The place is Newsomas refineries teeter?
Re: “Oil refinery delivers ‘intent to idle’ notice” (Web page A1, April 17).
Basic economics tells us that the end result can be a dramatic improve in gasoline costs. In a latest paper, professor Michael Miche of USC predicted that the affect may very well be gasoline costs of over $8 a gallon. This was earlier than Valero confirmed the closing of its Benicia refinery by the tip of 2026.
R.P. GirouardAtherton
In present local weather, we allcould use civics course
In studying the paper on Wednesday, I’m struck by how far-reaching and drastic the cuts are which are being made by the present administration and DOGE.
It happens to me that it’s time for a brand new federal legislation that makes it necessary for everybody over the age of 18 years previous to take a evaluate class in primary civics, together with a check to verify all of them “got it.” One of many first questions can be, “What are the essential functions of a central government in a modern-day state?” One operate is to offer for the frequent good and to guard its most susceptible residents (and people dwelling inside our borders). One other is to advertise that which makes life price dwelling … the humanities, music. These are as important as defending our nationwide borders and worldwide relations.
Fundamental civics, all people. Fundamental civics.
Rosalie ArntzenSunnyvale
Bike lanes should allowfor vehicles turning proper
Caltrans has reconfigured most of El Camino Actual in Palo Alto and Mountain View to offer vast bicycle lanes in each instructions. To date, so good. And, they’re planning to put in plastic lane separators to offer extra security to bicycles.
I hope they may observe the car code — flip proper from as near the curb as doable — and permit automobiles to merge into bike lanes a ample distance earlier than making a proper flip right into a cross avenue or a personal driveway. I’ve seen roads the place a motorist is prevented from getting near the curb by such separators, making a harmful scenario. It isn’t straightforward for a motorist to look out for pedestrians within the entrance and bicycles coming from behind on the identical time.
Dinesh DesaiLos Altos
Citizen stress couldalter U.S. coverage on Israel
Re: “U.S. must change course with Israel” (Web page A6, Might 14).
I’m grateful for David Spero’s highly effective questions in his letter.
I proceed to ask the vital questions. Who will take motion to cease the deaths of so many harmless kids in Gaza? Who will drive the truckloads of meals throughout the border to feed the ravenous folks? How can we sit by and watch this atrocity occur day after day?
If every of us calls our authorities day after day after day, it may make a distinction. It’s the least we are able to do.
Elizabeth MartinsonSanta Clara
Israel proper to hunt totalvictory over Hamas
The struggle in Gaza is an immense tragedy on any stage, and virtually not possible to justify. Nonetheless, maybe we are able to perceive it only a bit by taking a look at historic parallels.
On Sept. 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland and began World Battle II. On Dec. 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and introduced America into the struggle. The U.S. response to each was the identical: struggle till absolute and full give up.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas, a universally acknowledged terrorist group, attacked Israel, whose demand was the identical that we championed for ourselves and our allies a couple of a long time in the past: full and absolute give up.
What’s the distinction? The media now deliver the horrors of the struggle instantly into our sight with none sense of perspective.
I doubt anybody believes America and the allies ought to have failed to finish World Battle II aside from on its initially declared phrases. Is that this not Israel’s stance right this moment?
Tomas N. WatsonScotts Valley
Extra public trash cansmean cleaner streets
Having a clear avenue, or something clear, is one thing most individuals naturally need. Many individuals have messy rooms, however let’s be actual: They clear up once they know somebody’s coming over. Why? As a result of deep down, all of us need issues to be clear.
One other level: Once you stroll round your metropolis or neighborhood, doesn’t it really feel good when the streets aren’t plagued by plastic baggage or random bits of trash? Only a clear street with vehicles and homes, that’s the form of surroundings folks recognize and even worth.
That’s precisely why we’d like extra public trash cans in our communities, ideally designed in a manner that hides them however nonetheless makes them simply accessible. Not solely would this assist hold our streets cleaner, however it might additionally take a number of the stress off sanitation employees.
Ray DomondonSan Jose
