Expose Trump, don’t
denigrate Democrats

Re: “World’s stage comes to San Francisco” (Page A1, Nov. 12).

Sunday’s front page had four photographs which included our president, our governor, our vice president, and San Francisco’s mayor. Under each photo were demeaning captions such as how 52% of Californians disapprove of Biden’s performance, Newsom’s sliding in the polls, and how Harris is struggling with “dismal polling.”

Who cares about polling right now? There is a solid year to get that information. Not one nice word about all of the accomplishments that Biden-Harris has achieved, and there are plenty.

Your front page should be calling out Donald Trump’s lies and what danger he is to our country, every single day.

Marlene Lerner-Bigley
Martinez

Let’s be honest about
Israel’s goals in war

I read Dr Khelfa’s moving description of the effect of the Israel-Hamas war on Gazan children. The account consisted of 18 paragraphs and 905 words. Not one of those words was “Hamas;” nor did any paragraph mention the atrocity of Oct. 7 when Hamas massacred 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped over 200. The reader might have gotten the impression that Israeli military activity in Gaza was some random brutality inflicted for no particular reason.

Israel has been honest enough to admit that the death toll for Oct. 7 was 1,200 rather than the 1,400 originally reported and that it has not been possible to confirm reports of the beheading of babies. Likewise, Palestinians should admit that, while there may be strong objections to Israel’s strategy and tactics, the goal of the military actions — to ensure that Hamas can never have the ability to carry out another massacre — is legally and morally justifiable.

Merlin Dorfman
Livermore

Ex-trainer’s sentence
falls short of justice

Re: “Ex-SJSU trainer sentenced to 2 years in prison for sexually abusing athletes” (Nov. 14).

Upon reading the article about ex-SJSU trainer Scott Shaw sentenced only to a two-year sentence for sexually violating many SJSU students, I am outraged, not only by our justice system for the sentencing and restitution to the victims not being enough for his heinous actions, but also at the fact that he will still receive his pension.

His abuse of power as a trainer, and his taking advantage of so many young women, has broken my trust in the university.

Alivia Martinez
San Jose

MTC’s toll road plan
should be rejected

The MTC is considering making all lanes of Bay Area freeways tolled. Good intentions cannot pave new transit lines or construct infrastructure upgrades.

I understand and support efforts to encourage greater transit use and reduce emissions from travel, but this policy seems like it will not only fail on this goal but worsen conditions as a whole. Current express lanes have done little to nothing to reduce traffic, and are punitive against those with lower incomes.

Caltrain services are being reduced, BART remains a mess, and many folks live far from stations, rendering transit lines a poor alternative. This forces people to drive, and between a tolled highway or surface streets, many are simply going to reroute through the cities, worsening traffic, impeding emergency vehicles, and overloading municipal road resources.

Our transit should avoid becoming another political albatross like CPUC. MTC should reject this plan lest voters intervene.

Christopher Dooner
Sunnyvale

Valley buildings should
reflect cutting edge

Re: “Former Fry’s site to become housing” (Page B1, Nov. 13).

I’m writing to express my dismay at the uninspiring multi-story, high-density buildings that have proliferated in San Jose. These structures, lacking character and resembling prisons, are a design disappointment for a city that is a global tech hub. As we strive for recognition of technological achievements and innovation, our architectural landscape should also reflect the same forward-thinking vision.

How could the San Jose City Council and the Planning Commission approve such lifeless building designs? It begs the question of whether these decisions align with our city’s aspirations. San Jose has a unique opportunity to showcase cutting-edge designs that not only accommodate density but also contribute to a vibrant, aesthetically pleasing urban environment.

I urge our city leaders to reassess the architectural direction of current high-density housing and consider collaborating with visionary architects to create structures that resonate with our status as a technological powerhouse.

Bob Young
San Jose

Legislation would help
reach climate goals

Re: “Permitting reform may help cool the climate” (Page A6, Nov. 3).

