Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Jan. 8, 2025

Leadership program is worthy of celebration

I think the recent Marin Voice commentary by Cris Parra (“Leadership Academy graduation a reminder that our voices belong here,” Dec. 16) was wonderful to read. The details about her Canal Alliance Leadership Academy gave me hope for the future.

Thanks to that program, there will now be representation and participation of more members of the community creating new outlooks and possibly dismissing preconceived notions. I consider programs like this to be a true step forward. They help us view each and every person on merit — on who we are.

I believe we are all motivated to make things as good as possible. This program shows how we can give possibilities to others in this community and how it is up to each and everyone of us. I will be walking with my head held high after reading about this group making the “home court” bigger for all of us with understanding. We are all family.

— Jade Leong, Mill Valley

Decorated palm tree in San Rafael is appreciated

I am full of gratitude for the generosity of those who decorate the large palm tree in San Rafael on Robert Dollar Drive for the holidays every year.

For many years, this simple gift has appeared almost like clockwork — emerging as I drive the hill. The tree adorned with tinsel, beads and baubles is quite welcome.

Thank you to the anonymous decorators for bringing us holiday cheer.

— Martin Coyne, San Rafael

MMWD should agree to environmental report

There is a very simple way for the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors to end the lawsuit challenging its “pilot project” to allow bicycles on single-track trails: It should agree to prepare the environmental impact report required by the California Environmental Quality Act right now, rather than having to do so only after spending tens of thousands of ratepayer dollars and months or years in what ultimately will prove to be a losing battle.

CEQA’s purpose is to provide government decision-makers with objective information about potential environmental impacts of their decisions. Is the MMWD board afraid that an EIR will show that opening its single-track trails to unlimited numbers of conventional and electric bikes will not be so benign as to warrant categorical exemption from review?

— George Forman, Nicasio

Saving neighborhoods not part of a developer’s plan

I am writing in regard to a recently published story by the Bay Area News Group in the Marin IJ about how developers “pay off” politicians in Sacramento to get around local zoning laws (“Builders’ donations fight regulations,” Jan. 1).

From my perspective, I don’t think developers care about the citizens who want to preserve their neighborhoods. And I think the Marin County supervisors support development because they want more tax money. We taxpayers pay a premium to live here because the quality of life is so nice — without being surrounded by ugly, crowded box-style housing (with not enough parking for residents).

It’s time we voted out these incumbents who don’t listen to the voters or care about them. I’ve lived in Marin 49 years and watched how our peaceful small towns are being destroyed by greedy developers and politicians who don’t care.

— Michael Velkoff, Novato

Efforts to promote e-bike safety worth the effort

As a former president of the San Francisco Marin Medical Society, I want to say thank you to the Marin IJ news department for reporting on the legal challenge filed against Super73 (“Irvine-based Super73 Inc. sued for allegedly selling illegal e-bikes,” Dec. 28). I think it is selling electric bicycles that probably would be better categorized as “electric motorcycles.”

During a recent American College of Surgeons meeting, trauma surgeons from across California made a point to show that Super73 is selling a kid version on its website. It is specifically marketed to children ages 4 to 8. It travels up to 13 mph. Unlike a normal bike or even a true class 1 e-bike, it does have a chain or need to be pedaled. Many would regard this as a motorized vehicle and not a bicycle. That’s very unsafe for those very young children.

I applaud the joint efforts to promote e-bike safety and to protect youth in Marin County and across the state.

— Dr. John Maa, Novato

Don’t compare issues in California to Florida

I am writing in regard to the article by the Los Angeles Times republished in the IJ on Dec. 23 with the headline, “California losing in political war with Florida.” I think if anyone is holding up Florida as a national governing model, then that’s a tragic statement about our country.

From my perspective, Florida has made itself virtually inhospitable to anyone who doesn’t present as White, straight and Christian. Florida’s public health record has been abysmal, most notably its high number COVID-19 deaths per capita compared to California.

Our property insurance market may not be sustainable as is, but Florida’s is far worse. Educators and health-care providers are fleeing for other states (including California). It seems there is hardly anything left that Florida hasn’t banned or made excruciatingly difficult — abortions, books, higher education, voting rights and gun safety.

Lastly, Florida is home to some of our most disreputable national political figures, organizations and extremist groups, for which there are no real equivalents in California. If anything, I think that Florida is a shining model for authoritarian/oligarch rule.

— John Brooks, Fairfax

Huffman must stop support of weapons

I really like Rep. Jared Huffman, our elected official who represents Marin County and the North Coast in Congress. He is a very nice person. He and his family live in our neighborhood and I often interact with them on my walks.

However, I am totally against his support of the U.S. giving weapons to Israel. The things that are done to the innocent people in Gaza is unforgivable.

Sure, there may be some members of the Hamas terrorist group among them, but is it worth the bloodbath? I am not sure what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning, but I urge all to do what they can to stop this madness and stop the killing.

— Ute Brandon, San Rafael

Increased plant-based eating is good for all

New Year’s resolution, anyone? How about one with multiple benefits for our health, our planet and the animals? Eating more veggies, fruits, legumes, grains and nuts helps us stay healthier, reduces global warming and stops animal suffering. It requires no exertion or deprivation. And it saves money too.

The abundant nutrients and vitamins in plant foods keep us in top health, while their fiber keeps us regular. Plant foods don’t do drugs, antibiotics, hormones, cholesterol or saturated fats. Best of all, plant-based eating is supported by your local supermarket, which offers a rich variety of plant-based “meats,” “cheeses” and “ice creams” in the frozen food section, as well as a wide selection of nut and grain “milks.” The same goes for your favorite family restaurant and nearly every fast-food franchise. Bon appétit.

— Mark Isemann, Novato

Prejudices prevented Harris from beating Trump

In spite of running a great campaign against Donald Trump — who I consider the worst presidential candidate in American history — as a non-White, intelligent woman married to a Jewish lawyer, I believe Vice President Kamala Harris just could not overcome America’s four leading prejudices: race, religion, gender and education.

All of the erudite commentary to the contrary is interesting, but the simple answer to explain this election loss was one, several or all of the above.

— Arthur L. Silberman, San Rafael