Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Jan. 16, 2026

The political rhetoric after tidal flooding was disturbing

In the article published Jan. 6 with the headline “Marin tidal flooding prompts renewed push for fortification,” elected officials viewing damage from the recent flooding around the county appeared astonished to find that sometimes it rains a lot in Central Marin and, when these rains coincide with perfectly predictable king tides, Highway 101 at Shoreline Highway and Lucky Drive flood, paralyzing traffic throughout Marin.

I believe that, if roadbeds were to be raised 36 inches in the two locations, then those two problem areas would be flood free.

In the story, Rep. Jared Huffman seemed to infer that the current federal administration may be partly to blame for local flooding. If this is true, then we should spread the blame to each administration back to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950s. Or, we should acknowledge that the solution has to start with our local leaders.

— J. Patrick Burke, Kentfield

Old Highway 101 carpool hours were working just fine

I was grateful to read that Caltrans is reconsidering the extensive new carpool-lane hours on Highway 101 through Marin and Sonoma counties (“North Bay to see reduced carpool lane hours,” Dec. 19). It has been quite upsetting, waiting 20 years for the highway expansion through the Marin-Sonoma Narrows to be completed, only to have that benefit seemingly wiped out by Caltrans’ inappropriate assignment of new carpool hours.

I would respectfully ask that officials please simply return to the old hours. From my perspective, they worked perfectly for 30 years. Why waste taxpayer dollars on a “study” to come up with a new, third set of carpool hours? I suspect a different set of hours will just anger drivers again.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

— Robert Elkjer, San Rafael

US should follow Europe’s strong e-bike regulations

Thank you to the Marin IJ for highlighting Marin County’s leadership role in raising awareness about the hazards of both e-bikes and devices that are inconsistent with the three-class e-bike system (“Marin motorized bike data cited in push for state reforms,” Jan. 4).

The 2025 Mineta Transportation Institute report noted the “U.S. approach to defining electric bicycle rules is by no means common worldwide.” Almost all of the motorized vehicles advertised as e-bikes in the U.S. would be illegal for sale as an e-bike in Europe (and much of the rest of the world) as the wattage of the motor is three times higher.

Europe would instead regulate our U.S. e-bikes as mopeds, with stricter requirements for registration, licensure, insurance and education, along with age and speed restrictions. We need to rein in this lax regulation to align with other nations to save lives and decrease injury rates.

— Dr. John Maa, San Francisco

Missions align for MCE, Sustainable Contra Costa

Having lived across Marin for a decade — from the redwoods of Mill Valley to the hills of San Rafael and the coast of Stinson Beach — those landscapes remain close to my heart. Even after many return visits, that sense of awe hasn’t faded. It is no wonder environmentalism is a core part of Marin’s identity; when you live in such beauty, you feel a natural duty to protect it.

Across the bay in Contra Costa County, we share that same desire. If you ever hike in Briones Regional Park or on Mount Diablo, you will experience that same sense of awe. I am president and CEO of Sustainable Contra Costa. We believe in building resilient communities where everyone can thrive within the natural limits of our planet — a goal we share with an organization born in Marin: MCE (formerly Marin Clean Energy).

When MCE expanded to Contra Costa, it provided a tangible way for residents to reduce emissions and protect our environment for generations to come. MCE has been an ardent supporter of our work for years because our missions align. They have been instrumental in our Sustainable Leaders in Action program, which cultivates a network of over 50 young activists through professional development and community engagement. Many of MCE’s programs are also featured in our Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, an online resource that helps residents take specific clean energy actions to save money.

Today, more than 344,000 Contra Costa residents and businesses receive cleaner electricity thanks to MCE. Together, they have helped reduce 173,000 metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent. MCE started as a grassroots movement in Marin; at Sustainable Contra Costa, we are proud to follow that path together.

— Tina Neuhausel, Walnut Creek