Such a bill is underway in the U.S. Congress. The BIG WIRES Act was recently introduced in both the House (HR 5551) and Senate (S 2827). This bill hastens the extension and upgrade of our national electric transmission grid. Affordable, clean electricity will be more available to regions now distant from renewable sources of energy. The bill should attract strong bipartisan support because it improves the supply from both renewable and nonrenewable sources of electricity. It would provide more good jobs for Americans, particularly in rural areas of the country.

Rob Hogue
Menlo Park

Public must do
better by our pets

Re: “At beleaguered shelter, care for pets criticized” (Page B6, Nov. 12).

Our shelters should be providing adequate, if not better, care for the pets nobody wants. However, the greater public needs to take responsibility for the animal overpopulation problem as well.

Assembly Bill 702, introduced in 2021 to regulate “hobby” or “backyard” breeders, and opposed by the American Kennel Club among others with money interests, was not even heard. People bought “pandemic pets,” then found out they require too much work and returned them.

“Backyard breeders” breed dogs to earn extra income, and take the surplus to the shelter, if the animals are lucky. The rest are dumped.

As for puppy mills, they are poorly run; dogs are treated like livestock, hence they arrive with behavior problems. Yet people support puppy mills every time they purchase a puppy from out of state.

The public can do better.

Anne Filice-Gilbertson
Danville

Libraries lack new books
in Alameda County

Customer service seems to be lacking at our Alameda County libraries. No new material has been coming in for over a month so I contacted my local library (Union City) and they are clueless as to why and suggested I contact their circulation department. I did that last Wednesday, but I haven’t heard back. Very frustrating.

And, whatever problem our library group is having either internal or external must be that of Alameda County alone. My mother lives in Santa Clara County and said there’s no problem at all with getting new books in there.

Our tax dollar is definitely not working for us at the library.

Steven Anticevich
Union City

Critical thinking, media
literacy will benefit kids

Re: “Recognizing fake news now a required subject in California schools” (Nov. 10).

At a time when an immense amount of information is accessible in the palms of our hands, it’s vital to have the right tools to dissect that information. Having media literacy woven into the curriculum for California students will give them practice with thinking critically about the information they are given.

Students need to be encouraged to ask questions, specifically critical questions, when presented with information. For the past few years, critical thinking has been mostly absent when taking in the news. Preparing students at a young age to think critically and supplying them with the tools needed to dissect information will benefit us all.

Media literacy is a muscle that should be constantly exercised to be strong. It’s something that we must learn to use.

Paulina Robles
Oakland

Amid Gaza fighting,
prioritize Ukraine peace

Finding our way to a cease-fire, and bringing peace to Israel and Palestine, is a top priority.

However, let us not forget to continue pressing for a cease-fire and peace negotiations to end the nearly 2-year-old war in Ukraine that is also killing and maiming untold Ukrainians and Russians as well as devastating the Ukrainian landscape.

Eleanor Levine
Oakland

Hamas is the cause
of Palestinian suffering

Re: “Killing Palestinian children cannot be justified” (Page A7, Nov. 10).

I find it interesting how in Dr. Yousef Khelfa’s commentary, he decries the deaths of Palestinian children and not once acknowledges the kidnapping of 242 men, women and children, including the elderly, and mothers clutching babies, by Hamas. Nor does he mention Hamas’ slaughter of 260 young adults attending a peaceful musical festival, the butchering of captives, and the murder of over 1,200 people.

It’s also interesting how Dr. Khelfa and others who demand a cease-fire ignore Hamas’ brutal, authoritarian rule over the Palestinians or how Hamas hordes fuel while hospitals go without. These convenient omissions speak volumes.

Want a cease-fire? Then Dr. Khelfa and other Palestinians should demand that Hamas release the hostages. Want to “free Palestine?” Then demand to free Palestine from Hamas and all who deny the right of Israel to exist. That’s the real cause of Palestinian suffering.

Mark Cohen
Oakland

Age is an asset
for President Biden

Re: “Time for Biden to turn over the wheel” (Page A12, Nov 12).

Mr. Hogan’s letter criticizing President Biden’s advanced age demonstrates his ignorance of the fact that he is being gaslighted by the corporate media.

Biden demonstrates that age not only brings wisdom and experience but can also enhance our lives.

After almost three years in office, the Biden administration has demonstrated a regime run by political professionals with vast government experience and policy expertise. Compare that to Donald Trump’s four years of self-generated chaos with little policy output.

Corporate media shows little concern about Trump’s age (77 years) or mental capacity. Add to that one failed coup, two impeachments and 91 felony indictments.

President Biden has impressive physical and mental health and should be rewarded for his presidential accomplishments with another four years.

Andrew Wise
Fremont

MTC should invest in
transit, not impose fees

I am disappointed to learn about the San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s proposal to implement a per-mile fee on major highways. Many people rely on highways to commute to work, and due to the underdeveloped state of our public transportation system and the size of the Bay Area, it’s impossible for people to travel without driving on highways.

We need a more effective transportation system that will incentivize individuals to use public transportation, rather than punishing them for using the only transportation that is available to them. Not only will this reduce the number of cars on the road by allowing large amounts of people that are going to the same place to travel together, but it will also lessen traffic pollution and long commute times that many people are struggling with.

The MTC should invest in infrastructure that supports efficient transportation rather than implementing tolls.

Itay Nemet
San Jose

Supervisors preserve
a South Bay jewel

Re: “County kills Coyote Valley development” (Page B1, Nov. 8).

Thank you, Santa Clara County supervisors, for defending Coyote Valley from the development of an “estate home” (mansion) in the middle of agricultural land. Let this moment be remembered as the first time eminent domain has been used to protect the environment in Santa Clara County.

Coyote Valley is a jewel, and with the open space areas and parks, it is accessible to all in the South Bay. Supervisors Susan Ellenberg, Otto Lee, Sylvia Arenas and Joe Simitian as well as the Open Space Board have preserved a wonderland from being blemished.

Paul Boehm
San Jose

Encampment, on-ramp
create danger

As homeless numbers increase, so will encampments. But, as in Sunnyvale’s Central Expressway entrance ramp at E. California Ave., a real traffic safety issue is going to get innocent people hurt.

Along with the adjacent neighborhood of Victory Village being held hostage, this entrance ramp has people wandering across vehicles’ paths. The county is paying for trash removal regularly and often. Drivers must avoid hitting people or debris on the ramp. This is an unsafe location for a growing encampment.

So, before someone gets killed, Sunnyvale officials and the county of Santa Clara need to act.

Don Dubocq
Sunnyvale

Trustees should act
to rescind tuition hike

I am deeply concerned about the recently approved 6% annual tuition increase in the California State University (CSU) system, which is facing a $1.5 billion deficit.

Now that it is approved, the hike will raise tuition for undergraduates starting in 2024, burdening students further in a time of financial stress.

The hike’s future implications for students are concerning, potentially delaying graduation and increasing student loan debt.

I urge the CSU Board of Trustees to reconsider this tuition increase, seeking alternative solutions to address the budget deficit without burdening students who are striving for a better future through education.

Rajiv Muvva
San Jose

U.S. isn’t wisely using
leverage with Israel

It is confusing, to say the least, about the United States’ stance toward the Israel-Hamas war.

It is clear that the Biden administration considers it going too far to risk the deaths of Palestinians as the Israeli army seeks to destroy the evil Hamas — “devils” really, using humans as shields — while continuing to imagine a logical, but fantasy pre-1948 world.

What is confusing is the amount of leverage the United States has and how it uses it. It is giving Israel billions of dollars a year — why can’t it say: listen to what we want you to do (i.e. more humanitarian pauses, more consideration of Palestinian lives, vacate West Bank illegal settlements, etc.) or we don’t give you any more money. Can someone clarify the logic in this?

Joe Margevicius
Palo Alto

Preserve a wide range
of technologies

Re: “California regulators should embrace a wireless future” (Page A6, Nov. 7).

Many people who embraced cell phones were unhappily forced to give up their landlines. It was not a choice. Why must it be cell phones vs. landlines?

Cells were useless in the CZU wildfire; people are now relying on radio for disasters. For EMF-sensitive people, with no choice at home, there are few places today where they can feel safe.

I am not opposed to progress, but I am for healthy and appropriate use of technology. I choose to benefit from the advantages of various communication technologies, including email.

Molly Rose
Palo Alto

Governments shouldn’t
pay off delinquent rent

Re: “Local governments should help with rent aid” (Page A12, Nov. 12).

This letter writer may have good intentions by suggesting that local governments help with current rent due rather than expecting property owners to provide free housing again to solve the reported “tsunami” of eviction cases.

A problem with this solution is that local governments’ help would come from using the revenue received from taxpayers either directly or indirectly. In addition, such a solution will very likely set a precedent and, in turn, the expectation by some, if not all, renters that they can live rent-free if they don’t pay rent regardless of their capacity to pay rent.

Kirit Shah
Fremont

Utilities shouldn’t see
RMDs for income

Concerning the proposed PG&E utility tax, it’s worth noting that not all of the income shown on a tax return is current income.

Many of us are required to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) which must be included on the total income line for the taxes to be collected. That total, however, will make it look as if you’re currently earning more than is the case.

Hopefully, the taxing authorities will frown on divulging any such information to the utility companies so they can further access what they deem to be the deep pockets of their customers.

Nancy L. Morris
Walnut Creek

Column is short on how
homelessness was cut

Re: “California can take a lesson from Houston” (Page A6, Nov. 8).

Sara Martinez proudly states that over the past decade, Houston has reduced homelessness by more than 60% and by 2015 veteran homelessness to virtually zero. She says the progress is well documented and that “an end to chronic homelessness is tantalizingly in sight.”

Upon reading this claim I was tantalized to know exactly how this was accomplished but sorely disappointed by the remainder of the column which consisted of generic bromides about hard work, pragmatism, selfless determination, setting aside individual priorities and committing to the collective impact.

Housing the homeless is mainly a question of money even in a community with relatively affordable real estate. Did the mayor of Houston deliver the funds for this massive effort? What was the budget for this project? What happened 10 years ago to trigger this cultural sea change?

Tom McVeigh
Pleasant Hill

Armchair QBs won’t
solve Gaza crisis

Re: “Biden’s two-state solution goal won’t be easy” (Page A7, Nov. 9).

It’s easy for armchair quarterbacks to pose questions like “What about the day after?” But Hamas simply wants to kill all Jews and would use a cease-fire to continue their quest, while the Jews’ part of the bargain would be to just sit back and prepare for the next slaughter.

It seems to me that Hamas acted like monsters on Oct. 7, continues to do so until today, and blaming the careful response by Jews is bizarre. But I’m becoming one of those armchair quarterbacks. I suggest we let the people on the ground decide for themselves what’s best for them.

Daniel Mauthe
Livermore

Animal shelter must
seek more help

Re: “At beleaguered shelter, care for pets criticized” (Page B1, Nov. 9).

I was deeply disturbed to learn about the conditions at the San Jose Animal Care Center.

From the unnecessary amputations, like the dog Sparrow had to suffer, to rapidly declining live release rates, such as the rate for cats dropping from 90% in 2020 to 75% in 2023, there is ample evidence that practices in this establishment must change.

To mitigate these harmful outcomes, the shelter could focus on foster programs to open up space in the shelter or collaborate with rescue organizations for additional resources.

Erin Gribi
San Jose

Respect social workers’
recommendations

Re: “Who failed baby Phoenix?” (Page A1, Nov. 12).

As a retired social work educator, and past member of the Santa Clara County Child Abuse Prevention Council, I have followed the tragic saga of baby Phoenix with a pit in my stomach, tears in my eyes and righteous indignation. The stellar piece of investigative journalism chronicles the collaborative failures that resulted in the infant’s death by highlighting the system’s failures to heed the recommendations of trained CPS social workers, and the frequent (although not in this case), instances where county counsel attorneys have overridden the recommendations of professionally trained social workers.

This preventable tragedy also reflects the heinous priorities of our community. In our own Silicon Valley, tech workers are compensated with obscene salaries, while master’s level CPS social workers earn a fraction of those salaries, and deal with burnout, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, the opioid epidemic wreaks havoc on vulnerable children and families.

Barry Goldman-Hall
San Jose

Help make ‘Bulb Guy’s’
latest project a success

Re: “San Jose’s ‘Bulb Guy’ may soon become the ‘Sock Guy’” (Page B1, Nov. 12).

I write to express my admiration for Rich Santoro, better known as “The Bulb Guy.”

In his recent interview, I learned about his latest project, the socks that not only sport vibrant colors but also play sound at the push of a button. Impressively, he plans to donate all the profits from the sale of these socks to St. Jude’s in honor of his late son. The socks can be used by fans of different professional teams.

As Silicon Valley thrives on innovation, let’s rally behind the Bulb Guy’s mission. Imagine raising millions of dollars for people in need. When these socks hit the market, let’s embrace them and make a huge impact for St. Jude’s by making more news with him.

Bence Szabo
San Jose

‘Killing device’ should
not be in court’s purview

Re: “Justices will take up challenge to ban on bump stocks” (Page A4, Nov. 4).

Why and how could the Supreme Court consider the legality of a bump stock designed, produced and marketed as a “human killing device?”

The court should have no authority over human murder devices, and I rather think God will not be able to supersede in this process. Good luck to the future of humans.

Duane Stevenson
Cupertino

Wireless future
tolerated, not embraced

Re: “California regulators should embrace a wireless future” (Page A6, Nov. 7).

David Witkowski describes the transition from copper wire-based telecommunications to the wireless “smartphone world.”

For me, the smartphone world is one of constant intrusion and distraction. While on a phone call, I am unable to ignore the several texts and second call that arrives on my smartphone. I can live with the technology. However, older friends without young people to help struggle to master it. I accommodate the smartphone world, but I have not freely chosen it.

I currently want to reject artificial intelligence on the internet, but it is already being forced on me.

The statistics about consumer adoption of smartphone technology do not mean that there has been a free or enthusiastic embrace of the technology by all consumers.

Elizabeth Preston
Oakland

Trump doesn’t believe
in accountability

Donald Trump continues to refer to the investigations resulting in his being indicted as “witch hunts,” “politically motivated,” and a “travesty.” He has the means to flaunt his disregard for the laws that apply to everyone but him.

What he’s really saying is, how dare they indict him for criminal behavior with which he has been engaged for decades.

Michael Meneghetti
Pleasant Hill

Time for Biden to turn
over the wheel

Re: “Trump leads in several battleground states as many voters blast Biden” (Page A4, Nov. 7).

Every day there are people who face this difficult conversation: “Sorry Gramps, you have to give us the car keys. It’s just not safe anymore having you out on the road behind the wheel.”

This is what the Democrats need to say to Joe Biden. They need to stage an intervention for the good of the party, the good of the country, the good of the planet.

“We love you, Joe. You’ve had an amazing career, right up to your 80s. Now it’s time to step back and assume your role as senior adviser. Please hand us the keys.”

Jim Hogan
El Sobrante

Local governments
should help with rent aid

Re: “A ‘tsunami’ of eviction cases is hitting Alameda County, and several officials are calling for slowdown” (Page B1, Nov. 9).

There are a lot of cases because evictions were forbidden for more than three years during and after COVID. One suggested that the court hear 50 cases a week. One wants none allowed. Many of these people are not being evicted because they didn’t pay during those three years. They have other issues including nonpayment of current rent.

It would be effective if local governments helped with current rent due rather than expecting property owners to provide free housing again.

Phyllis Horneman
Oakland

Online bullying OK’d
by MAGA leaders

Re: “Meta engineer saw his own child face harassment online” (Page C7, Nov. 8).

