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EVs aren’t a panaceafor CO2 emissions
Re: “It’s time for Californians to go all in on fully electric vehicles” (Page A6, Oct. 15).
While completely electric cars create less carbon emissions than hybrids and gasoline vehicles, converting to EVs may be better for the environment but we must consider the claim in full before going all in.
The intensive manufacturing of today’s EVs can produce around 80% more emissions during production compared to building gasoline vehicles, due to the main component of the battery being lithium, and the extensive process of mining the material. Although electric vehicles emit less CO2 than other cars over their life cycle, lithium-ion batteries wind up in landfills since recycling them is harder than creating new ones.
If carbon emissions were the only factor to consider, then it’s safe to go all in. However, if a more holistic approach were to be taken, considering the water and soil contamination seen during the lithium-mining process, then there are serious concerns to consider about electric vehicles.
Kasey NguyenFremont
Nair offers fresh voicefor Fremont board
In a district craving fresh energy, 18-year-old Rinu Nair is emerging as a dynamic candidate in the Fremont Unified School District Area 4 trustee race. A former student and wellness advocate, Rinu brings an often-overlooked perspective — one from inside the classroom. Having just graduated, she intimately understands the pressures students face, especially in mental health and academics.
With the current board lacking a student voice, Rinu’s candidacy is a breath of fresh air. Her focus on wellness, education and student needs sets her apart from traditional candidates. For those seeking true student representation, Rinu is the bold, new voice FUSD needs.
Jigar ShahFremont
Keep Wendy Reicheron Acalanes board
Wendy Reicher is a believer, a caring, smart energizing force, and a champion for our teens.
As a parent, friend and counselor, she teaches kids to advocate for themselves, to get summer jobs, to take charge of their future. She’s guided me and other frustrated parents through 504s, IEPs, SATs, ACTs, WUE, APs and every other set of numbers and initials flung our way. She’s keenly aware of our budget challenges and ready to face them head-on. Wendy has a pragmatic way of acknowledging what is and a sharp mind for creative problem-solving to determine what could be.
I call Wendy my “spark plug,” and I know I’m just one of many who feel this way about her, who have benefited from her care, tenacity and fire. Our board needs its spark plug. Vote for Wendy Reicher.
Beverly Jane PeatrossLafayette
Give Pleasant Hill’sMeasure S a no vote
Please vote no on Measure S, a $77 million bond to further fund the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, already one of the best-funded districts of its size in California.
The bonds, if approved, will increase property taxes for everyone in the district, at a time when many of us are challenged, and require a repayment of $126 million over 30 years — 30 years of tax increases.
The district already has two outstanding bonds and the voters said “no” to a similar measure, the 2020 Measure A that would have burdened taxpayers with $63.5 million of new debt. After a strong no vote on Measure A, the district is so out of line with its constituents that it actually asked for more.
The district has an insatiable appetite for spending that needs to stop.
David MartinezPleasant Hill
On Nov. 5, be avoter for the climate
My patient George suffered acute kidney failure from working outside during a weeklong heat wave. He recovered, but not everyone will be so lucky. Over 600 people died of heat in Phoenix in 2023. Hurricanes like Helene and Milton — supercharged by the same trapped heat — killed hundreds, devastating lives and property. The American Medical Association calls climate change a public health crisis. Everyone is at risk.
The remedy: leaders and policies to rapidly reduce carbon emissions. We already have the technology, and transitioning to clean energy will provide immediate health benefits by cleaning the air we breathe. But progress is stymied by fossil fuel-funded denial and delay. “Drill baby drill” is a poisonous prescription.
We as voters have the power to change that. Act now. Confirm, register and make a voting plan. Share your concerns with friends. On Nov. 5, be a voter for climate and health.
Cynthia MahoneyDanville
Joe Biden’s Americabetter than 4 years ago
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Are we better off today than we were four years ago?
When Donald Trump left office, the nation was in chaos. People were dying and the economy was tanking due to Trump’s mishandling of the COVID epidemic and giveaways to the wealthiest Americans that blew up the national debt. NATO and other international alliances were in shambles, leading to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Immigrant families were separated and living in cages at the border. And Trump threw the Palestinians under the bus, leading directly to the terror of Oct. 7.
Joe Biden re-established the rule of law, rebuilt our alliances, stood up for Ukraine, negotiated strong immigration legislation (which Trump blocked), and invested in our country’s infrastructure, preventing a recession. As a result, the economy is doing better and inflation is decreasing. Clearly, we are better off now than four years ago.
Andrew ScharlachAlamo