Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 11, 2026

Ross Valley needs to support tax proposal for schools

Ross Valley residents should support the next Ross Valley School District parcel tax proposal, which is expected to be on our ballots later this year. Our schools are structurally underfunded and the gap is widening.

Under California’s Local Control Funding Formula, Ross Valley receives just $525,000 in supplemental state aid, the lowest amount in Marin County. By comparison, the Mill Valley School District gets about $7.4 million, Reed Union on the Tiburon Peninsula gets $10.7 million and the Tamalpais Union High School District gets nearly $27 million. Even smaller, demographically similar districts such as Kentfield and Larkspur receive several times more state support than Ross Valley.

I don’t think this disparity is the result of poor management. I suspect it is the predictable outcome of Proposition 13’s limits on property tax growth combined with decades of low housing turnover in Fairfax and San Anselmo. Because so few homes change hands, Ross Valley does not benefit from rising property values the way other districts do and remains near the state minimum funding level year after year.

Without renewal of the parcel tax, teacher attrition will accelerate, class sizes will increase and educational programs will be reduced. Over time, the broader community may feel the impact as well, as strong public schools have long been central to Ross Valley’s quality of life and property values.

The proposal will not be for a new tax. It will be for the continuation of essential local funding that allows Ross Valley schools to operate at a level remotely comparable to neighboring districts. Supporting the 2026 parcel tax is a practical, data-driven decision to protect our schools and our community.

— Claire McDonald, San Anselmo

Electric-throttle vehicles shouldn’t be allowed on path

I am excited that improvements are being considered for a path on East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (“Marin kicks off study for Drake Boulevard multiuse path,” Feb. 5). My wife and I occasionally ride our bikes over to the Marin Rod and Gun Club. The shoulder along that stretch of road is a bit scary with cars zooming by in the traffic lane.

However, I do object to the description of the two riders in the photograph accompanying the news story. The caption calls them “bicyclists.” I can see that they are actually using what appear to be electric-throttle bikes. Those fast and dangerous vehicles are stressful for pedestrians and real bicyclists on multiuse pathways throughout Marin.

I hope that any plans that come out of this study will separate these vehicles from pedestrians and bicyclists.

— Michael Sillman, Larkspur

San Rafael should reject tall buildings for infill projects

I am writing in response to the article published Jan. 30 with the headline “San Rafael appellants challenge apartment tower approval.”

I’m glad to see there might be an exit strategy for San Rafael’s 17-story building approval. If the Planning Commission can find a way to deny approval for this monstrous apartment building, the appreciation of the San Rafael residents will resonate far into the future.

I think the incredible height would irrevocably and negatively change San Rafael. It would create an eyesore and a precedent none of us want. The underlying concept that the city, which was never meant to have buildings that tall or dense, can solve a lot of its need for housing in one huge apartment building is really nuts. We must think more creatively to build and supply housing.

One suggestion I haven’t seen addressed is small-scale infill, where zoning and setbacks are adjusted and the permitting process streamlined to allow property owners to more easily build accessory dwelling units on their own lots.

I saw this in Oakland, where my sister was able to build a unit for her daughter. She turned a backyard garage into a proper studio apartment. I’d love to see that possibility encouraged here in Marin.

— Martha Wall, San Rafael

‘Counter culture’ ideals are lost on today’s leaders

Beyond the reactionary forces of President Donald Trump and the aggressive drive from politically progressive elected officials — both seemingly sharing a disregard for local community rights — lies a path forward.

We still haven’t lived up to the wisdom of what lived in the rebellion of the previous century, the “counter culture.” Its fundamentals — perhaps found in the “peace and love” slogan that tapped Christianity, Buddhism and the notion of unity (as well as Native American wisdom regarding our stewardship of the land) — are now disregarded by both factions.

Hatred and fear are the problem and, unfortunately, they dwell in righteous certainty on both sides of the fence.

— Guy Meyer, San Anselmo

Baby boomers seemingly uninspired by JFK’s quote

In the Another View commentary published Feb. 5 with the headline “Society won’t be able to keep expanding benefits for each generation,” author Allison Schrager appears to defend the baby boomer generation from accusations of excessive consumption and climate vandalism.

I am from what I call “the Silent Generation,” and I have yet another view. I was inspired by former President John F. Kennedy’s quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” The torch his generation tried to pass was dropped by the boomers. I think they were instead inspired by Timothy Leary’s quote of “turn on, tune in, drop out.”

After the deadly riot at the Rolling Stones concert at Altamont in the East Bay during December of 1969 destroyed all hope of peace and love for me, the boomers seemed to go all out for everything they could possibly consume and discard. Walmart and China appeared to be glad to help them and so here we are.

— Chet Seligman, Point Reyes Station

Trump has mandate to deport undocumented immigrations

During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump clearly promised mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. He was decisively elected, winning not only the Electoral College but also the popular vote and all seven swing states. The people across the country spoke loudly and clearly in that election. From where I sit, that was democracy in action in our constitutional republic.

Before Trump was brought back as president, I think far too many unvetted and unscreened people were allowed to enter the country. Some are dangerous criminals. Removing them is an urgent matter of public safety.

Although the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are trying to focus on departing undocumented criminals, they are also detaining migrants who failed to appear for the immigration court dates they were given when they crossed the border. From my perspective, those people have no right to be in this country.

Actively and physically interfering with any law enforcement operation, as happened in Minneapolis, is most unwise and can obviously lead to tragic outcomes. If ICE comes to Marin or San Francisco, hopefully our local law enforcement agencies will protect and keep apart ICE officers and protesters so that such tragedies don’t happen here.

— Renton Rolph, Novato

Trump’s ‘dizzying pace’ seems meant to slow resistance

I am writing in response to the letter by San Rafael resident Henry Burgin. He brimmed with delight at the accomplishments of the current Republican administration, yet he really did not appear to list many of those deeds. He spoke of the “dizzying pace” of change.

I saw a list online that shared more than 2,300 actions done since President Donald Trump took office just over a year ago that are contrary to the U.S. Constitution while jeopardizing our safety, our environment, our health, our rights and laws, our international allies and more.

I think the administration and Congress are using a dizzying pace as a sort of “shock and awe” style to create complacency by making us “deer in the headlights.” It’s hard to thwart them when we are stunned. However, I think we can fight back in so many ways. Voting is only the start.

Everyone should march in the regularly scheduled protests (March 28 is the next “No Kings” rally). Search the internet for protest marches in Marin County. Handwrite protest postcards to send across the nation and send weekly (or even daily) emails to your U.S. legislators. Phone calls help too.

It all makes a difference. Join the resistance. Make the change you want. Apathy is acceptance.

— Chris Santilli Johnson, San Rafael