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Pausing data centers is responsible planning

Re: “Council member looks to hit pause on data centers” (Page A1, Sept. 22).

Oakland should pause before approving data centers. The East Bay Times recently reported that Oakland may consider a 45-day moratorium on new AI data centers. The pause deserves support.

Data centers can consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, require polluting backup generators and drive costly grid upgrades. Before Oakland accepts more proposals, residents deserve clear information about energy demand, water use, air-quality impacts, utility agreements and whether ordinary ratepayers will be left carrying infrastructure costs.

A short pause is not anti-technology. It is responsible planning. California has begun strengthening data-center oversight; Oakland should use this time to establish local safeguards, meaningful public review and environmental-justice protections.

Congress should establish a national transparency standard as well. Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff should co-sponsor S. 5054, the Data Center Tax Accountability and Disclosure Act, so communities are not asked to host AI infrastructure without knowing its true costs.

Laurie Manning
San Leandro

BART cuts should come before new taxes

Re: “Commutes to rise if measure fails” (Page A1, Sept. 24).

I believe that BART and the other transit agencies already have a means to avoid a financial cliff, and that is by belt-tightening. For too long they have been bloated, top-heavy, and generous with salaries.

Stop and realize it’s time to make cuts.

Sharon Dixon
San Leandro

Measure RTM will save public transit’s future

Re: “Cut excesses before raising region’s taxes” (Page A6, Sept. 25).

I strongly urge you to approve the Regional Tax Measure on your Nov. 3 ballot despite Steve Glazer’s opposition.

He believes that “right-sizing” is needed before giving BART any more funds. When I served on the board of directors, BART carried 440,000 people daily. Seventy percent of BART’s revenue for operations was from riders’ fares, not taxpayers. The pandemic severely reduced ridership, but now riders are slowly coming back. Shrinking BART for today’s commuters will result in a minimal system unable to attract essential new ridership. Lowering costs won’t save the $350-$400 million needed annually to prevent station closures and terminating service at 9 p.m.

Glazer’s anger would doom not only BART but AC Transit, Muni and the measure’s other bus, rail and ferry systems to ongoing fiscal deficits. Your yes vote on the transit tax is needed to preserve the backbone of our transit system now and for future generations.

Gail Murray
Walnut Creek

Voters aren’t fools; pass Prop. 43

Re: “Prop. 43 obliterates citizens’ solutions to local challenges” (Page A6, Sept. 29).

President Roberts of the California Professional Firefighters apparently has no confidence that the citizens of California cities can recognize what their city needs. He proposes that half the voters can negate the other half.

In Alameda, we take public safety seriously and have voted in favor of excellent fire and police protection. Other priorities such as schools, streets and parks have to be balanced to have fiscal responsibility. Alameda and many other cities know how to do this.

Don’t worry that the voters will be fooled. Vote yes on Proposition 43.

Roger Ecker
Alameda

Market, not Trump, will set fuel economy rules

Re: “Feds lower fuel economy rules” (Page A1, Sept. 29).

Enough of the “blame game.” Car manufacturers don’t want a $30,000 paperweight sitting on the showroom floor indefinitely. They manufacture what people want. We vote with our wallets and everyone’s vote counts. If we don’t want vehicles that pollute more, don’t buy them. They won’t be made or shipped to California.

Half our Bay Area trips are four miles (or less) taken by able-bodied adults under sunny skies with little cargo. We don’t even need cars for such trips, yet we choose this option — resulting in substantial harm to ourselves and the environment. Do we actually care?

Motorists will make this choice, not Donald Trump or the EPA. Our words say we are concerned, but our actions say otherwise. Guess which one speaks loudest? We will get exactly the outcome we ask for. Stop blaming others and look in the (rear-view) mirror.

Stacy Spink
Castro Valley

Vote for Amos White for Alameda City Council

Amos White is the Alameda City Council candidate who knows that the sense of community defines our city’s character.

I have worked with Amos at the crossroads of community needs. He knows Alameda cannot face climate change, housing costs or infrastructure problems alone. He understands how global events shape daily life and is preparing our community for what’s coming while ensuring the next generation can afford to remain in the community they love.

Amos brings state and national resources to Alameda and is able to secure funding to repair infrastructure that benefits everyone. He is a proven team builder and innovator who listens and ensures those most affected help shape solutions.

Amos White unites strong policy with community values. He is ready to safeguard Alameda’s future. A vote for Amos is a vote for Alameda.

Larry A. Gosselin
Livermore