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Sites project a threat
to tribes, water quality
Re: “Newsom supports Sites Reservoir project” (Page B1, Dec. 11).
Gov. Newsom’s recent comments during his press conference in Colusa are an affront to California’s environmental advocates and indigenous communities. His dismissive remarks and his push for projects like the Sites Reservoir exemplify a blatant disregard for public input, tribal sovereignty and environmental law.
The proposed project would flood sacred tribal lands, destroy cultural resources and degrade water quality for millions of Californians. It would divert water from the already over-allocated Sacramento River, threatening salmon populations and harming ecosystems. Newsom’s fast-tracked approval process undermines the California Environmental Quality Act, sidelining critical protections for tribes and the environment.
At Save California Salmon, we urge readers to oppose these destructive projects. Protecting our rivers and honoring tribal rights isn’t optional — it’s essential. Let’s hold our leaders accountable to ensure California’s water policies prioritize equity and sustainability over political expediency.
Josa Talley
Orleans
Bill will make outdoors
more accessible for all
The first time I saw someone using hiking poles on the trail, I knew they would help me maintain my ability to enjoy the outdoors. I was hooked and developed training programs for hikers and people with mobility challenges so they could experience the many benefits of pole walking and pole hiking. As a long-time Sierra Club hike leader, I joined the Loma Prieta Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program which helps veterans experience the physical and emotional healing power of nature.
The EXPLORE Act, an outdoor recreation package in the U.S. Senate, would develop adaptive trails and more accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans or anyone with mobility issues. There are only a few weeks left for Congress to pass this legislation. I urge our Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to work with their colleagues and pass the EXPLORE Act now to ensure more people can comfortably spend time outdoors.
Jayah Paley
Pacifica
Treaty obligates
U.S. to help Ukraine
Re: “How Trump can end war in Ukraine for good” (Page A7, Dec. 5).
In Marc Thiessen’s opinion piece, he discusses the “Budapest Memorandum of Security Assurances, an agreement entered into between Russia, Ukraine, United States, and Britain” in 1994.
Ukraine agreed to give up “nearly 2,000 nuclear weapons,” In exchange for which Russia pledged to “respect the independence and sovereignty of existing borders of Ukraine” and to refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and the United States and Britain promised “to provide assistance to Ukraine if Ukraine should become a victim of an act of aggression.”
It seems blatantly clear, notwithstanding the current attitude that the United States has with respect to how or why we should be supporting Ukraine, that we are legally and morally obligated to do so, no matter what Donald Trump thinks or says we should or should not do.
Samuel Wright
Watsonville
Supreme Court unlikely
to hold with precedent
Re: “Supreme Court won’t save Musk’s DOGE plans” (Page A7, Dec. 10).
In his opinion piece, Noah Feldman is convinced the U.S. Supreme Court will decide against Donald Trump if he asks it to overturn the 50-year precedent of law that ensures the president must spend money that Congress appropriates.
Feldman seems unaware of the nature of the times, which is to erratically overturn all we have come to expect is sturdy and true. I offer one simple reality of such times: the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. This, from a Supreme Court whose three recently confirmed justices appointed by Trump swore during their confirmation hearings that they believed emphatically in stare decisis, “to stand by things decided.” Yet what did they do?
When what someone says doesn’t sync up with what they do, we’re in the presence of a lie. Take note of it. And good luck with that Supreme Court.
Jill Zahner
Campbell
Celebrate Harris inroads,
not Trump’s dodgy win
Re: “Harris fails to ignite Bay Area” (Page A1, Dec. 10).
Donald Trump’s campaign charade undermined democracy. He mistreated supporters — leaving them stranded in cold parking areas. His disdain was evident in his tardiness, refusal to outline real policies and crude jokes. At times, he even prioritized influencers’ podcasts over his audience.
Trump’s aim was clear: avoid accountability for the 2021 insurrection. Over four years and with billions of campaign dollars, he could afford to buy influence wherever possible. Yet Kamala Harris’s short, strong campaign nearly overcame the odds. Her near-success shows that genuine public service still resonates — but it’s a warning: Democracy must not be left to those who game the system.
Mary Kennedy
Santa Clara