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City should consider
green space in project
Re: “Golf site housing plan tests the waters” (Page B1, Feb. 27).
Thank you for your article about plans to build housing on the old Pleasant Hills Golf Course site in East San Jose. As a board member for Green Foothills, a local nonprofit that advocates for protecting our local environment, I want to emphasize the importance of including green space and parks in any new development on this site.
East San Jose is sorely lacking in parks and trees compared to more historically privileged San Jose neighborhoods, so the city should make sure that any development on the old golf course site includes plenty of trees, natural open space areas and other greenery. The health benefits of natural spaces are well-documented, including improvements in air and water quality; reducing the urban heat island effect of pavement and buildings; and improvements in residents’ physical and mental health.
I urge the city to take this into consideration in the planning process.
Nancy Federspiel
Menlo Park
Constant rate increases
create harsh choices
Re: “Profits for greedy PG&E are no surprise” (Page A6, Feb. 27).
Here’s a high five to Tony Weir on his letter about PG&E, the CPUC and Gov. Newsom.
The governor’s appointees to the PUC OK any and every request for rate increases. I have started many letters about these two organizations but Tony’s letter made me write. I thank the Mercury News for calling them out regularly, but the governor doesn’t listen. Does he even care? And I have voted for him. Names and numbers for PUC members are listed. Maybe we need a full-court phone press on them because now AT&T and water companies are asking them to raise our rates too.
We used to choose between food and meds. Now it’s between food and utilities. Shame on the CPUC for turning their backs on us.
Sandy Foehr
San Jose
Sister city program
has untold rewards
Re: “San Jose welcomes sister-city delegation” (Page B1, Feb. 28).
The recent article highlighting the sister-city relationship between San Jose and Dublin, Ireland, emphasizes the significance of Silicon Valley engaging in global collaborations.
Despite geographical distances, the dedication of local leaders to fortify this bond serves as an inspiring example. The cross-cultural exchange goes beyond technology, fostering mutual respect and unity, contributing to economic advancements and promoting the exchange of ideas in all aspects of life.
Even for a globally admired tech-centric city, it’s heartening to see San Jose actively participating in partnerships worldwide. There are countless valuable lessons to be learned from others, be it transit-oriented housing developments in China, high-speed rails in Japan or community-oriented neighborhoods in Guatemala, all of which play a vital role in fostering growth and interconnectedness.
The collaboration with Dublin emphasizes the value of mutual learning and stands as proof of the invaluable lessons that emerge from international partnerships.
Stanley Wan
Los Altos
City, not SJSU,
must help homeless
As a San Jose State student and Bay Area resident, I believe our local politicians need to make real progress with helping the homeless population in our area.
I am not one to judge people on their misfortunes, and I try to help in any way. The homeless population has started to creep onto our campus. Yes it is a public university and everyone is welcome, but when do we draw a line? The homeless population needs our help. We need to create spaces for them to receive the help they need on all levels.
With the amount of wealth in just Silicon Valley alone, we as human beings should be able to help one another. If the homeless population keeps coming to our campus, I fear it will make potential students steer clear.
Rand Grenier
Redwood City
Keep court at nine
to keep independence
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At Vladimir Putin’s command, the judges of Russia imprison his opponents, like Alexei Navalny, and manipulate their laws to extend his murderous reign.
Even with a conservative majority, the justices of America have opposed Donald Trump’s unconstitutional grabs for power and will soon rule on his claim of absolute presidential immunity. The independence of the court safeguards from “dictators for a day.” To manipulate the size of the court for the political expediency of any one side not only erodes the court’s independence but threatens the stability of and trust in our democracy.
To save our democracy, we must enact the Keep 9 Amendment, which simply states, “The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine justices.”
Eugene Greg Zulueta
San Jose