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Masks offer protection
as COVID rates rise
Re: “Wastewater data shows COVID-19 nearing new peak; experts urge safety” (Page A1, July 6).
The sharply increasing levels of COVID found in Bay Area wastewater ought to be raising alarms across the region and the state.
While hospitalizations have not increased proportionally, it is irresponsible to say that “the threat for most people has become negligible.” This is completely false. There is ample data to back this up. Since the pandemic began in 2020 there has been a persistent reduction in labor force participation rates. Not coincidentally, there has also been a persistent and sharp increase in the numbers of disabled people among working ages 19-59. This is primarily due to long Covid which can result from “mild” infections as well as asymptomatic infections.
Vaccines alone won’t protect us from the ravages of COVID and long COVID. In fact, it can be argued that masking and improved ventilation will do more to protect us from COVID than will the available non-sterilizing vaccines.
Anthony Stegman
San Jose
State must control
runaway college costs
As a San Jose State University student, I am deeply concerned about increasing tuition and living expenses.
The burden of these expenses is causing severe financial hardship for many students, leading some to make difficult choices between their education and necessities. This economic strain not only impacts academic performance but also affects mental health and overall well-being.
I urge the university administration and state legislators to take immediate action to address this issue by increasing funding for higher education and providing more financial support to students. Affordable education is crucial for the success of our community and the future workforce.
Billy Nguyen
San Jose
Ignoring climate change
is the costlier choice
Re: “California shift from fossil fuel would cost us” (Page A8, July 7).
Dan Walters’ op-ed is extremely narrow-minded. Ignoring climate change will cost far more.
The July 10 Mercury News reported, “Extreme heat is costly for California,” citing $7.7 billion in costs. Losses from wildfires exceed $100 billion annually, leading to massive insurance rate hikes and making some homes uninsurable. Firefighting costs top $3 billion yearly. In 2023, storms and flooding cost California $3 billion. The public will end up paying these costs through taxes or increased prices.
Sticking to the old funding model and not addressing climate change is like refusing to fix a leaky roof because you’re worried about the cost of new shingles, even as the water damage ruins your entire house.
Walters’ argument is limited to funding roads through gasoline taxes. Instead of halting climate action, couldn’t we find alternative ways to fund roads? That seems logical.
Cheryl Weiden
Los Altos
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Question isn’t who
but what to vote for
It is not a question of who to vote for; it is a question of what to vote for.
A vote for a Republican is a vote for dictatorship and the end of our country as we have known it. A vote for a Democrat is a vote for freedom.
It is not a hard choice. Vote not for a person but vote for your future and mine.
Duane Stevenson
Cupertino