CapRadio leaders owe Sacramento an apology for reckless financial mismanagement | Opinion

Disappointed

“Audit reveals CapRadio’s wide financial mismanagement,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 27)

When the conductor of the Camellia Symphony told the audience to raise hell with CapRadio over recent budget changes, I was happy to know that others were aware — and angry.

We are members. And, as such, should have been informed of the dire straits the station found themselves in and asked for our input. I contribute — not hugely — but that should give me a vote.

That budget shenanigans appear to be involved (and potential misuse of our contributions) is very upsetting. A transparent, public accounting is in order, particularly in regards to the sunk costs on the new building and tower. They may be justified, but I suspect their expense has contributed to their current shortfall.

Mike Shepley

Sacramento

Community apology in order

“Audit reveals CapRadio’s wide financial mismanagement,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 27)

It is galling that Capital Public Radio is asking its listeners to give them more money as an audit finds financial mismanagement at the organization.

As a CapRadio member since 1992, I was always happy to donate money to support NPR programming and music shows that, in my opinion, were the best on Sacramento radio. In the last month, these music programs were abruptly terminated, and I learned that my donations in recent years may have gone to ill-managed real estate ventures, questionable staff travel and other inappropriate things.

CapRadio management abused the trust of its members, and they now have a duty to earn back that trust. Apologizing to the community would be a good first step.

Allan Hirsch

Rocklin

Opinion

Appalling spending

“Sacramento State pays a price for CapRadio’s mismanagement,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 30)

As a single mother and parent of a Cal State student, I really have a problem with this kind of waste. Tuition is being raised for Cal State Universities starting next year to over $6,000 per year with additional increases every year for five years. The $8 million that Sac State borrowed without having an agreement for CapRadio to repay it wouldn’t have made much of a dent in that, but how many other wasteful programs and agreements are there?

Education is supposed to be not only for personal betterment, but for the betterment of the community. How, exactly, are we supposed to create an educated society if education becomes unaffordable? Who is overseeing the system to determine whether we are spending our money wisely? This is just appalling!

Dawn Wolfson

Cameron Park

A politician who cared

“US Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at 90,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 29)

I knew Sen. Dianne Feinstein for many years. She was a friend of our radio show, “Heroes and Patriots,” which airs on KMUD, a radio station in Humboldt County.

Senator Feinstein took an interest in our show. She would often listen and sometimes email us.

She cared for her constituents, big and small. I was one of the smaller ones. But Feinstein never made me feel small.

John Sakowicz

Ukiah

The time I met DiFi

“US Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at 90,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 29)

Back in 1987, I would walk through Presidio Terrace in San Francisco on my way to catch the bus from the Presidio Golf Course, where I worked. I saw Feinstein, somehow alone, endeavoring to get a rug out of the back of her car. Obviously aware of who she was, I thought better of offering help. But then I thought, “for anyone else, I would proffer assistance.” So I did, and she readily said, “yes!”

Carrying the rug, I stopped at her front door. She said “if you could just put it inside.” I found myself in her foyer. It was a bit surreal, so I quickly turned on my heel and was outta there.

She was an amazing supervisor, mayor, senator, mother, wife and public servant.

Todd Gearou

Citrus Heights

Trailblazer

“US Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at 90,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 29)

Dianne Feinstein will be rightly remembered as a trailblazer: the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco and the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from California. Once she broke those barriers and walked through those doors, she got to work.

The best politicians get into public service because they care about this country and the people they represent. That was certainly true of Feinstein, and all of us are better for it.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Fair pay for scientists

“CA scientists hit impasse with state — will union strike?” (sacbee.com, Sept. 26)

UC graduate student workers and UPS Teamsters would beg to differ with Tim Yeung, former negotiator for the state, that a first-ever walkout by thousands of state workers would not make an impact at the bargaining table. His conclusion conveniently ignores this country’s rich history of organized labor. Strikes have delivered historic gains for workers. None of the protections we take for granted — such as the 40-hour work week, paid time off and sick leave — came about without people demanding it.

State scientists respond to chemical spills, workplace fatalities and other emergencies. We safeguard public health and the environment. But over the last two decades, our pay has drifted further and further behind our peers. We don’t deserve a fourth year without a pay raise.

This is a golden opportunity for Gov. Gavin Newsom to grant pay equity to state scientists, who implement California’s ambitious climate programs.

Steven Sander

Sacramento

Stand up for student learning

“Half-dozen bomb scares rattle Davis library and schools. Here’s a timeline of recent threats,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 27)

Since late August, there have been at least six emailed bomb threats sent to the Yolo County Library and Davis schools.

These are not isolated incidents. Emailed bomb threats echo the aims of extreme right-wing groups to prevent students in public schools from learning about gender identity and racial injustice.

I spent two decades researching school outcomes for low-income children and know how important feeling safe at school is to learning. Stopping the criminals who email bomb threats is critical. So is speaking out against the rhetoric that inspires them.

Public schools serve the entire community. Student learning must not be dictated by extremist rhetoric and threats.

Regie Stites

Oakland