Flood control is not abstract policy

“The American River nearly flooded Sacramento 40 years ago. How we forget | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 22)

In a region that has grown dramatically in both population and economic importance, it is easy to forget how close Sacramento came to disaster in 1986.

In the decades since that near-miss, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, working with federal, state and local partners, has continued the careful work of strengthening levees, addressing erosion and maintaining the American River Parkway.

Commemorating this anniversary is more than reflection: It reinforces the importance of vigilance, stewardship and continued investment in the flood protection systems that safeguard our community.

Patrick Kennedy

Chair, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency

District 2, Sacramento County

Newsom’s candor on Israel

“Newsom dares Democrats to catch up by calling Israel a ‘sort of apartheid’ | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, March 6)

Gov. Gavin Newsom is receiving strong pushback for referring to Israel as an apartheid state.

Notably, in 2021, two former Israeli ambassadors to South Africa, Ilan Baruch and Alon Liel, concluded that Israel had indeed become an apartheid regime.

They cited the two-tiered legal system in the West Bank and the forcing of Palestinians to live on smaller and smaller tracts of land.

For these former ambassadors, this forced displacement is reminiscent of apartheid South Africa, in which large numbers of Black South Africans were forcibly relocated onto enclaves called homelands.

When even former Israeli diplomats acknowledge the crime of apartheid, it should be seen as neither extreme nor controversial for an American governor to say so. Governor Newsom’s candor deserves praise, not condemnation, and his words should prompt reflection on whether our nation’s silence serves justice or merely shields oppression.

Terry Hansen

Grafton, Wis.

Lost farm land in Natomas

“North Natomas industrial development secures last regulatory approval” (sacbee.com, March 8)

Lost farm land can never be regained, and as long as there is available land within city limits, there is no need for this development.

Speculative “growth” on shrinking parcels of farm land to prop up a diminishing general fund is not good fiscal policy — it is a recipe for a future where there is no open space and no ability to acquire any. Finally, it will not solve the city’s financial crisis.

Bill Motmans

Sacramento

Boycotts work

“From Bad Bunny to Amazon, boycotts mean nothing if nobody really cares | Opinion” (sacbee.com, February 25)

There are plenty of Americans who care about DEI, ICE raids, loss of healthcare, the increased costs of living and now the cost of war in lives and spending. Why would any citizen give their business to a company that supports politicians or governmental demands that harm its people?

While I understand that the number of boycotts can be overwhelming, money talks. For example, in 2025, Target scaled back its DEI initiatives. A sustained boycott reduced foot traffic and sales. That caused a significant drop in stock values and the eventual resignation of the CEO, Brian Cornell. That is just one example.

We have the power to force change and boycotts are a formidable tool available to everyone.

Julia Garland

Folsom

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