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Instead of tiered pricing,
put hard cap on water
I believe Dinesh Desai (“Let market forces solve water supply issue,” Letters to the Editor, Page A6, April 1) is missing the point on our water problem.
There is a water shortage. Having more tiers with higher rates does nothing to save water. Those who can afford the higher rates will just use as much water as they want – no thoughts about conserving.
If we’re really serious about saving water, tell the water customers (including golf courses) that they get X amount of water per month. They can use it however they see fit. But once they reach their limit, the meter will be turned off or locked until next month. Then we’ll see some conservation.
There will be the expense of converting meters, but I’m sure the water companies would cover that in order to save this precious resource.
George Brown
San Jose
After Stone’s surprise,
new assessor needed
I read that this newspaper has endorsed Larry Stone for another term as county assessor (“Re-elect Stone as Santa Clara County assessor,” Page A6, April 1).
The paper writes that it is critical that homeowners and businesses receive fair valuations of their properties. The editorial cites the accuracy of appraisals made by Stone’s office in the latest audit. However, there is a question about Stone’s judgment in one particular area.
His appraisers, presumably with his knowledge or at his direction, recently began to assess residential properties on the Stanford campus, not at their sales price but based on sales of nearby properties in Palo Alto. These appraisals have come in significantly higher than the purchase prices.
This change from the long-standing methodology of using sales price was without notice to the affected parties. I believe it is time for a change of assessor.
Harry Oberhelman
San Jose
Wrong for Newsom
to travel during crises
So Gov. Gavin Newsom jetted off for a two-week family vacation (“Newsom ignites Twitter feud with choice of novels,” Page A1, March 1).
Assuming this is not an April Fools’ Day joke, this seems to be an example of a lack of leadership. First, he’s destroying the environment by jetting off, I assume, to another state rather than practicing what he’s preaching about staying in California for a vacation.
Second, has he forgotten California is still in a state of emergency? While a state of emergency is declared the governor should stay at his post. To me, it seems like a dereliction of duty.
Alan Heimlich
San Jose
Dairy, beef production
too costly for state
I read with tremendous relief and appreciation the commentary by Karen Rubio entitled “It’s time for Californians to talk about the cow in the room” (Page A6, March 31). Yes, we are in a serious drought, with no known end in sight, and she sheds light on a glaring issue we are not addressing.
Take heed. As Rubio alerts us, meat and dairy products are grabbing 47% of California’s water – to grow food to feed animals that we then kill and eat. We cannot keep avoiding this unsustainable habit. Healthy plant protein is readily available at your local farmers markets and grocery stores.
Try some recipes out. Alternatives are all around you – your capable human brain can make this switch, even if just one day a week at first. It could be your wonderful gift to the future.
Jeralyn Moran
Palo Alto
Story causes unNecessary
worry over boosters
The headline “Worry rises over too many boosters” (Page A1, April 3) is misleading and dangerous.
With omicron 2 an imminent threat, people should be encouraged to get a booster (or a second booster if recommended), not discouraged from it. However, the fact that boosters have been shown to greatly increase protection against omicron is not made clear in this headline or article.
Judy Zellers
Mountain View
Letter ignores Biden’s
achievements, courage
I disagree with Bill Graham’s contention that President Joe Biden is a tactless and foolish diplomat. (“Poland speech affirms Biden unsuited for crisis,” Page A12, March 3)
What Biden said about Vladimir Putin needing to be removed from power is spot on. Donald Trump’s disdain for NATO and his plan to pull the United States out of NATO had he been re-elected would have significantly weakened the alliance, resulting in Putin invading Ukraine even earlier than he did. Putin underestimated the ability of Biden to solidify NATO and respond quickly. Biden demonstrated statesmanship and diplomatic skills that Trump could never achieve. Biden is the right president at the right time.
Finally, Biden suffers from stuttering. Rather than ridicule the president for his stutter, Graham should applaud Biden’s courage to speak publicly knowing there will be those who will mock him for his speech impediment.
Gregory Carlsted
San Jose
Source: www.mercurynews.com