We must continue voicing support for C.K. McClatchy journalism teacher Archuleta | Opinion
Support for Archuleta
“Sac school district wrongly punished journalism teacher,” (sacbee.com, June 8)
While Sacramento City Unified School District is still punishing C.K. McClatchy High School journalism teacher Samantha Archuleta, I want to express my support for her.
As a 13-year-old student about to enter high school myself, I think this teacher should not be punished for doing her job allowing students to publish what was said, even if it was problematic. While the quote was hateful, publishing it in the paper does not mean the students are agreeing with it, they just reported what happened — as journalists should.
Publishing the quote helps bring light to things young people may be saying.
Claire Domek
West Sacramento
PIT Count must be wrong
“Loaves & Fishes doubts Sacramento CA homelessness count,” (sacbee.com, June 5)
Six years ago, I began a Mercy Pedaler Program at my church, Unitarian Universalists of Sacramento, serving Arden-Arcade and Carmichael. This year’s Point in Time count of our unhoused must be wrong — the count cannot be less than last year.
At our recent quarterly meeting, our records showed that we served 446 unhoused individuals this past May and served 388 in May of 2023. It is more likely that law enforcement actions forcing unhoused individuals to move constantly creates an inaccurate count.
As Mercy Pedalers, we know our clients well, and are able to find them — sometimes in hiding. I understand the importance for our leaders to have successful, feel-good reports, but the public deserves accuracy. If you want an accurate count, ask a Mercy Pedaler where the unhoused are. No one knows the unhoused community better.
Kathleen Stricklin
Sacramento
Opinion
False equivalency
“3rd deadly crash on Sacramento roadways in 12 hours,” (sacbee.com, June 11)
“Please drive, bike and walk safely,” says Natomas Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan after a day of traffic violence claimed the lives of three individuals who were walking or cycling. This kind of false equivalency is dangerous. These three people were killed by heavy motor vehicles operated by other people, through neglect or worse, enabled by bad road design and car dependency.
If we want our roads to be safer, we need to use fair, honest and truthful language when things go wrong.
Todd Michael Edelman
Davis
Protect my hope
“Kratom has given me something precious — hope. The Legislature can promote access | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, May 31)
As a veteran who found relief in kratom after exhausting all other options for my military-related injuries, I echo Dijon Evans’ sentiment: Kratom has given me hope. After facing relentless pain and despair, kratom provided the only effective relief. Its future in California now depends on the state legislature.
Supporting Assembly Bill 2365, which ensures safe and accessible kratom products, is vital. This bill promotes responsible regulation, guaranteeing quality and safety for consumers. Like Evans, I urge lawmakers to pass AB 2365, helping countless Californians find hope and relief.
Marcelle Morfin
Woodland
Rocking Chair Rebellion
“Third Act Sacramento gets boomers involved in climate fight,” (sacbee.com, March 27, 2022)
As we face another summer of record high temperatures, fossil fuels must be curtailed to address climate change. Third Act, a nation-wide organization of seniors for climate action, is bringing awareness to our descendants with the Rocking Chair Rebellion.
On June 13, the Rocking Chair Rebellion will rise up to blockade the head NYC office of Citibank, the world’s second largest fossil fuel funder. Third Act Sacramento will gather at McKinley Park at 11 a.m. and march down Alhambra Blvd. to Citibank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, stopping at each bank to read our indictments and make our demands for action.
This summer has been declared the Summer of Heat, heralding climate action, and we are planning many activities, including an Elders’ Week, Migrant Justice Week, Youth Week and more!
Faith K Boucher
Carmichael
Strengthen financial aid
“CSU Chancellor: Leveling the playing field through financial aid helps our country | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, May 6)
We echo CSU Chancellor Mildred García’s call to strengthen Pell Grants. While we support efforts to expand Pell Grants, our students cannot wait. We need immediate funding for the Cal Grant reform enacted two years ago. Cal Grant reform offers a solution to the financial barriers students face. By streamlining the program, removing obstacles and ensuring equitable access to state aid, we can make higher education attainable for many more students. Funding Cal
Grant reform demonstrates our dedication to investing in our students, including adult learners, student parents and underserved communities, as well as our economy and future.
As representatives of California’s universities, colleges and community colleges, we stand united in our commitment to strengthening financial aid and expanding access to higher education. Let us seize this opportunity to lead by example and invest in the future of our students and our state.
Celene Aridin
President, University of California Student Association
Cassandra Flandre-Nguyen
President, Student Senate for California Community Colleges
Iese Esera
President, Cal State Student Association
