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Palm trees have no place in ‘Valley of Oaks’

Re: “Dying trees close Circle of Palms Plaza” (Page B1, Aug. 12).

San Jose is not Los Angeles.

Palm trees do not belong here. Before it was Silicon Valley, before it was the Valley of Hearts Delight, early explorers called it Valley of the Oaks.

Once the palm trees are gone, oaks or some other native tree should take their place.

This valley is a special place and should not be imitating Los Angeles.

Jane Power
San Jose

Shanahan’s car crash is an example for all

Re: “49ers coach admits causing Palo Alto crash” (Page A1, July 29).

When 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan took his eyes off the road to reach for a dropped phone, it resulted in a severe head-on collision. Humanizing this critical safety issue is a powerful way to raise awareness and turn this story into something positive for distracted driving awareness.

I urge all media outlets to replace the word “accident” with “crash” or “collision” in future reporting, as distracted driving is a preventable choice.

Our family has experienced the devastating, long-term consequences a single moment of inattention can have on our roads. Just two months after his wedding, our 28-year-old son, Kevin, was killed by a distracted driver.

I will endeavor to advocate for Kevin and give a voice to victims who have lost their lives due to a distracted driver.

Terri Yost
Santa Rosa

Payment to Owens is a bargain for radio show

Re: “Ronn Owens’ bankruptcy case dismissed amid scrutiny of $137,000 GoFundMe” (Aug. 11).

I echo the support expressed for former radio host Ronn Owens and contributions to his GoFundMe campaign.

I contributed and do not feel misled or ripped off as the U.S. Trustee attorney asserts. Owens’ boundlessly entertaining and informative show was broadcast for many years over the air for free. By comparison, I pay about $25 a month for SiriusXM.

I feel my contribution, however it was used, was a bargain, and I hope it eased his pain, be it physical, mental or financial.

Eric Rice
Scotts Valley

Aid to Israel benefits US in variety of ways

Re: “Excessive aid to Israel hurts U.S. citizens” (Page A6, Aug. 12).

The aid to Israel directly and indirectly aids us. Nearly all of it is required to be spent with our military/industrial complex, providing jobs for Americans and income for American companies. Since Israel needed to use this equipment in actual combat, they provided feedback that led to improvements for a wide variety of equipment on which our soldiers will have to depend. Denying this aid might cost us more.

Focusing on only one side guarantees that the Middle East conflict will continue. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians will not be possible until changes are made on both sides.

Richard Kroll
San Jose

 

This election, end GOP control of government

The control of the executive and legislative branches of government by the current Republican administration and Congress has accelerated a deeply concerning decline in our nation’s foundational systems and global standing.

Economic policies favoring tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy have worsened wealth inequality, putting an unsustainable financial strain on the middle and working classes while ballooning our national debt.

The administration’s isolationist foreign policy and erratic approach to international diplomacy have severely damaged our relationships with our global allies.

We urgently need to return to balanced governance that prioritizes long-term economic equity, environmental stewardship and responsible global leadership.

This year, let’s choose leaders who will defend our democracy and build a country that works for all of us, not just a few. I encourage everyone to vote Democratic in this year’s elections.

Let’s move our country forward — with hope, with unity and with a commitment to justice and opportunity for all.

Becky Green
Atherton