Closing of Porter’s Market Leaves a Void in Washington Manor

Editor:

There were rumors for months and months, and we all hoped they would never come true, but on the weekend of May 11th and 12th, they did. Porter’s Market closed its doors and what a loss this will mean for all of us here in Washington Manor.

The people who worked there were our friends. They cared about us and we cared about them. The produce was beautiful and the meat market was exceptional. Porter’s was not only convenient, but was a local gathering place for friends and neighbors.

I’ve lived in Washington Manor for 58 years and many changes have taken place, but this one really hurts. May those who worked for us, created friendships with us, and were so faithful to us and our needs, find the changes in their lives now rewarding and beneficial in every possible way, knowing they will never be forgotten.

—Art and Barbara Matthews

San Leandro

Takes Issue with Realtors’ Claim on Mortgage Deduction

Editor:

In recent weeks, radio listeners have been assaulted by National Association of Realtors claims that the IRS Home Mortgage deduction promotes home ownership.

What the radio voices of little boy defending house from dragons and concerned mom really means is: get ready for delivery of large truckload of bovine excrement. The argument is nonsense.

Home affordability is determined by, amazingly, how much you can afford. If you can afford a $1200/month mortgage payment, then you can’t buy a house for which the payment is $1300/month.

A given mortgage payment consists of a certain amount of interest and a certain amount of principal. If interest rates are low then a mortgage payment of $1200 per month will get you a house with a higher price than if interest rates are high.

Don’t believe me? The National Association of Realtors no less declared that “Home prices, particularly in high cost areas, could decline 15 percent if recommendations to convert the mortgage interest deduction to a tax credit are implemented.” Understand that the mortgage interest deduction lowers the effective interest rate and raises house prices. Removal of the deduction raises it and lowers house prices.

In other words, the National Association of Realtors is claiming that higher home prices are good for “Home Ownership.”  Like higher gas prices makes driving your car more affordable?

This is just special interests lobbying the government for special favors. The National Association of Realtors spent $80 million last year lobbying congress on this issue.

Obviously, it is in the interest of Realtors for the government to subsidize lower effective interest rates because that jacks up the price of housing and results in higher commissions. And it is in the interest of local government to have higher house prices because that provides higher property tax revenue.

Additionally, it is in the interest of Banks to have the government subsidize lower effective interest rates because it effectively drives up housing prices and gives them more business lending money. The banks are getting the full interest rate, the effective interest rate is reduced by a government kick-back to the borrower. However circuitous, it amounts to  government welfare payments to banks.

But when the banks, realtors and government are happy, are home buyers?  Why would a home buyer want to pay a higher price for a house?

—Richard Eisenman

San Leandro

Congressional Republicans Called ‘Vandals’

Editor:

Here’s what it’s come to with Congressional Republicans.

In the Senate, they recently held votes on proposed legislation to change our gun laws. The massacre of 20 first-grade students and 6 school personnel finally shook Congress into action.

Except it didn’t. Every Bill was voted down, including one meant to close a huge loophole which allows criminal and mentally ill people to purchase guns. Forty percent of gun sales in the U.S. are completed this way. The Bill to reduce this loophole was co-authored by a Republican Senator, Pat Toomey. His fellow Republicans killed the Bill. Why?

Toomey’s explanation: “In the end it didn’t pass because we’re so politicized. There were some on my side who did not want to be seen helping the president do something he wanted to get done, just because the president wanted to do it...I would suggest the administration brought this on themselves. I think the president ran his re-election campaign in a divisive way.” So, because Senate Republicans are pouty children, more gun murders!

Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, Republicans have placed the 37th vote on their agenda to repeal health care reform, aka Obamacare. The President and Democrats in the Senate will not vote to repeal the law. The House vote will accomplish nothing.

Well, House Speaker John Boehner says it will accomplish something. “We’ve got 17 new members that have not had the opportunity to vote on (Obamacare). Frankly, they’ve been asking for an opportunity to vote on it, and we’re going to give it to them.”

These are not legislators. They are vandals, only interested 24/7 in using misinformation, fear and prejudice in order to serve the rich and force government to leave the problems in modern society unattended.

—Doug Jones

San Leandro

Home Town Joys!

Editor:

We spent a lovely Mother’s Day seeing Bancroft Middle School’s production of “Guys and Dolls” and then had dinner at Paradiso. The students at Bancroft did a great job.

—Marcia Cronin

San Leandro

School Parcel Tax Exemption Available for Senior Citizens

Editor:

San Leandro homeowners who are age 65 or older as of July 1, 2013 may apply for an exemption from the $39 per year parcel tax. The San Leandro Unified School District Measure L Parcel Tax approved by the voters in 2012 provided for such an exemption.

To receive this exemption, the senior citizen homeowner must complete an application and deliver it to the school district office no later than June 30, 2013.

Application forms may be obtained by calling the school district office at 800-273-5167. The completed application may be dropped off or mailed to Attn.: Parcel Tax Exemption, San Leandro Unified School District, 14735 Juniper St., San Leandro CA 94579.

There are only a few weeks left to apply for this exemption, so don’t wait and miss the opportunity to save $39 on your property taxes.

—George Tucker

Senior Assembly member

California Senior Legislature

San Leandro

Time to Stop Deficit Spending and Pay Down National Debt

Editor:

Nuclear threats made by North Korea – followed by terrorism in Boston – demonstrate the need for a strong defense. If we let the national debt get to the point where all revenue is consumed by interest payments and entitlements, we will be at the mercy of such nations as North Korea and Iran, (maybe eventually China.)

We will also be more vulnerable to terrorists getting nukes, as we would no longer have the deterrent of being able to trace such weapons to their country of origin. We must write to our elected officials about all this.

We should urge them to stop deficit spending, and adopt budgets that will pay down the national debt and looming entitlement shortages.

It would help if we sell rainforest owners the expertise for harvesting the rainforests much more profitably and sustainably (perhaps for a lease or share, at least for some term.) This is discussed at www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm.  (For subsistence farmers, see www.rainforestsaver.org. And the need for firewood can be reduced by working with Solar Cookers International.)

—Alex Sokolow

Santa Monica

Calls for President Obama to Reject the Keystone Pipeline

Editor:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) blasted the State Department’s review of the XL Keystone pipeline, which said it will have no impact on the environment.

By challenging this audit, the EPA lays out its opposition on the department’s misinformation that the pipeline will do no harm to the air, water, endangered species, animals, and economy.

While the EPA was rightfully challenging the State Department’s review, they didn’t say how the Keystone pipeline will cause health problems to Indigenous Peoples in this country just as it did to their peers in Canada where the First Nations such as the Dene, Cree, and Metis live along the Athabasca River which provides the fish for their diet.

When the dirty oil from the pipeline got into the water, they suffer health effects. In this country, the pipeline can get into the water in which the Lakota in South Dakota either drink or bathe. For the well being in Indigenous People, President Obama should reject the XL Keystone pipeline.

—Billy Trice, Jr.

Oakland

Distressed Over EBMUD’s ