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Expanded Spare the AirAlerts deserve support
Re: “Bay Area Air District responds to concerns over Spare the Air Alert increase” (Oct. 27).
The Bay Area Air District’s decision to expand Spare the Air Alerts deserves support.
Each winter, fine particle pollution reaches dangerous levels, with residential wood burning responsible for up to 34% of emissions. This is a serious public health threat. Low-income families and communities of color already bear the greatest burden of polluted air, suffering higher rates of asthma and heart disease.
The need for cleaner air is urgent, and limiting wood burning is a reasonable, science-based solution. Cleaner winter air means fewer emergency room visits and lives saved. Residents have the option to certify eligible stoves as exempt or explore community energy-assistance programs designed to help reduce the financial burden of home heating during Spare the Air alerts.
The Air District and local leaders must strengthen outreach and funding for low-income heating alternatives so that equity and clean air progress together. Protecting community health requires shared responsibility.
Remi HernandezSan Jose
Sunnyvale councilmanshould stick to his job
Re: “Campaign linked to insulting message” (Page B1, Nov. 2).
As a resident of Sunnyvale, I’d appreciate it if Richard Mehlinger would behave like the council member he is.
Why did he feel the need to reply to a generic campaign text by saying that Rishi Kumar “wasn’t fit to be a dog catcher”?
Last year, Mehlinger posted a link on a public forum to his voting recommendations for the 2024 election. He accused those opposed to two local ballot 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.”
Both measures failed, one of them 2-1.
If Mehlinger can’t respect people who disagree with him, or at least keep his mouth shut, he has no business representing the city of Sunnyvale.
Doug AtkinsSunnyvale
Tech titans trade soulsfor their bottom line
Re: “Building more than a ballroom” (Page A1, Nov. 2).
The need to protect the company assets is just the tech titans’ cop-out for their over-the-top support for Donald Trump.
I’d like to ask: Your company’s valuation might skyrocket in the short run, but what good does it do when your family, employees, customers and shareholders all live under an authoritarian regime where corruption runs rampant, science is under attack, cruelty is celebrated and truth no longer matters?
Florence ChanLos Altos
Stable solutions bestchoice for S.J. homeless
San Jose is a beautiful city, and it’s devastating to witness the growing homelessness crisis on our streets. As a concerned, lifelong resident, I feel obligated to speak up. Our city’s homeless population has reached roughly 6,500, bearing over 60% of Santa Clara County’s total.
This crisis has ruinous effects on our community. Unsheltered individuals lack stability, straining vital public resources such as health care and the criminal justice system. This isn’t to say it’s their fault; it’s a call for better solutions.
We must advocate for those struggling. I urge the City Council to prioritize policies that focus on developing temporary housing, such as sheltersand to increase the supply of affordable, realistic housing. We must also expand homelessness prevention methods. By focusing on stable, effective solutions, we can help the less fortunate get back on their feet and lead San Jose toward a better future.
Alberto BautistaSan Jose
Increase visibility ofhomeless resources
Homelessness and drug abuse continue to be among the most visible and disheartening issues in our communities. While shelter and rehabilitation programs exist, it is highly unlikely the average person will hear about these resources. We need stronger efforts, such as advertisements, community service and expanded access to housing facilities and drug rehabilitation programs.
Too often, some individuals will go through these struggles unaware of available resources and could benefit from the help of our communities to reintegrate into society and make a contribution.
As a community, we could take steps toward action, such as posting information in public areas where homeless people are known to gather, partnering with local organizationsand conversation and advocacy.
Investing in those in need will not only help our society but will also create unity. By spreading awareness and improving access, we can give more people a chance at a better life and a better path.
Alexia RamosSan Jose
Dead man’s life wastestament to redemption
Re: “Man who drove off Santa Cruz Wharf was registered sex offender” (Page B3, Oct. 30).
The article on William Westerman detailed the crimes of his past but failed to capture the man he worked tirelessly to become. As his sister, I knew William lived a life of service and quiet redemption over the last decade.
A devoted son, he served as full-time caregiver for our father through his journey with dementia until his passing, and then for our 93-year-old mother. He was the “Fixit Will” who helped his neighbors. He found solace in the ocean’s beauty.
Focusing on the grisly details of decades-old crimes, the article inflicted unnecessary pain and missed the crux of his story: the possibility of transformation. William, after prison, demonstrated that we are not solely defined by our worst actions but by our commitment to change. His journey of making amends truly serves the public interest — a lesson in hope and redemption.
Kenah RobertsSanta Cruz