Cyclists ride e-bikes in 2023 along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. The rising popularity of e-bikes and scrutiny of their safety are prompting calls for additional regulation in California.
Laura Morton/For the S.F. Chronicle
Regarding “California should reconsider its rush to regulate e-bikes” (Open Forum, SFChronicle.com, April 30): The proliferation of kids on electric bikes is getting out of control in Benicia. Some kids are riding them on the sidewalk where many of us walk our dogs.
Recently, a kid on an e-bike got way too close to me and my dog, which reacted and went after the bike, with the very young kid crashing to the ground. I made sure the kid was not hurt, but it could have been worse.
If there are no proper regulations, things will continue to get out of control, especially since summer will bring out even more unsafe riders. It’s a problem that will get worse unless it is addressed at a community level.
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Alicia Gallagher, Benicia
Statement inappropriate
I was shocked that the California voter pamphlet included a statement filled with anti-Israel and antisemitic stereotypes, falsehoods and tropes from gubernatorial candidate Don J. Grundmann.
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According to the secretary of state’s website, candidate statements “should be limited to a recitation of the candidate’s own personal background and qualifications.” How, then, was Grundman’s content permitted?
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Free speech is a fundamental right, but elevating conspiracy theories and falsehoods by including them in an official state publication lends them an air of legitimacy they do not deserve.
Publishing disinformation about Israel and Jews can fan the flames of hate; the state should not be in the position of amplifying it. California voters deserve better.
Susan Rothstein, San Francisco
Porter is too profane
My wife was startled when she received an email this week from gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter with the phrase “f— Trump” four times in it.
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My wife had been a donor to the Porter campaign. Never again.
We may disagree with the leadership of this country. We may dislike Donald Trump. But we, as civil citizen, should never stoop so low and be as classless as Porter. To say the least, she has lost our vote.
Furthermore, we have contacted the Democratic Party with hopes that it will ask Porter to suspend her candidacy for governor.
We do not need more vulgarity or violence in politics — or anywhere else in our lives.
Steven Anticevich, Union City
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Cartoon disrespects king
Regarding Jack Ohman’s editorial cartoon (Letters to the Editor, April 30): How is it ethical to put hateful and dangerous speech into the mouth of a visiting King Charles?
The king’s time in America has been filled with nothing but kindness, and he frequently mentioned how our two countries need to work together.
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The irony was reinforced by the cartoon’s placement next to a letter praising Charles’ tactful reaction to whatever he might disagree with concerning President Donald Trump.
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The two men appear to be friendly and have a good relationship. The cartoon’s reference to a polarizing and hateful cultural reference was offensive and not appropriate.