In excluding LGBTQ group, Clovis Unified fosters culture of exclusion, intolerance | Opinion

Facilities for all

“Clovis Unified might cancel existing facility reservations,” (fresnobee.com, Sept. 20)

I write to express my concern about the recent decision of the Clovis Unified School Board to rescind permission for several outside groups, including the LGBT Community Network, to use school facilities. This decision appears to contradict principles of inclusivity and equal access.

It’s disheartening to see that the district is now attempting to shut down the use of facilities by any external group, effectively denying hundreds of reserved dates throughout the school year. Access to school facilities should be available to all community groups, regardless of their nature or mission.

I urge the Clovis school board to reconsider its decision and ensure that school facilities remain open to a wide range of community groups, fostering a more diverse educational environment.

Ayela Masangcay

Fresno

Conservative playbook

“Clovis Unified might cancel existing facility reservations,” (fresnobee.com, Sept. 20)

The recent policy announced by Clovis Unified to eliminate facility access by any outside group may sound reasonable on its face, but it draws on fear. As reported in The Bee, the policy change stems from an LGBTQIA+ group seeking access to meeting space on campus. Apparently, since some board members are uncomfortable with the kinds of things such a group would discuss, the board opted to say all outside groups can no longer meet on campus.

This follows a playbook that conservative forces have been using since the 1960s when law changes mandated integration of public spaces. Take public swimming pools as an example: When the public good of community pools could no longer be a “whites only” space undergirded by segregation laws, a multitude of cities nationwide moved to make public pools private or close down public swimming pools altogether.

Peter Smith

Fresno

Opinion

Thank you, Dave

“Popular comic book shop is closing after decades in Fresno. ‘It’s been a good run’,” (fresnobee.com, Sept. 21)

Growing up in Firebaugh, the local grocery store’s spinner rack was my gateway to comics. Sprinkled in those comics were ads for entire stores devoted to the art of the comic book in far away places like Denver and New York. Could there be anything like that in Fresno?

Luckily for me there was Heroes Comics. When I would return home from the 45-minute drive to Heroes, I wouldn’t go to sleep until I’d read every book at least three times. For the past 30 years, Heroes Comics has been an institution in Fresno. Hearing the news this week that it would be closing its doors after being such a big part of my life was tough to process. Unlike in the comics, the ultimate villain known as time is insurmountable.

I was lucky enough to cultivate my passions for creative arts into a career. To this day, I still

cite the influence of Heroes Comics as one of the main reasons I do what I do. But that was only

possible because owner Dave Allread did the same thing. He poured his all into Heroes Comics and gave Fresno unprecedented access to great comics.For that, the region will forever be in his debt.

Roque Rodriguez

Fresno

Poor Actors

“McCarthy rejects Senate spending bill while scrambling for a House plan that averts a shutdown,” (fresnobee.com, Sept. 28)

Anarchy and dysfunctional government result when poor actors collaborate in seeking unlimited power. In the U.S., this is being done by defunding government programs. Republicans have found this approach works: By decreasing taxes for the rich, programs for the common good, like Social Security and Medicare, suffer.

Donald Trump and his minions are advocating for a massive shutdown of government, thus reducing services and devaluing under-financed programs. The treasonous Trump cabal threatens democracy. Trump’s call for the execution of individuals like General Mark Milley is criminal and treasonous.

Trump was right: He could kill someone in Times Square and not be prosecuted.

Bill Osak

Visalia

Administrative greed

“Tuition increase at California State universities is tough, but necessary | Opinion,” (fresnobee.com, Sept. 14)

The California State University system’s approval of a tuition raise is a ridiculous way of fixing their $1.5 billion funding gap caused by their terrible mismanagement of the CSU system. Presidents from all of the CSU campuses have been receiving unnecessary raises (the lowest of which was a 7% raise, while other CSU presidents got up to 29%). Why are they giving raises out if they know they’re in such a huge funding gap?

The CSU administration is only looking out for themselves instead of students. The CSU trustees’ approval of increasing annual tuition costs by 6% annually for the next five years is only hurting students. Some students are barely receiving financial aid to cover tuition but still fall well short of the tuition cost.

Josue Francisco Medina

Avenal

Good on California

“Climate change forces Americans to rethink oil companies,” (fresnobee.com, Sept. 24)

For a long time, oil companies have known what the cause of climate change was: themselves. Yet they have avoided taking responsibility so as to not hurt their profits. They have deflected the blame on us, the individuals. And while it’s true that there are things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint, it pales in comparison to how much harm is done by massive oil companies.

The lawsuit from the state of California against some of the largest oil companies is a great step in making sure these oil corporations take responsibility for the damage they have caused to our planet.

In the meantime, more can be done to slow down climate change, like choosing solar energy to power your home.

Armin Purewal

Fresno

Harsher punishments needed

“California should approve automatic speed camera program,” (sanluisobispo.com, July 13)

The lack of true consequences is the main reason speed cameras would fail to protect our roads. The law currently states that fines can be given between $50 to $500. While this seems like a great deterrent, a $50 pass to go 11 miles over the speed limit won’t stop anyone.

Cameras won’t penalize you by placing points on your license, and your insurance will not be affected. People who speed will pay the fine and continue to speed. In an informal survey among friends, most said they would not change their driving behaviors if speed cameras go up. I believe harsher consequences, rather than a slap on the wrist, will ensure safer roads.

Julian Ornelas

Madera