Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.
Farmers should paythe true cost of water
Re: “Farmers are hopeful Trump will deliver” (Page A1, Dec. 7).
We all eat, and farmers work hard to grow our food. Water is critically necessary, so the state has an interest in bringing water to where it is needed.
However, farmers should pay the true cost of the water they use, as a cost of doing business. Further, when agricultural businesses export products it is purely for profit and does not benefit our citizens. Therefore the cost of the water used for exports should not be subsidized, but truly reflect the cost of water. This includes the cost of replacing that water for its other uses in the state, including maintaining water conditions (non-saline), waterways, refilled aquifers and the renewal of the ocean itself. We should use the resources of our commons for everyone’s benefit, not for corporate profit.
Nature supplies water sparingly and unpredictably — unlike electricity which humans generate. If agribusiness needs more water perhaps they could desalinate it.
Melanie CrossPalo Alto
Housing crisis iscrisis of humanity
California faces a severe housing crisis, with some of the highest housing costs in the nation. Families across the state are forced into precarious living situations and economic displacement. From cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to smaller cities, municipalities struggle to provide adequate housing for their residents.
This issue impacts communities across the state, contributing to visible symptoms of the crisis such as homelessness, which affects the health, safety and dignity of countless individuals, including children.
I believe it’s not just a housing problem, it’s a human one. To address this, we must advocate for policies that increase affordable housing stock, streamline zoning laws to promote development and invest in comprehensive support services for those experiencing homelessness. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all Californians.
Theresa NguyenSan Jose
We must act nowto protect oceans
Santa Cruz residents report that climate action and marine management are priorities for their community.
Recent reports show nearly 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans globally each year, and California communities are estimated to spend more than $428 million annually to clean up and control plastic pollution.
While the California government is ahead on this issue, attempting to reduce the amounts of plastic through bans on single-use plastic and microplastics in wash-off products, it falls on the individual organizations and people to take action. These strategies include long-term projects and beach clean-ups. Plastics already affect 80% of marine species and kill over 100 million marine animals per year.
If we don’t take action to help our oceans now the numbers will only continue to increase to harm us and our surroundings.
Anoushka MadanCupertino
Trump’s cabinet pickswill ruin government
Re: “Three theories about Trump’s Cabinet picks” (Page A6, Dec. 6).
Ross Douthat’s article made me think. First, his theories are simply all wrong. Trying to justify the unjustifiable has become GOP standard operating procedure.
No, there is a fourth theory. Since 1935 and the passing of the New Deal, Republicans and conservatives have been hellbent on undoing all the good Franklin Roosevelt had done.
Since Ronald Reagan said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help,’” Republicans have convinced their party members that government is useless. Trump’s Cabinet picks will indeed make government totally useless, especially for those who have needed government programs and protections.
Of course, all is not lost. The wealthy can be assured their taxes will be cut and Elon Musk will be sure to get no-bid defense contracts. So from that perspective, I suppose government will work, just not for those who need it.
David PerrinoLos Altos
