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CPUC has becomePG&E’s lapdog
Re: “State needs revolt against utilities panel” (Page A6, April 29).
I appreciated the column by Loretta Lynch, former president of the California Public Utilities Commission.
I was infuriated to read that the current PUC approved billions of dollars more to PG&E without reviewing their needs in a public hearing and providing details for us, the consumers, to understand the justification for the multiple rate increases. Some of the six rate increases in 2024 were batched together and received a yes vote with no explanation or discussion by the commissioners.
California has the second-highest electricity rates in the nation. I agree with Lynch, who says, “The PUC has become a lapdog.” Instead of looking out for us, the PUC regulators are rolling over for PG&E.
Gail MurrayWalnut Creek
Op-ed never mentionsHamas’ role in Gaza war
Re: “Gazans are dying daily. Do not forget us.” (Page A7, May 2).
In a May 2 op-ed, Nour Khalil AbuShammala describes how Gazans are dying every day and blames Israel, Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Funny how Nour ignores the role of Hamas in causing the suffering in Gaza. Interesting how Nour makes no mention of how Hamas has murdered Gazans who dared to protest against their rule.
Thus, it’s not surprising that nowhere in Nour’s self-righteous declarations is there an acknowledgment that what triggered such Gazan suffering was Hamas’ atrocities when they murdered nearly 1,200 Jews (babies and women included) and kidnapped 251 people.
Want to end suffering in Gaza? Call for the release of the hostages and the end to Hamas rule. You won’t find Nour making such a statement. Hamas would not like it.
Mark CohenOakland
Hamas could enddestruction in Gaza
Re: “Gazans are dying daily. Do not forget us.” (Page A7, May 2).
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is horrifying, and I can’t defend Israel ending the ceasefire or its tactics in this renewed war. But Israel is not solely to blame.
Reading the article, somebody just returned from Elon Musk’s Mars colony would think Israel was bombing out of sheer sadism. The article’s 865 words do not include “Hamas” or “hostages” or mention Oct. 7.
The war would never have started but for Hamas’ terrorism; it would end instantly if Hamas surrendered or merely released the hostages, living and dead. Instead, it steals whatever food and aid it can find and hides in its tunnels, refusing entry or assistance to civilians, leaving them to suffer the bombs and missiles.
Merlin DorfmanLivermore
We must acknowledgePalestinians’ humanity
Re: “Hunger and malnutrition are rising across Gaza” (Page A15, May 4).
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic, cruel and criminal levels. And is Israel any safer?
What’s especially sad is that this is an entirely man-made crisis. Thousands of trucks filled with food, water and medicine are ready to help Gazans, but Israel (with U.S. weapons) has bombed existing infrastructure and supplies to smithereens and blocked access to any outside aid for more than two months.
The assassinations of press and first responders with impunity, and the dehumanization of all Palestinians to justify genocide, are sadistic.
Please urge your Congressmen to recognize all people as humans, to facilitate an immediate flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to end this needless and cruel annihilation.
Elizabeth FisherPleasant Hill
Landlords’ costs aredriving hikes in rent
Re: “Apartments near UC Berkeley in loan default” (Page B1, May 2).
Another apartment complex in an excellent location with new or upgraded apartments cannot make its loan payments. Similar properties have suffered the same fate. All of the apartment complexes are either in cities with strong rent control policies or are directly adjacent to such cities.
Rents are high not because most owners and landlords are greedy. Rents are high because costs are high. Employees of apartment houses have to be paid. Apartment houses must pay additional taxes and fees that other businesses and individuals don’t have to pay.
Owners and landlords have had so many years when the rent increase allowed by cities like Oakland has been significantly less than inflation that they feel that they must raise rents as much as they can when they can or else lose everything.
Dennis MockelOakland
Domino theory willtopple U.S. economy
Here’s how the domino theory works in economics.
First, you put tariffs on most goods to be imported. Next, the costs of doing business rise enough to lay off employees, shutter going concerns and cause a serious rise in inflation. People who are close to the poverty line will be shoved deeper into holes of poverty, and the rich will lose millions.
So far, so good, right? Will this push people to commit crimes for a loaf of bread? This problem doesn’t care who you voted for, but you know who caused it.
Stuart ShicoffMartinez