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Measure D will help us care for open space
Re: “Endorsement: Santa Clara Valley open space tax would be too much, too soon” (May 23).
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The Mercury News’ opposition to Measure D is ill-considered.
Measure D, funding the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, is affordable, costing the average homeowner only $32 a year.
The authority has done a good job by protecting 30,000 acres in just over 30 years, leveraging each local funding dollar into three dollars of grants or matching funds. But more land is more expensive to maintain and keep safe.
Funds can only be used for the purposes in the measure; public oversight and accountability exist for how the money is spent.
Measure D is a parcel tax, as was the original funding for the authority, which the Mercury News supported. Yet this newspaper now favors requiring a supermajority method of funding.
A who’s who of organizations and officials support Measure D. They understand threats to our hills remain.
Will Rogers said, “Buy land. They ain’t making any more of the stuff.”
John Fioretta
San Jose
Parcel tax could be too little, too late
Re: “Endorsement: Santa Clara Valley open space tax would be too much, too soon” (May 23).
Your editorial opines that “the Santa Clara Valley Open Space tax would be too much, too soon.”
Every single day we drive our planet to the brink; with resultant droughts, fires, deluges, flooding, heat domes, freezing temperatures, vicious storms, uncertainties, fears, anxiety, injuries, deaths, massive expenses and unlivability for people and the planet.
The tax, about $32 a year for my wife and I as homeowners, may in fact be too little, too late. But we have to try, people. Vote yes on Measure D.
Jim Petkiewicz
San Jose
Lack of resources put children at risk
Re: “Girl, 8, dies after removal from San Jose home” (Page A1, May 19).
As a community advocate, social worker and parent, like many, my heart breaks and I feel absolute sadness, anger and outrage about the deaths of children. This is a nightmare for all involved, and it impacts all.
Social workers are required to follow the state and local policies and department directives regardless. Child safety is vital and support and resources to families are critical. Parents have expressed frustration with system barriers to much-needed services.
We need system improvements and for the community to assist and be willing to help care for children while families heal. We need to invest in families from literally the cradle to the grave in all government systems. We need to listen to the input of families and social workers.
Our children are sacred, precious and vulnerable. Regardless of ideology or opinion, let’s come together as a community to do everything within our power to help.
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Carla Torres
San Jose
Column makes Becerra top choice for governor
Re: “State’s voters want results, not more ‘resistance theater’” (Page A8, May 24).
As Tracy Hernandez wrote, we desperately need “builders, not blockers.” After opening my ballot and finding the number running for governor enough to make me dizzy, I looked back to the debates, which I found disappointing.
Being an “open primary,” I checked for an R, D or I by each name, as in my experience, the Rs tend to take things away or limit benefits to those most in need. The list was becoming more manageable. Next was looking at experience — who is a builder and who is a blocker — not just saying so, but presenting a credible résumé rather than just trashing opponents. I want a governor who will problem-solve rather than focus on winning. I want honesty and ethics.
Thank you to Tracy Hernandez for helping me mark my ballot for Xavier Becerra. As a bonus, he’ll protect California from Donald Trump’s attacks on us.
Lura Halbert
Los Gatos
Fixing strays, pets could ease shelter crush
Re: “Six months after scathing audit of San Jose shelter, animal advocates fume over unresolved problems” (May 11).
San Jose Animal Care and Services handles over 11,000 animal intakes each year, including thousands of stray and surrendered animals, placing significant pressure on the shelter system.
According to city shelter reporting, some animals enter the system through owner-requested euthanasia cases, typically due to serious medical or behavioral issues. While shelter staff work to adopt out or transfer animals whenever possible, limited capacity and resources can make outcomes challenging in some cases.
Abandoning animals increases this burden and contributes to overcrowded conditions. Strengthening public education on responsible pet ownership and expanding access to low-cost spay and neuter services could help reduce intake and prevent abandonment.
Addressing this issue early is key to improving outcomes for both animals and the community.
Marissa Gallardo
San Jose
Bill offers hope for solving housing crisis
AB 1751, the Missing Middle Townhome Ownership Act, advancing unanimously out of the California State Assembly, sends an important message: California is beginning to recognize that we must build more housing, and build it faster.
For cities like San Jose, this is critical. Our economic future depends on whether teachers, nurses, first responders, business professionals and working families can afford to live in the communities they serve. Townhomes and other “missing middle” housing types offer a practical pathway to attainable homeownership while supporting thoughtful growth.
This bill is also a reminder that California’s housing crisis will not be solved without streamlined approvals, smarter land-use policies and a willingness to get more housing projects moving.
More housing production means more construction jobs, more local investment, stronger neighborhood businesses and healthier cities overall. Expanding homeownership opportunities strengthens communities and helps preserve opportunity and economic mobility for the next generation.
Nicholas E. Adams
San Jose
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