Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.

Courageous cop should receive highest honor

Re: “Police, resident recount deadly San Jose shootout” (Page A1, Aug. 27).

Along with my neighbors in San Jose, I send thoughts and prayers for Sergeant Walsh’s quick and full recovery. His actions on Aug. 25 went far beyond the usual expectations of law enforcement.

While many officers might humbly say they were just doing their jobs, Sergeant Walsh’s choice to put himself in harm’s way to stop a dangerous criminal and prevent more harm was a truly heroic act.

If I could, as a private citizen, I’d award him the highest police honor, as I firmly believe Sergeant Matt Walsh is highly deserving of the Medal of Honor from the San Jose Police Department.

Jeff Levine
San Jose

Build on Meta deal with stronger protections

Re: “Meta agrees to limits for kids” (Page A1, Aug. 27).

Meta’s settlement with nearly every U.S. state over teen social media addiction is an important step toward protecting young people online.

Meta now has to pay up to $18 billion over the next decade and make changes to Facebook and Instagram, including limits on teen usage, overnight restrictions and fewer notifications during school hours. But money alone will not solve the problem. States should use the settlement funds for mental health programs, education and resources that help teenagers develop healthier relationships with technology. Parents, schools and social media companies also need to work together to create a safer online environment.

Teenagers should be able to use social media without feeling pressured to constantly stay online. This settlement should be the beginning of stronger protection.

Diego Martell
San Jose

We all could learn from Parton’s example

Re: “Bay Area fondly recalls an icon” (Page A1, Aug. 26).

A prominent national poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts earlier this year named Dolly Parton the most beloved public figure in the United States. The tributes that have been flooding in following her death this week express why. They note her kindness, generosity and acceptance of all people as they are; her humble beginnings and authenticity. Americans of all political stripes agree on this.

But how many of our political leaders embody these virtues? Would our political dialogue be more civil if they did? Would it be less difficult to enact policies that support literacy, healthcare, childcare and food security? Would we look at those who are different from us with more kindness and compassion?

As the flags are at half-staff in Dolly’s honor, may we be inspired to do as Dolly did.

Gary Bertuccelli
Santa Clara

State must do more to protect against fire

Re: “Zone Zero rules arrive” (Page A1, Aug. 24).

California’s new Zone 0 rules aim to reduce home ignitions by requiring the clearing of flammable materials within five feet of houses. It is a start. Hopefully, more attention will now be turned to truly protecting homes by enabling their hardening against ember storms during major wind-driven wildfires.  No amount of landscaping protects a home from the fury of an ember storm. Embers exploit every gap, vent, crack and fuel source a structure offers.

The state must establish a robust retrofit program that ensures that all homes in higher-fire-risk severity zones have Class A roofs, fire-resistant siding, ember-resistant vents, enclosed eaves, gutter guards and tempered-glass windows. Despite potentially steep costs, there will be significant savings from avoided disaster spending, insurance‑fund payouts and community‑scale economic losses.

Zone 0 is just the beginning; hardened homes are the finish line.

Jennifer Normoyle
Hillsborough

Prop. 40 is last hope until Trump leaves

Re: “Five state measures will ask: Who pays billions in new tax?” (Page A6, Aug. 27).

California is one of 19 donor states: a state that pays more in federal taxes than the federal government returns. The other 31 states pay less than they receive from the federal government.

California pays tens of billions of dollars more than it receives in federal benefits: Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps, education grants, PBS and infrastructure improvements to name a few. California pays more than any other donor state. California is the “Golden Goose.”

The Trump administration has frozen, deferred and withheld billions from California, alleging fraud. As a state, we can not print money or issue tariffs. Proposition 40 may be the only way out until Trump is out.

Morris Chassen
San Jose

Vote for Democrats for an equitable America

As we approach this year’s crucial election, we face an important choice about the future of our nation. Voting for Democratic candidates is the most effective way to ensure a future built on shared prosperity, equality and progress for all Americans.

Democrats consistently advocate for policies that invest in everyday citizens rather than concentrating benefits for corporations and the ultra-rich.

From lowering prescription drug and health care costs to supporting infrastructure improvements and clean energy, Democratic leadership has focused on building a stronger, more equitable future.

At this pivotal moment, Democratic candidates offer the clearest commitment to protecting democratic institutions, personal freedoms and economic opportunity for everyone.

Democracy works best when every voice is heard. I urge every eligible citizen to register, research the issues, and vote for Democratic leaders. The fate of our country is in our hands.

Ron Sadler
Palo Alto