Action without representation
“Sac Supervisors approve controversial Upper Westside Project. Will lawsuit follow?” (sacbee.com, June 17)
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As it proceeds, the Upper Westside Project will destroy the Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan and the Natomas footprint.
The County Board of Supervisors, including our representative, Phil Serna, have not held a public hearing to address community concerns since 2020. Our representatives should have had the decency to speak and listen to area residents.
This is action without representation.
Emilia Jankowski
Sacramento
A shared vision for California
“Early poll shows Becerra unites California’s left as governor’s race heads to fall,” (sacbee.com, June 12)
The growing wealth disparity in our state is of grave concern. We are losing our middle class and many of the social supports that make us strong.
At a time when thousands of California children experience hunger or homelessness, we should not be afraid to ask those who have benefited the most from our economy to contribute more toward the common good. No one needs a billion dollars to live well.
Gail Marie Erlandson
Sacramento
Will California recognize NPP voters?
“Why California’s most important political party is the one that isn’t | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, June 11)
Years ago, I registered as a No Party Preference voter because I don’t fit in with either major party — I’m too moderate for even the pre-Trump Republican party, and too conservative for Democrats.
I am hopeful the Democratic majority in the Legislature will stop ignoring NPP voters and take them into consideration when making public policy decisions. My hope springs eternal, but I’m not holding my breath.
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Leslie R Lopez
Sacramento
Stop fouling the water
“California is making strides addressing global ocean acidification | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, June 14)
Every day, California’s coastal wastewater facilities discharge partially treated effluent into waters already stressed by record heat. The result is toxic algal blooms that have sickened and killed hundreds of sea lions, dolphins and seabirds off Southern California. Dungeness crab shells are dissolving in acidic water, and fish are suffocating in oxygen-depleted dead zones stretching 50 miles offshore.
Climate change is driving the marine heatwave. That’s a hard problem to solve. Addressing sewage pollution is within our control, and the technology to fix it already exists.
The State Water Resources Control Board needs legislative direction and funding to set enforceable limits on coastal nutrient discharges, with a firm 2028 deadline. Stop fouling the water. Save the wildlife.
Sean Bothwell
Executive Director, California Coastkeeper Alliance
No RTO mandate
“Downtown Sacramento is ready to welcome state workers back to their offices | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, May 29)
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office mandate transfers taxpayer money from middle class state employees to powerful real estate interests. We face increased household costs (gas, parking, childcare to cover commute time, etc.), while downtown commercial real estate companies’ investments are subsidized.
The RTO mandate lacks a real operational need. It’s regressive and discriminatory. COVID revolutionized the workplace. It’s a different world.
Read more Democrats must drastically change approach to gaining Latino vote | Opinion
Kate Turner
Rancho Cordova
