XPost: alt.politics.democrats, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh, talk.politics.guns
XPost: sac.politics

Shared concern
“CA Senate GOP urge Newsom to act fast on $68 billion deficit,”
(sacbee.com, Dec. 18)

As a longtime California resident, it’s not just Senate Republicans
calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to address the $68 billion budget deficit,
it’s all of us! It’s crucial to stress the need for the thoughtful and responsible allocation of resources.

While recognizing the urgency of swift action, citizens must advocate for
a careful examination of budgetary decisions. Instead of opting for a
broad spending freeze, the legislature should take a nuanced approach by reevaluating funding for trivial and frivolous projects like the $1.2B
Capitol Annex Project. While the state is in deficit, the Legislature can easily continue to use their already built Swing Space.
Redirecting resources from potentially less essential initiatives can
protect crucial social safety nets currently facing significant cutbacks
and/or freezes. This strategic reallocation not only tackles immediate
fiscal concerns, it also highlights our dedication to prioritizing the well-being of fellow Californians — not just our public servants.

Karen Jacques

Sacramento

Food safety
“California lawmakers pass ban on toxic food chemicals,” (sacbee.com,
Sept. 12)

We assume our grocery aisles are stacked with foods safe to eat, but some
might actually contain harmful chemicals, as revealed by the California
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Assembly Bill 418,
passed on October 7, brought to light Food and Drug Administration-
approved additives — including brominated vegetable oil, potassium
bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3 — that are linked to Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and cancer.

This raises questions about the FDA’s approval process for food additives.
Red dye No. 3 was banned in cosmetics in 1990, but is still used in food.
AB 418 underscores the FDA’s responsibility to ensure safe food standards
while California utilizes its influential role in catalyzing broader
regulatory shifts.

Matthew McDonald

Elk Grove

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Obscene raise
“Sacramento city manager, whose pay was highest in state last year, gets
new raise,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 14)

The raise awarded to Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan is obscene,
especially given that his base salary before this raise was already
obscene. Clearly, he knows how to work the system by demanding vacation
time that he will cash out before year’s end.

Bridget Whitted

Folsom

Shameful behavior
“Sacramento city manager, whose pay was highest in state last year, gets
new raise,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 14)

The Sacramento City Council’s “special meeting” immediately following a four-hour regular meeting, in which it approved pay raises for city
officials, smacks of the lack of transparency and outright arrogance that
has caused so many citizens to lose trust in government. Shame on the
council for even trying to do something this shady.

What happens next? It is time for citizens to send a clear message that
this behavior is totally unacceptable. This needs to be fully investigated
by an independent body. While the citizens of Sacramento are struggling to
make ends meet, city council members meet privately to give themselves pay raises. Talk about shameful!

In the meantime, remember that “democracy dies in darkness.” Support your
local independent press bringing these issues to light.

Charles Robuck

Newscastle

Usage in the interim
“Sacramento center’s zero emissions effort needs $140 million,”
(sacbee.com, Dec. 12)

While waiting for $140 million to suddenly appear, the city should take
note of the fact that this former home of the California Youth Authority’s storied Northern Reception Center and Clinic is a totally excellent site
for a temporary safe-ground camping and tiny home parking lot, with public transportation nearby.

Thousands of youth wards were housed, fed, educated and rehabilitated on
that ground. And it will be years before any research park dreams come
true.

Paul G Mattiuzzi

Sacramento

Protect Molok Luyuk
“Yolo County tribe pushes Biden to protect CA ‘Molok Luyuk’,” (sacbee.com, April 30)

Molok Luyuk, at the border of Colusa and Lake counties, contains rich
cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, rare plants and recreational
activities. This week, representatives from the Bureau of Land Management
and the U.S. Forest Service came to Woodland to hear from community
members. I was one of over 75 people who urged them to protect these
public lands by adding them to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National
Monument. We heard support from Tribal leaders, elected officials,
scientists, recreationists and young people.

I love our winding roads and rolling hills. But as the director of a conservation organization, I know that these hills are more than that —
they hold over 30 species of rare plants, thousands of years of history
and cultural significance to the Patwin, Pomo, Wappo and Miwok people, as
well as rare and valuable educational and recreational opportunities.

I am grateful to BLM and USFS for coming to listen to our community. I
urge President Joe Biden to expand the monument to permanently protect
Molok Luyuk.

Sandra Schubert

Woodland

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-raise-awarded-to-sacramento-city- manager-howard-chan-is-obscene-opinion/ar-AA1lYxmQ

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