I was not surprised by Meta’s failure to take action to stem online harassment on Instagram. A former Meta engineering director reported online harassment his daughter experienced on Instagram, reporting them directly to Mark Zuckerberg. His concerns went unheeded.

I am troubled more by the prevalence of unbridled, adolescent bullying online. Why is this so common? But I watch Donald Trump’s schoolyard bullying rhetoric in campaign rallies, even in a court of law. His behavior tells young people this is okay; this is how strong people talk to people they oppose. I watch the MAGA Republicans in the House, whose legislative strategy seems to be “I am going to hold my breath and stomp my feet until I get my way.” They are telling young people this is the way to work out differences.

If our erstwhile leaders behave like teenagers, what can we expect from the next generation?

Dave Riggs
Aptos

Make teaching more
attractive to residents

Re: “Global teacher search now starting to pay off” (Page A1, Nov. 2).

The education system in California is facing a difficult challenge, one that affects children’s future and their quality of education. The shortage of teachers is creating overcrowded classrooms and compromising the attention that students need to thrive. This shortage has led to overworked teachers and a declining quality of education that children don’t deserve.

We need to prioritize investing in our education system by providing incentives for local teachers and improving working conditions. Imagine classrooms with manageable sizes, where students receive personalized attention and high-quality education. Let’s advocate for increased funding for education, competitive teacher salaries and better working conditions. By taking action, we can ensure that our children receive the education they deserve and secure a brighter future for our community.

Trey Fisher
San Jose

Activists call for
peace in Gaza

Hatred begets violence. Violence begets revenge. Revenge begets endless war on this spinning blue jewel we call home. For those caught in the hell of this war, let us take action to stop the madness, and work for a lasting and durable peace between Palestine and Israel. Join with the activist community to support nonviolent action and the reimagining of peaceful solutions.

Abby Young
Santa Cruz

Forgotten argument
for the time change

Re: “We voted in 2018 to stop changing the clock, but time is still ready to fall back” (Page A1, Nov. 4).

I can’t count how many articles there have been in this newspaper (and on TV) about the detrimental effects of the daylight saving time change.

People complain that it disrupts their routine, interferes with their sleep cycle and may cause potential medical problems. These are not new complaints. However, 50 years ago when people complained about the time change, they were quickly reminded that the major safety benefit was that schoolchildren would be able to go to school in the daylight and come home after school before dark. That ended the discussion.

Today I hardly ever see anyone in the media present that as a worthwhile reason for the time adjustment. What changed?

Jim Roesler
San Ramon

School board misses
a chance to teach

What lesson has the Antioch school board taught by suspending, investigating and ultimately shaming a teacher for free speech that was (probably by children, at least) regarded innocently?

I believe the board has brought the attention of our children to the limits of healthy dialog. In a dangerous period in our country, when history lessons are being taken out of schools, violence is allowed to be perpetrated by groups. The board could have taught love, understanding and sensitivity and had a discussion about intentions, misinterpretations and perspective. The board could have first met with parents, staff and professionals to discuss and learn why blackening one’s face in a costume could be offensive to Black people. Then the board could have had lessons within the schools that attempt to teach sensitivity, respect and regard for all cultural backgrounds.

The board could have had discussions about listening to and hearing each other. Without discussion, a lesson is lost.

Karen Motenko-Neal
Valley Springs

Ceasefire needed to
stop cycle of violence

As a proud Jew with a deep family history of contribution and loss, I am distressed by the recent actions in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Israel, unlike Hamas, is expected to show restraint, being a UN member and a developed nation.

But the past month has shown a grim reality in Gaza, where children suffer unimaginably, evidenced by the term “WCNSF” (Wounded Child No Surviving Family) for wounded, orphaned children. The damage to these young lives could fuel a cycle of violence and radicalization.

We must empathize with all victims, including over 1,400 Israeli families harmed by Hamas. Ignoring Palestinian suffering fosters hatred and undermines our humanity. I call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza, pleading for recognition of the innocent lives at stake, not as a political statement but as a humanitarian plea for the future of these children.

