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Rapper should find safer way to entertain kids

Re: “Rapper is accused of fireworks possession” (Page B1, July 27).

I had the impression that rapper Mistah F.A.B. was an outstanding Oakland citizen and philanthropist, so I was dismayed and disheartened to learn of his arrest for possession of fireworks, which are illegal in Oakland.

On Instagram on July 4, he’d said he had “about … $10,000 worth of fireworks for the kids.” Is he unaware that those using fireworks can be seriously injured and that the pervasive and ubiquitous fireworks use in Oakland is negatively impacting the quality of life here with extreme noise pollution, the potential for fires and the trauma to pets, wildlife and those with PTSD/phonophobia?

I certainly hope that he has learned these things from his arrest and will discontinue providing something so harmful and detrimental to the city I thought he loved. He needs to find something more positive and constructive to provide fun for the kids.

Peggy MoyersOakland

City should not have approved data center

Re: “Data center brings city rule changes” (Page A1, July 22).

I was alarmed to find out that the city of Hayward approved the massive 310,000-square-foot STACK data center to be built in our city.

The devastating and very serious health and environmental impacts of these mammoth data centers are concerning enough that in many cities throughout the country, protests from the citizens have stopped their progression or forced moratoriums on building such projects. Our city officials have determined that the almighty dollar is more important than the health and well-being of its citizens.

Did anyone making decisions actually research the damage this data center will bring to our city? Does anyone care?

Teresa DulbergHayward

Congress should set guidelines for ICE

Re: “The US could ‘abolish ICE.’ But then what?” (Page A7, July 29).

Among those who want to get rid of ICE, many feel that the deportation of any illegal immigrant is wrong, or want to make any deportation so difficult as to make it legally impractical. However, the vast majority of those same folks want some sort of border enforcement.

The title of this editorial seems to presume that we need to rid ourselves of ICE — period. But instead, I suggest our politicians try to compromise. Consider things like: the type of illegal immigrant to be deportable by ICE, using what methods, with how much public help, etc.

Daniel MautheLivermore

SAVE Act is latest authoritarian step

Re: “Trump insists Senate cancel break until voting bill passes” (Page A3, July 28).

Americans beware. Donald Trump is increasingly destroying our democracy and moving the United States into an authoritarian state.

He insists that the SAVE Act be passed, yet it would deprive millions of Americans of the vote. He urges the Supreme Court to curtail mail-in voting, which will also limit voting. He started the horrendous Iran war without congressional approval. The Strait of Hormuz was open for the world to use before Trump’s war. Now it is closed, and the entire world and its economies are severely suffering. And our bombs have caused so much destruction, and thousands are dying. Trump has alienated our allies as he cosies up to Vladimir Putin.

We need a wise president, not an ignorant, lying bully. Make your concerns known and protest.

Arlene ReedDiablo

Pass bill to make cancer detection affordable

Fewer than 31 cents a month could help save lives.

That is the estimated increase in monthly insurance premiums under the Stop Lung Cancer Early Act, legislation that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for follow-up screening and diagnostic services in California.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the state. As a cancer advocate, I know early detection is critical. However, while initial screenings are often covered, people may still face co-pays, co-insurance or deductibles for the follow-up care needed to confirm whether cancer is present.

For too many Californians at high risk of lung cancer, those costs can delay a timely diagnosis and treatment.

According to an independent analysis, the bill would save approximately $149,000 in avoided treatment costs per patient diagnosed at an early stage.

I hope Assemblymember Buffy Wicks will support this legislation to reduce the toll of lung cancer in California families.

Cynthia LeBlancRichmond