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Caballero is superior pick for treasurer
Re: “Eleni Kounalakis is our choice for treasurer” (Page A6, May 21).
I have to strongly disagree with the endorsement of Eleni Kounalakis for treasurer.
While Eleni has had a long tenure in government posts, none of it has been impressive, to say the least.
Her ascent into politics came with her appointment as ambassador to Hungary, after she made a very large donation to the Obama campaign. While there, she did little to nothing to push back against the increasingly authoritarian policies of Viktor Orban using U.S. soft power, instead just writing a book.
She later used her family’s real estate wealth to vastly outspend her opponents and become lieutenant governor. In that role, she has done little to nothing, not even using her professional background in housing to push new ideas.
Even her current website is bare-bones on her plans. We do not need to grant a do-nothing politician another grift.
State Sen. Anna Caballero is the better option.
Christopher Dooner
Sunnyvale
Halt the ban on more efficient gas appliances
Re: “Ban on heaters may be tweaked” (Page A1, May 6).
I do not agree with the push to do away with natural gas appliances.
I grew up in Ohio during the 1950s and 60s. Stove tops and ovens were mostly natural gas, as were water heaters. Furnaces were coal, natural gas or heating oil. Natural gas appliances had pilot lights that burned constantly. During those 20 years, I do not remember any news articles or discussions involving breathing problems, sickness or death because of natural gas appliances. So I ask, why were there no health issues back then, but sickness and even death reported now?
In general, natural gas is a more efficient heating fuel than electricity. In my opinion, since natural gas is both safe and efficient, let’s stop this push to do away with it.
Ron Eckert
Sunnyvale
Officers have standing to sue Trump over fund
Re: “Capitol officers decry Trump move” (Page A1, May 21).
The Domestic Emoluments Clause of the Constitution bars the president from receiving any profit, gain or financial benefit from the federal government or any state beyond the official salary and benefits of the office.
The Department of Justice addendum states that the government is “forever barred” from auditing or collecting pending tax claims related to past returns filed by Donald Trump, his family and his companies. Ethics experts say that if any taxes were underpaid, the agreement would effectively erase that debt, giving the president a clear and measurable financial benefit from the U.S. government.
About 140 police officers were injured during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In the following months, four officers who responded to the attack died by suicide.
The two officers filing suit have legal standing to stop the nearly $1.8 billion boondoggle to discourage political violence and save taxpayers money.
Mohan Raj
San Jose
President’s goal is to fleece US citizens
Re: “Government drops Trump tax case” (Page A1, May 20).
Donald Trump said he would show America his tax information when he first ran in 2016. He then refused, and someone, not the IRS, leaked it.
Trump has transformed all his cabinet members into sycophants and loyalists. He sued the IRS for $10 billion to soothe his damaged ego. Apparently, the Justice Department and IRS didn’t see any reason why not. Trump then has his case dropped, intends to set up a $1.8 billion fund to salve the wounds of everyone who has been “unjustly” damaged by Joe Biden’s administration. The people caught storming the Capitol and pardoned by Trump could file for compensation. The board would be under his control. Also, he and his family would not be investigated or audited by the IRS for any action forever after. This from a man who made over 3,000 stock transactions in 2025 and got into the crypto market.
The president came into office to make money.
David Eisbach
San Jose
There is no sanctuary if local agencies cave
Re: “Sheriff reports double number of ICE arrests at Sonoma County jail as tensions flare with activists” (May 13).
I found it troubling reading that ICE has continued to arrest double the numbers from 2024. Adding onto it, there have been sustained complaints confirming that sheriff’s staff violated county policy and California’s SB 54 sanctuary law by sharing information on inmates’ release and location with ICE.
It makes me believe that our communities aren’t safe if these local agencies break their rules to help federal deportation efforts. Congress must pass legislation imposing financial consequences on federal agencies that pressure local jails to share illegal information.
Zaki Lacanilao
San Jose
San Jose schools can do more to fight hunger
As San Jose families struggle with food insecurity, our schools must step up as food distribution hubs. Too many students come to school hungry, unable to focus or learn.
Schools are in the perfect position to help; they are trusted and easily accessible. Expanding meal programs beyond the average school day, whether it’s through weekend-prepped meals, summer distribution events and pantry hours, would allow families to access food banks during working hours.
Cities like Oakland have shown how this would work effectively. San Jose should follow this model by partnering with local nonprofits and allocating dedicated funding to expand school food distribution.
Our students cannot learn on empty stomachs. Investing in school food programs is investing in the future of the community.
Ryan Pham
San Jose