Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct. 14, 2024

Wall property lawsuit against Fairfax has legs

Christian Legnitto’s lawsuit against Fairfax for the Wall property deal (“Fairfax open space deal complicated by lawsuit,” Sept. 29) reveals an inconvenient truth for Marin progressives, which is that this county is outright hostile to new development of desperately needed workforce housing.

According to the Marin Convention and Visitors bureau website, “almost 85% of (Marin) land has been protected from development through open space purchases, federal parkland, watershed lands and strict agricultural zoning.” This is a stunning statistic that begs the question: How much open space is enough?

Maybe Mill Valley developer Marshal Rothman should join the lawsuit. After spending a decade to build just 10 homes on the 110.5-acre property, the limited liability company he used to purchase the property filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The similarly sized Martha Co. property in Tiburon was in development planning for over four decades before the owners capitulated and were essentially forced to sell to conservationists. In both instances, public tax money was used along with funds from the county and state.

Legnitto is 100% correct in noting, “whoa, this is crazy that they’re using public funds to buy land that is zoned for houses and then making it open space.”

Lauded by what appear to be wealthy, overwhelmingly White, liberal conservationists, the costs are borne by Marin’s socioeconomically disadvantaged citizens through higher housing costs and longer commutes. In the world of economics, a policy that prioritizes land preservation over affordable housing is considered regressive. It is a policy action that harms the poor the most.

— Ken Broad, Mill Valley

Hardware store’s good service inspired cat name

This is to thank and commend two special employees at Pini Ace Hardware in Novato. Recently, I went in for cleaner and furnace filters. As is the case when I feel unsteady on my feet, I used my walker. That left me no free hands to carry my goods to checkout or the car.

Not only did the kind employee go and bring the items to me, but he also carried them to the register. The woman at the checkout was equally as kind; she carried my wares to the car. Thanks to both of you for your kind and cheerful assistance. It made my trip to Pini’s very easy. I was so pleased that I chose to rename my kitty “Pini.”

Let me explain: A year ago, I began caring for 14-year-old cats — a brother-and-sister pair named Ruby and Peonia. I couldn’t see naming a male cat Peonia. I sought another name that was close to it, so the name change wouldn’t confuse him. The thought of Pini’s Hardware came to my mind immediately. I named my cat after Pini Hardware.

Now each time I pet Mr. Pini, I can give special thanks to the two employees who helped me in the store that has such great customer service. Thanks to all of you at Pini Ace Hardware. You’re special.

— Carolyn “CJ” Jones, Novato

Marin can do more to ensure e-bike safety

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. There is no better time than now for the Marin County Board of Supervisors to do more to protect inexperienced, dangerous, underage children operating class-2 throttled electric-assist bikes.

Let’s be honest, class 2 e-bikes that require no pedaling are electric motorcycles. It’s not complicated. Existing motorcycle laws prohibit anyone under the age of 16 from driving one anywhere except on private land. At age 15, a person can get a motorcycle permit to drive one without a passenger, but only after passing the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test and written exam, just as you would need to do to get a car driver’s license.

Additionally, with only a motorcycle permit, it is against the law to carry a passenger or operate after dark. And the motorcycle must be street legal, registered and licensed by the DMV. It must carry insurance just like an automobile. The operator is also required to wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation.

Assemblymember Damon Connolly’s AB 1778 was recently signed into law. It authorizes Marin County to adopt a pilot program that prohibits children under 16 years old from operating a class 2 e-bike. Supervisors should waste no time in taking advantage of this authorization.

For the health and safety of under-age motorcycle operators, as well as pedestrians and the drivers of cars who are constantly put in danger by these children, it’s time to take action. I am sure police and school officials throughout the county would be very grateful.

— Karl Spurzem, Corte Madera