Farmer: “River Walk” proposal does not improve region’s quality of life | Opinion

Responsible growth

“Riverbank’s ‘River Walk’ development raises concerns,” (modbee.com, Dec. 10)

A recent Modesto Bee reported on the recent filing of a Riverbank ballot measure with 1,469 signatures against the annexation of 1,500+ acres of prime farmland for building up to over 3,000 homes. The article covers the scope of the proposed River Walk project and local opposition to growth.

The Farmland Working Group also recently penned an op-ed discussing sprawling growth, the need for urban limits and related fiscal impacts on city residents. There are many reasons to establish limits to ensure that growth occurs on lesser soils while preserving prime farmland as well as our county’s multi-billion dollar agriculture industry. The hope is that Riverbank voters will support the ballot measure and responsible growth that protects prime farmland.

Farmland Working Group, a nonprofit organization, applauds Modesto’s efforts to rezone and implement infill strategies to protect prime ag land from being paved over. The hope is that Riverbank and other local cities will follow Modesto’s example as well as support urban limit initiatives.

Barney Aggers

Modesto

No further development

“Riverbank’s ‘River Walk’ development raises concerns,” (modbee.com, Dec. 10)

I am a resident of Riverbank. We have been farmers all of our adult lives. In this season of prime agricultural land potentially being destroyed, my family is very much opposed to the River Walk development proposal for the following reasons: The project does not preserve ag land; it would substantially increase travel, congestion and pollution; it does not improve quality of life; and it further invites people from other parts of the state.

This ag land should be set aside as an agricultural preserve. The proposal does not address infill within Riverbank, Modesto or other local communities, and places additional stressors on city services. We do not need further development.

Garry Pearson

Riverbank

Opinion

Bye, Biden

“Biden warns against Trump reelection after Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a day ‘we nearly lost America’,” (modbee.com, Jan. 6)

It’s time to get Biden off the 2024 ticket. I can’t pretend to understand what’s going on in his brain, but he is handing America to Trump.

There’s no way I’m going to vote for him — let alone knock on doors or make phone calls for him. There are many other people like me, and that’s on top of his already anemic polling numbers. Biden/Harris 2024 is a likely sprint to a Trump victory.

We need an insurgent candidate with a capacity to clearly demonstrate that Biden needs to come off the ticket.

Tracy Herbeck

Modesto

Justice served

“Biden warns against Trump reelection after Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a day ‘we nearly lost America’,” (modbee.com, Jan. 6)

Americans should be hoping that Trump’s insane plea for presidential immunity is quickly granted. If so, legally elected President Joe Biden can — without fear of reprisal — do what the courts and our country have been trying to do for the past six years: lock up Trump.

Biden can send federal troops to Mar-a-Lago, arrest seditionist Trump and toss him in jail — saving taxpayers millions of dollars. And, more importantly, saving our democracy. Our country will be protected from the mind-numbing reek of Trump’s MAGA malarkey. The multitude of shysters that Trump is employing will have to go back to chasing ambulances and preying on the sick and elderly.

Americans can finally get our country back.

Brooks Judd

Turlock

Give a little bit

“Stanislaus County funds homeless center, shelter for six more months. Change may be coming,” (modbee.com, Dec. 22)

Local charities are asking folks to look in their closets for usable coats and jackets that could be given to homeless individuals to help keep them warm this winter. Simple acts can go a long way. In this season of giving, it makes people feel good to give to those in need. I encourage those who can to donate items or cash to local charities and nonprofits.

No amount will be refused. Food banks and pantries use cash donations to help give a few extras during the holiday season.Donations made here stay here to benefit friends and neighbors.

Daniel Marsh

Modesto

No room at the inn

“Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York heads to closing arguments, days before vote in Iowa,” (modbee.com, Jan. 11)

It must have created a warm holiday glow when the many Christians who support Donald Trump heard him demeaning immigrants. Especially at a time when the birth of Christ heralded a message of love and inclusion.

No room for them at the inn or in the hearts of all too many of us.

Jack Heinsius

Modesto