San Francisco’s Down Payment Assistance Loan Program has helped more than 2,000 home buyers. Xavier Becerra has proposed a similar plan in his campaign for governor.
Lea Suzuki/S.F. Chronicle
Regarding “Endorsement: Two California governor candidates stand far above the field. Here’s our pick” (Editorials, SFChronicle, May 16): The governor’s race endorsement dismissed Xavier Becerra’s down payment assistance proposal as a populist idea that “only drives up prices.”
The editorial board may be unaware of San Francisco’s Down Payment Assistance Loan Program. The California Housing Finance Agency has operated similar programs — self-funded through mortgage revenues, not taxpayer dollars.
These are silent second loans repaid at resale, so the state recoups its investment and lends to the next family. California’s program helped 2,182 new homeowners in its first phase, 55% of whom were people of color, saving buyers roughly $1,200 monthly. Becerra simply proposes expanding what already works.
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The price-inflation critique applies to federal grants flooding constrained markets — not income-capped, lottery-based, shared-appreciation programs like these.
We are a third-generation San Francisco family; my husband and I have a combined income of less than $200,000 — comfortable most places, but not here. Without the city’s down payment assistance, we would have been renting indefinitely, far from family.
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The down payment program preserves the intergenerational fabric that keeps San Francisco a working city. It deserves expansion, not dismissal.
Liz Morrison, San Francisco
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Ranked choice not for all
Regarding “The partisan gerrymandering war is out of control. Here’s how we can end it,” (Open Forum, SFChronicle.com, June 2): I think the ideas for ranked-choice voting have merit for legislative offices such as Congress. For executive positions (mayor, attorney general, governor), they wouldn’t work.
A legislator’s job is to negotiate and create a road map and laws that the officers, such as mayors or governors, execute.
An executive’s job is to make decisions on how to apply policy. Unlike lawmakers, an executive must use their judgment when the rubber of legislation hits the road of reality.
Elected executives need to have the support that comes with receiving a clear majority, not a plurality, of votes.
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$250 ego trip
President Donald Trump and his enablers once again show their disdain for the law in their never-ending egotism and self-aggrandizement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for a $250 bill with Trump’s portrait on it. Perhaps if Trump and Bessent would take the time to consult with one of the many lawyers employed by the U.S. government, they would learn that the federal law states that: “Only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.”
This, along with his attempt to glom onto the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, build a fascist-style “triumphal arch” on the National Mall and replace the White House East Wing with an ugly ballroom, shows the extent to which Trump seeks to indulge his monarchical impulses and narcissistic need to build monuments to himself.
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Charles Wisch, San Rafael
That Beatles goodbye
Regarding “Snapshots of rock music lore: Rare photos reveal Beatles’ chaotic final concert at Candlestick Park,” (Arts & Entertainment, SFChronicle.com, May 29): The story should be retitled “Snapshots of rock music BORE.”
For decades, the Chronicle has reminded readers of this overblown event that was the Beatles’ last concert on Aug. 29, 1966. The first time I heard about it, I was moved somewhat, but as years have gone by, being reminded of it has become very off-putting, making me feel nauseous. The oversaturation of everything Beatles has become an instant annoyance and a click off.
The photographs in the article and all other ones seen through the years of the event are the dullest I’ve ever seen. Frankly, I do not want to see them ever again.
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Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership.
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A late co-worker, who witnessed that last concert, described it as one of the worst nights of her life.
Let’s put the Beatles and that last concert on the shelf and forget about it. Let the dust do as nature does.
Charles Birimisa, Watsonville, Santa Cruz County