Annalee Gould
Oakland

Time for U.S. to pause
Israeli aid as bombs fall

As an American citizen I am equally outraged by the vicious Hamas attack that left over 1,400 people dead and also by the ongoing Israeli destruction of Gaza that at last count has left over 10,000 people dead including over 100 medical personnel.

As Americans we need to acknowledge our complicity in this situation. We uncritically fund Israel, to the tune of $3.4 billion a year in military aid, which no doubt includes the bombs used to kill innocent civilians in Gaza. We also continually block United Nations efforts to oppose the illegal settlements in the occupied territories.

I call upon all citizens to demand of Congress and the president that we lift our blocking of the United Nations resolution condemning these illegal settlements and their immediate removal and also that we suspend aid to Israel while the fighting continues.

Roger Wood
Fremont

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County must put
kids’ lives first

Re: “County ‘dropped the ball’ in death” (Page A1, Nov. 5).

I can no longer sit quietly and wait for another child to die before I speak up.

I am writing today about the death of baby Phoenix. Such a terrible tragedy, which could have been avoided. It is my understanding that several referrals were made to protect this child, however, the request was denied. I support the preservation of the family, but not when it comes to jeopardizing the life of our children. It is not working and baby Phoenix paid the ultimate price.

Please look deeper into this practice of denying these children their rights to have a safe and healthy place to grow and thrive, while giving the power to parents who are trying to heal. I am afraid that if this continues, there will be many other baby Phoenixes.

I have a very hard time sleeping at night knowing there are children out there suffering silently.

Denise Marchu
San Jose

CSU boss must find
way to pay faculty

Re: “Faculty members authorize a strike” (Page B1, Nov. 2).

I am deeply worried after reading about the possible strike that was recently authorized by CSU faculty after a 95% vote.

A faculty strike would bring a complete halt to classes at all 23 CSU campuses and could affect up to 400,000 students. This could get in the way of many students’ graduation plans, especially students who plan to graduate in the next two semesters, as many of them already have jobs lined up for after graduation.

CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia could use money from the cash reserves or operating surpluses identified in the financial analysis, or from the $840 million set to be generated from tuition increases, to pay faculty the salary they deserve and eliminate the need for a strike. Mildred Garcia has to find a way to compensate the people directly responsible for the success of CSU students.

Jack Hemsley
Campbell

Help keep animals
with the unhoused

Solving the homeless problem is a persistent challenge in the United States, in California and here in the Bay Area. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, people will often refuse shelter if it means giving up their pets. Pets are friends and family. Those of us who cherish our pets surely understand the unwillingness to surrender them to an uncertain fate.

The Providing for Unhoused People with Pets (PUPP) Act, would authorize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide funds for emergency shelters to adapt their facilities or build new ones that will allow people in shelters to keep their pets with them.

The PUPP Act can readily become law if it is incorporated into the upcoming Farm Bill. Please contact your congressional representatives and ask them to support the PUPP Act and its inclusion in the Farm Bill.

Judith Hurley
San Jose

Renew READ Act
to boost education

UNESCO reports that 250 million children had no access to school last year. The World Bank says that each year of school adds a 9% increase in hourly earnings, driving long-term economic growth, stronger institutions and more-stable societies. We need more of that everywhere.

We need to prod Congress to pass the READ Act Reauthorization of 2023, which seeks to address this education crisis. The READ Act boosts U.S. leadership on global education to ensure all children have access to quality education. The READ Act builds strong partnerships and delivers results. The READ Act will empower the world to ensure access to education, particularly for girls and young people in conflict-ridden nations.

John Tupper
San Jose

Representative best
displays Christian values

Re: “GOP hate for LGBTQ+ people fueled Speaker Johnson’s rise” (Page A6, Oct. 31).

The rule against homosexuality comes from the Mosaic law of the Old Testament. Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” His new law unequivocally forbids judgment. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

According to Jesus, Emmer, not Allen, is the one reflecting Christian values.

L. L. Ingraham
Santa Clara