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OPD too eager to emerge from federal control

Re: “Video shows officer shooting” (Page A1, Aug. 15).

Regarding the Oakland Police Department’s readiness (eagerness?) to exit the federal court oversight that began in 2003 amid the Riders police brutality scandal, the Aug. 15 article about the video footage of the fatal shooting of Jose Angel Castillo makes it abundantly clear that they need to remain under federal oversight.

According to the video footage, “Castillo took a step toward officers and swung one of two bladed weapons in the direction of the police while about two parking spaces away. At that point, an initial volley of at least seven gunshots could be heard, and Castillo could be seen collapsing face-first onto the pavement.”

The truly outrageous, indefensible part occurred when “After a pause of one or two seconds, an officer fired another shot as the man lay on the ground.” Better safe than sorry, I guess.

Mark Gabin
Concord

Bike plan forces cyclists into danger

Re: “Bike lanes plan generates outcry” (Page B1, Aug. 18).

I’m a 14-year Berkeley Hopkins resident who believes no good deed goes unpunished with the passage of an unpopular bike lane plan by Berkeley City Council.

Despite two stop signs having been added at a trafficked Hopkins intersection, the more dangerous Hopkins intersection a block away has four stop signs, and two more lanes incorporated into the bike plan: 5 feet wide, concrete divided, it will cram in generic two-wheelers, e-scooters, e-trikes, with no guarantee that high-speed mopeds and e-motos will not join the crowd. Imagine the voluntary flow of traffic with stop signs in all directions, as kids on two-wheelers, tailed by impatient e-bike riders and scooters trying to pass them, are unsure when to pedal forward.

The possibilities of who arrived in what order at the busiest intersection in the hub of the Hopkins shopping district will invite an accident.

Shirley Kirsten
Berkeley

Bike lanes will cost Hopkins businesses

Re: “Bike lanes plan generates outcry” (Page B1, Aug. 18).

Let the record state that Hopkins Street in Berkeley is not a “wide street” near our shops.

I have lived a half block off Hopkins for 36 years. Too many cars vying for precious few spaces, trying to maneuver through a tiny commercial district bustling with small businesses that the community wants to patronize. We already endure gridlock, cars dodging giant potholes, double-parked vehicles and jaywalking shoppers (including seniors). The city would strip our shops of all parking, leaving the nearest parking on Hopkins half a mile away. Most people will not be able to take advantage of bike tracks and will avoid the area. The businesses will lose their customers. All of which the city probably wants — new revenue from much higher property taxes.

The city is destroying a beautiful, if messy, community. There are other ways to build a society that don’t include making people leave.

Kathe Jordan
Berkeley

Our politics require a strong third party

Re: “Two party system is destined for change” (Page A10, Aug. 16).

While I don’t agree with all of the supporting statements in the letter, I do agree change is needed.

The writer concludes “both parties need to start working together again.” I am not optimistic about that point; I am more inclined to support a new party, such as the Forward Party. Check the website. They are very credible with leaders from both major parties and well-established in many states, including California.

Jim Kenna
Brentwood

Paper gives voice to a variety of views

Re: “No place in comics for ‘Mallard Fillmore’” (Page A10, Aug. 16).

Sam Van Zandt is, like others before him, suggesting removal of the comic strip “Mallard Fillmore” because he doesn’t think it’s funny.

I happen to find the strip humorous. I don’t read the comic strips I don’t find funny; perhaps Van Zandt should do the same.

It’s interesting that he isn’t asking for the highly political “Doonesbury” strip to be removed from the daily paper or Sunday color comics. Is it only acceptable if it aligns with his views?

We are all entitled to our views, but it’s unreasonable to foist one’s biased views upon everyone else. I am thankful the East Bay Times continues to provide a variety of comic strips for their readers’ enjoyment.

Linda Thompson
Walnut Creek

Donald Trump is the one rigging elections

It’s ironic that Donald Trump keeps saying the elections are rigged while he is, in fact, doing everything he can to rig the upcoming elections.

The voter fraud rate is 0.0003%. I guess Trump never heard the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Frank Grygus
San Ramon