Here’s why I’ll never shop at Fresno’s 99 Cents Only Store ever again | Opinion
Greed at its finest
“99 Cents Only Stores halt Fresno CA library branch expansion,” (fresnobee.com, Oct. 12)
I know where I will never shop again: the 99 Cents Only Store at First and Bullard. The store’s short-sighted decision to not allow the Politi Branch Library to move to the vacant Rite-Aid building indicates a lack of support for the community and the neighborhood.
The library wants to move into the new location and it would generate more foot traffic for all the stores in the shopping center. The 99 Cents claims that there is insufficient parking in the center. As a resident of the neighborhood, I can verify that the parking lot is more than half empty at all times.
Why would I support that store if they cannot support the move of the library to a larger location with more options for those using the library? This is another example of greed at its finest.
Sallie Negin
Fresno
Ridiculous situation
“99 Cents Only Stores halt Fresno CA library branch expansion,” (fresnobee.com, Oct. 12)
The opposition to the expansion of the Politi Library by the 99 Cents Only Store is short-sighted and selfish. I am a frequent patron of this library, which is currently across the intersection of First and Bullard from the proposed location, and an expanded branch would be an exciting service to the community.
The 99 Cents Only Store apparently claims the library would cause parking problems, but there are hundreds of spots in the lot, and I’ve never seen more than half a dozen cars at the library.
While an expanded Politi could host events, surely they would not be often enough to cause a regular issue. More library patrons might even increase business throughout the mall. Store management’s proposed “solution” of having library patrons park, enter and exit through the rear of the building is ridiculous. Loading docks are not meant for pedestrians, and requiring people to use them is an insult and perhaps a safety risk.
The area’s County Supervisor is Nathan Magsig and the City Council Representative is Tyler Maxwell. I suggest contacting both.
Wayne Steffen
Fresno
Opinion
Addressing homelessness
“Homelessness reaches 10-year high in Fresno, Madera region. What’s behind the increase?” (fresnobee.com, July 28)
I am writing this letter to address the issue of homelessness in Fresno, which is hurting our environment. I go to a Fresno school and see homeless individuals on the street daily. It sometimes gets a little scary. I’m wondering if there is going to be another solution to the homelessness in our city.
I’m a member of a Boy Scout troop, and we do service projects regularly. I’ve heard from other Boy Scout troops that they are building tiny homes for homeless people. I’m wondering how I could do this for my community to give the homeless people somewhere to live.
Cooper Jones
Sanger
Peace and justice
“Gavin Newsom goes to Israel amid war before China visit,” (fresnobee.com, Oct. 19)
Growing up Jewish, I accepted the myth of Israel. Jews came to an empty land and developed it into a productive country. Now, I know that when Israel was formed in 1948, around 700,000 Palestinians were displaced and cannot return. Since 1967, Israel has destroyed over 50,000 Palestinian homes and buildings. For these reasons, a two-state solution would be impossible, as Israel controls everything except for two small, noncontiguous sections of the country.
Israel calls itself a democracy, yet Palestinians have few rights, which is particularly true for the over 2 million people who reside in Gaza. Like prisoners, Palestinians cannot leave Gaza, as Israel controls its borders. Imports/exports are under Israeli control. Consequently, there is not enough food, and 95% of water in Gaza is unsafe to drink.
The U.S. constantly sides with Israel and vetoes any attempts to change the situation. We supply Israel with $3.8 billion in military support every year. The U.S. needs to change and work for peace and justice in Israel and Palestine.
Stephen Sacks
Fresno
Palestinian blood on our hands
“Gavin Newsom goes to Israel amid war before China visit,” (fresnobee.com, Oct. 19)
Palestine was a bomb waiting to explode. Sadly, our government, people and religious institutions are accountable, too. If the Catholic institutions in the Central Valley is any indication, it has openly taught its congregants to revere Israel and ignore Palestine. With President Joe Biden increasing military aid and promoting pro-Israel rhetoric, we are now complicit with Palestinian genocide.
Let us consider that America added fuel to the fire as it co-opted Jerusalem for the site of its embassy, while ignoring the Israelis desecrating Palestinian mosques, disrupting their religious services and harassing their people, villages and way of life. Palestinian cries have fallen on deaf ears as their children, women and elderly are being slaughtered.
Palestine is being attacked and strangled by the Israeli government (armed by Americans), yet, apparently, unlike Ukrainians, they are not valuable enough to receive American military aid to defend themselves. Are Palestinians not “white enough” to deserve such help? Will the U.S. act to stop the massacre and termination of Palestine people? Unfortunately, their blood is on our hands.
Jovita Harrah
Fresno
