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Prop. 50 will counter
Texas’ redrawn map
Since the House membership is so evenly split (219 red; 213 blue; 3 vacancies), it would only take a flip of three or four seats for the current minority to become the majority in November 2026. This could help restore checks and balances among the executive, legislative and judicial branches, which currently seem out of whack. Proposition 50 simply counters a little Texas red manipulation with a little California blue manipulation.
Voters who think that Proposition 50 is too aggressive should know that California did not start this. Not unlike the right of self-defense, it is simply defending the congressional election process from Texas lawmakers attempting to manipulate the 2026 election results.
Voters who think that Proposition 50 eliminates California’s voter-approved independent redistricting commission for congressional seats should know that Proposition 50 is only effective for the 2026 and 2028 elections. Voter-approved independent redistricting will return for 2030 and future elections.
Dennis Coleman
Eureka
Prevalent paid parking
another fee for existing
The luxury of free parking is tragically a thing of the past. No matter where you go these days, you seemingly always have to grab a ticket to park.
Whether you pay $40 to park at a sporting event or $3 to park at the mall, free parking has gone extinct, and I am tired of it. As a San Jose State student, obscene parking rates are no strangers to me. Having to budget for parking is frustrating, and it is especially annoying when getting a parking spot anywhere is not guaranteed. The concept of paid parking has gotten out of control and feels like a ploy to capitalize on our poor public transportation system and unwalkable cities.
Is paying for parking simply a social contract, or is it just another fee to be paid for existing?
Madeleine Stiffler
San Jose
How will history treat
the Palestinians’ plight?
Re: “Israel, Hamas nearing a truce” (Page A1, Oct. 9).
I am happy to hear that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of the ceasefire, although it is long overdue.
When I was a high school freshman, six years ago, I learned about the conflict between Israel and Palestine for the first time. I found it ridiculous that it took until high school and a geography class to hear about this issue in class.
I hope that the genocide of Palestinians will be included in history books, as it holds as much importance as events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gabriela Tadeo
San Jose
Shutdown puts pressure
on our national parks
The government shutdown has affected our country in many ways. It has affected us, the people, but also our national parks. Due to the ongoing shutdown, many of our national parks are at risk and understaffed. As a consequence of fewer rangers, national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree are experiencing an excess of garbage and damaged trails. These conditions have put wildlife at risk, which impacts both public safety and tourism.
Our national parks are the natural treasures of our country, and it is unfortunate that political conflicts are affecting our parks negatively. Congress should take immediate action to help protect our national parks and cover basic maintenance during shutdowns like these. Political games should not be the lifeline of our parks.
Daniela Jimenez
San Jose
DEI means for students
to feel like they belong
Recent debates about diversity and inclusion programs on college campuses overlook what’s really at stake: belonging.
Many Black students feel it’s harder to get support from campus resources that don’t reflect their experiences or understand their needs. Clubs labeled DEI were created to give Black students the space to authentically be themselves. As a San Jose State student leader involved in the African Student Organization and Black Campus Ministry, I’ve seen how safe spaces give Black students the confidence and support they need to thrive. These spaces aren’t about exclusion but about belonging and understanding in environments that can feel isolating.
When students feel seen and supported, the entire campus community becomes stronger, more empathetic and more connected.
Marilyn-Bride Anye
San Jose
Diwali holiday honors
state’s diverse cultures
Re: “Diwali to be a state holiday starting in ’26” (Page A1, Oct. 9).
Making Diwali a state holiday in California is a significant step forward in recognizing the beauty of the state’s diversity.
Growing up in a diverse and predominantly South Asian American community, I got to witness some of the festivities that go along with the holiday firsthand and from a young age. Being able to experience that as early as elementary school helped me get outside of my own bubble and appreciate the different cultures that made up my community. Despite being a melting pot of cultures from across the globe, we don’t get to see a lot of state recognition and acknowledgement of cultural holidays outside of the Western world.
To that, I am grateful that California’s diversity is being appreciated for what it is, and I hope for more in the future.
Isabelle Chung-Hall
San Jose