‘Alarming’: Sac Sheriff’s Department spent funds on pseudoscience wellness treatments | Opinion

Critical services

“Police spend $50 million on wellness via gyms, ‘breath work’,” (sacbee.com, July 9)

It was disappointing to read this article which appeared to criticize significant money allocation for the purpose of officer wellness. Having treated many law enforcement professionals over my career as a therapist, I can say that any money spent on helping officers reduce stress is worth it. Going on a ride along partially opened my eyes about what they deal with everyday.

Breath work is an evidenced-based treatment that works. Stress is real and an everyday occurrence for officers.Working out in a healthy, modern environment is essential to good health and stress reduction. Any assistance that helps them reduce stress and maintain their physical and emotional health is critical for officers to serve our community effectively.

Marian L Sheppard

Sacramento

Pseudoscience

“Police spend $50 million on wellness via gyms, ‘breath work’,” (sacbee.com, July 9)

It’s alarming that while the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department deems red light cameras — a proven method to reduce crashes — expendable, they are spending significant funds on pseudoscience wellness treatments. Sacramento, with the highest per capita traffic injuries and deaths in California, should prioritize public safety measures that have demonstrated effectiveness.

Instead, the department invests in dubious health treatments for personnel, which is both irresponsible and a disservice to our community. Our focus should be on protecting all citizens, including those in law enforcement, with evidence-based safety measures.

Isaac Gonzalez

Founder, Slow Down Sacramento

Opinion

Protecting unhoused neighbors

“After Supreme Court’s contentious homelessness ruling, what’s next for California cities?” (sacbee.com, July 3)

Where does the Supreme Court ruling leave people struggling without a home? We must ask our representatives at all levels of government to step in and end this tragic situation in the world’s richest country.

Nationally, Congress could renew the expanded child tax credit that cut child poverty in half, enact a renter tax credit so those in poverty are able to stay housed by not paying over 30% of their income for rent and expand the SNAP program so people don’t have to choose between rent and food.

At the state and local levels, our leaders can make sure there are enough shelters and needed programs to help those in need. This will only happen if we ask for it. After all, we elect them, so let’s speak up for all Americans struggling to be housed!

Willie Dickerson

Snohomish, Wash.

Newsom’s choice

“Sacramento County stops delivering water to homeless as heat wave starts. Here’s why,” (sacbee.com, July 4)

I would like to graciously extend an invitation to Gov. Gavin Newsom to spend the next week sleeping in his backyard (or in his car in his driveway). I have been in this position, staying in my car for more than five years. Some people say it’s a choice, but, in my case, it’s been all I could afford.

California is in the midst of an extreme and deadly heatwave. Newsom has left the option of emergency heat shelters up to the counties of this great state. And that is a mistake. I would prefer to live in a state where a governor takes personal responsibility for this weather crisis by declaring a state of emergency. This would ideally include shelters or hotel vouchers for homeless individuals.

Newsom holds many lives in his hands. He can choose to act, or do nothing.

Lyndi Duckworth

Roseville

Correcting the record

“Pool still closed despite Sacramento having funds to fix it,” (sacbee.com, July 2)

Sacramento Councilmember Katie Valenzuela suggests that the Southside Park pool was not repaired because home builders aren’t paying higher park fees. This is factually inaccurate on two levels.

As the headline makes clear, the city received funding after Asm. Kevin McCarty secured $500,000 in state funds to fix the pool a year ago. Valenzuela also ignores the fact that park fees from new housing can only be used for new parks within two miles of that same new housing.

Timothy Murphy

President, CEO, North State Building Industry Association

Roseville