Sacramento must overturn arcane zoning ordinances to develop multi-family housing | Opinion
Not the first nor the last
“If a period can be flushed without legal consequence, then so can a miscarriage | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 11)
I recently read an article about a “pro-life” judge who was proud that his wife had chosen to continue a dangerous pregnancy. She risked her life and future fertility to birth a child she knew wasn’t going to live long. I thought: That was her choice.
The Ohio woman charged with “abuse of a corpse” after a miscarriage isn’t the first American woman to be criminally charged following a miscarriage or birth. Then there is Purvi Patel, who was convicted of feticide after a miscarriage (her conviction was later overturned).
I don’t know what we can do to stop this fanatical ultra-right onslaught against our rights, but I urge everyone who cares to find some way to get involved.
Dawn Wolfson
Cameron Park
Development interests
“Sacramento supervisors are addicted to sprawl. It could cost our region dearly | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 7)
The Bee correctly decries Sacramento’s addiction to sprawl. Sprawl is not just a polluting mess, it’s an unhealthy, regressive “tax,” as most adults must own a car to shop or get to work.
As someone who protested this for literally decades both in a Community Planning Advisory Committee and as a private citizen, the government’s tone-deaf response has been beyond frustrating. My best guess is that land speculators (i.e. “developers”) are firmly in command, and their proxies in government have difficulty understanding that alternatives exist since their paycheck is conditioned on them not understanding. The late politician Grantland Johnson once said that it’s widely acknowledged that, in all of California, the Sacramento region is the deepest in the pocket of development interests. That’s not a contest anyone would want to win.
Meanwhile, the region has 20 years of unbuilt infill.
Mark Dempsey
Orangevale
Opinion
Affordable housing
“Sacramento Planning Commissioner wants missing middle back,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 28)
Sacramento and its residents are at a vital crossroads in our history. We have an opportunity to right generational wrongs and set a new pathway forward. With Sacramento’s housing and population boom coming later than other cities, specifically San Diego, the Bay Area and Los Angeles, we can ensure that we do not make the same mistakes. Each of those regions is known for their excessive housing prices, lack of affordable starter homes and loss of young talent due to unaffordability.
It is vital that Sacramento’s Design and Planning Commission continues to overturn arcane zoning ordinances that restrict the development of multi-family developments in favor of single family homes. Construction of new developments will ease the burden on first time buyers and attract young talent. This will allow us to offer something that the other major cities in California can’t: an affordable roof over their heads.
Nick Juanitas
Sacramento
Divest now
“CalPERS’ new sustainability plan opens door to divestment,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 16)
Despite increasing pressure from powerful sources, CalPERS is doubling down on its refusal to divest from fossil fuel companies, citing “fiduciary duty.”
But fiduciary duty requires CalPERS and CalSTRS to be loyal to their members and beneficiaries, not fossil fuel companies.
CalPERS plans to increase investments in “climate solutions” to $100 billion by 2030, but it also plans to continue investing in fossil fuel companies. CalPERS asserts that increasing green investments will reduce portfolio emissions by 50%, but this reduction is meaningless if fossil fuel companies continue to pollute. Simply diluting the portfolio will not help achieve climate goals without also removing investments in fossil fuel production.
Despite the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s warning that the climate emergency demands an immediate halt to new production, fossil fuel companies continue to expand. They treat the climate crisis — and our planet — with contempt. CalPERS should divest as soon as prudently possible.
Sandra Emerson
Berkeley
Concerns ignored
“18-year-old killed in Grass Valley after collision into tree,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 20)
I have found it virtually impossible to have any positive response to my concerns related to speeding on Brunswick Road coming into Grass Valley, or repairs needed for huge pot potholes on Plaza Drive, running from Sutton Way to Brunswick.
I have notified all the powers of the government to call for a reduction in the average speed but have heard nothing in three years and seen no changes implemented. No one wants to admit their responsibility to repair the five-foot-wide potholes that are two-and-a-half inches deep on a road owned by several businesses. Does anyone out there care?
Michael Driskill
Grass Valley
Important voice
“Sandra Day O’Connor, first woman to serve on Supreme Court, dies,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 1)
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Sandra Day O’Connor, an American icon who left a profound mark on history as the first woman to serve on our nation’s highest court.
A strong voice for judicial independence and the rule of law, O’Connor was known for her discerning and fair-minded approach and served a pivotal role at the center of the Supreme Court, including key votes reaffirming the right to abortion and upholding affirmative action in higher education.
With deep Arizona roots, O’Connor was an important voice on the Supreme Court for the entire American West, championing states’ freedom to craft solutions that meet local needs across our diverse country.
O’Connor opened doors for generations of women in politics and public service, and her enduring legacy is an inspiration to all of us. Our thoughts are with her family, colleagues and friends during this time of loss.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.
