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Missed deadline reveals
mayor can’t lead
Re: “Oakland misses deadline for state crime help” (Web page A1, Sept. 16).
It’s unbelievable that metropolis officers failed to satisfy the deadline to obtain funds for preventing organized retail theft and different property crime. Oakland is embroiled in a criminal offense wave that leaves residents and companies as victims with out recourse since 911 doesn’t reply in real-time and police are so short-staffed {that a} response might imply driving miles to the scene, very a lot too late to catch anybody.
This cash might need given the Oakland Police Division a break on these crimes and left extra officers in a position to reply to assaults, shootings and murders.
The mayor might go round city talking about crime, however she had an opportunity to do one thing about it and her administration fell quick. She shouldn’t be able to operating this metropolis.
Judith Berne
Oakland
Will overhaul assist
frontline employees?
Re: “Psychological well being plan shall be as much as voters” (Web page B1, Sept. 19).
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed poll measure to modernize and reform the Psychological Well being Providers Act will remodel the lives of hundreds of Californians residing with extreme psychological sickness or housing insecurity. Nonetheless, it’s unclear if it can deal with the socioeconomic inequities confronted by neighborhood psychological well being practitioners, or the frontline employees, too.
For instance, compassionate and devoted social employees, particularly in locations like Oakland the place I reside, present psychological well being companies to traditionally disenfranchised communities, however are sometimes overworked, underpaid and overburdened with pupil mortgage debt. Social employees shall be working in these reformed programs if the measure passes.
As Gov. Newsom focuses on reforming psychological well being care in California, will he prioritize the wants of the frontline practitioners who’re treating this public well being disaster too?
Grace Cepe
Oakland
Mandate zero-emissions
buses for youths’ futures
As a member of the well being neighborhood [psychiatrist] involved about local weather change, I’m calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to signal Meeting Invoice 579, which would require that any new college buses bought or leased by college districts as of 2035 be zero-emission. This invoice handed the Legislature with overwhelming majorities.
Diesel college buses are harmful to youngsters’s bodily and psychological well being — a baby using inside a diesel college bus could also be uncovered to air that’s 40% extra polluted in comparison with using in a zero-emission bus. Diesel exhaust can also be a robust driver of local weather change.
We are able to — and should — change soiled diesel college buses with electrical college buses to guard our youngsters’ well being now and sooner or later. Please urge Gov. Newsom to signal AB 579.
Hina Fullar
Alamo
Self-driving vehicles
should be vetted first
Re: “Self-driving vehicles ban is unwarranted” (Web page 8, Sept. 24).
Thanks in your editorial.
I agree along with your assertion: “Self-driving vehicles pose significantly extra danger than vehicles. The governor, the Legislature and state companies ought to take a cautious method to permitting them on the street whereas working to advertise the progressive know-how.”
I feel autonomous automobiles should be required to move an “AV Driving Take a look at” earlier than being allowed to roam freely.
Peter Ciriscioli
Benicia
State wants new
method to issues
Re: “Politicians pointing fingers because the homelessness disaster persists” (Web page A9, Sept. 24).
It’s time to separate drug addicts and folks with behavioral well being points from the homeless. Each of those teams want a shelter with a mattress, rest room and meals, however extra importantly therapy for his or her dependancy and sickness.
The state must crack down on the folks dealing medicine on the road and put these folks in jail. It’s a crime that our state spends billions of taxpayer {dollars} annually, however politicians don’t have any frequent sense to place the correct insurance policies in place that assist these folks and likewise maintain our cities clear and protected for our residents, and permit companies to prosper.
The state wants a brand new technique and plan that is smart and offers with the actual issues.
Tom Elardy
San Ramon
Shine gentle on
water difficulty in Yemen
Yemen is a rustic positioned within the Center East. Since 2016, Yemen has been combating excessive illness unfold by contaminated water. The folks there have a tough time making an attempt to outlive with none clear water. Many have died due to this downside.
A resident of Al-Adn village claims that every time her household wanted water they needed to stroll an extended distance to gather it. She has to take her six youngsters along with her; they’ve dropped out of faculty to dedicate themselves to this activity.
I do know sufficient concerning the struggles in Yemen, seeing the dearth of fundamental wants firsthand is way worse than the quick peeks of what I’ve ever seen media painting. This is a matter that wants fast motion. I consider this must be talked about extra so Yemen can get the assistance it wants.
Muna Saleh
Harmony