being requires shared duty.
Remi HernandezSan Jose
Sunnyvale councilmanshould follow his job
Re: “Campaign linked to insulting message” (Web page B1, Nov. 2).
As a resident of Sunnyvale, I’d respect it if Richard Mehlinger would behave just like the council member he’s.
Why did he really feel the necessity to reply to a generic marketing campaign textual content by saying that Rishi Kumar “wasn’t fit to be a dog catcher”?
Final 12 months, Mehlinger posted a hyperlink on a public discussion board to his voting suggestions for the 2024 election. He accused these opposed to 2 native poll measures he co-authored as being “a who’s-who of what’s left of the City’s angry conservative NIMBY faction,” and that “the opposition’s arguments are bogus and play to rank xenophobia and paranoia.”
Each measures failed, considered one of them 2-1.
If Mehlinger can’t respect individuals who disagree with him, or not less than maintain his mouth shut, he has no enterprise representing town of Sunnyvale.
Doug AtkinsSunnyvale
Tech titans commerce soulsfor their backside line
Re: “Building more than a ballroom” (Web page A1, Nov. 2).
The necessity to defend the corporate property is simply the tech titans’ cop-out for his or her over-the-top help for Donald Trump.
I’d wish to ask: Your organization’s valuation would possibly skyrocket within the quick run, however what good does it do when your loved ones, staff, clients and shareholders all dwell beneath an authoritarian regime the place corruption runs rampant, science is beneath assault, cruelty is well known and fact not issues?
Florence ChanLos Altos
Steady options bestchoice for S.J. homeless
San Jose is an attractive metropolis, and it’s devastating to witness the rising homelessness disaster on our streets. As a involved, lifelong resident, I really feel obligated to talk up. Our metropolis’s homeless inhabitants has reached roughly 6,500, bearing over 60% of Santa Clara County’s complete.
This disaster has ruinous results on our neighborhood. Unsheltered people lack stability, straining important public assets reminiscent of well being care and the prison justice system. This isn’t to say it’s their fault; it’s a name for higher options.
We should advocate for these struggling. I urge the Metropolis Council to prioritize insurance policies that target growing short-term housing, reminiscent of sheltersand to extend the provision of reasonably priced, practical housing. We should additionally develop homelessness prevention strategies. By specializing in secure, efficient options, we will help the much less lucky get again on their ft and lead San Jose towards a greater future.
Alberto BautistaSan Jose
Enhance visibility ofhomeless assets
Homelessness and drug abuse proceed to be among the many most seen and disheartening points in our communities. Whereas shelter and rehabilitation packages exist, it’s extremely unlikely the common particular person will hear about these assets. We want stronger efforts, reminiscent of ads, neighborhood service and expanded entry to housing amenities and drug rehabilitation packages.
Too typically, some people will undergo these struggles unaware of obtainable assets and may gain advantage from the assistance of our communities to reintegrate into society and make a contribution.
As a neighborhood, we might take steps towards motion, reminiscent of posting info in public areas the place homeless persons are recognized to collect, partnering with native organizationsand dialog and advocacy.
Investing in these in want won’t solely assist our society however may even create unity. By spreading consciousness and bettering entry, we may give extra folks an opportunity at a greater life and a greater path.
Alexia RamosSan Jose
Lifeless man’s life wastestament to redemption
Re: “Man who drove off Santa Cruz Wharf was registered sex offender” (Web page B3, Oct. 30).
The article on William Westerman detailed the crimes of his previous however didn’t seize the person he labored tirelessly to turn out to be. As his sister, I knew William lived a lifetime of service and quiet redemption during the last decade.
A faithful son, he served as full-time caregiver for our father by his journey with dementia till his passing, after which for our 93-year-old mom. He was the “Fixit Will” who helped his neighbors. He discovered solace within the ocean’s magnificence.
Specializing in the grisly particulars of decades-old crimes, the article inflicted pointless ache and missed the crux of his story: the potential for transformation. William, after jail, demonstrated that we aren’t solely outlined by our worst actions however by our dedication to vary. His journey of creating amends actually serves the general public curiosity — a lesson in hope and redemption.
Kenah RobertsSanta Cruz
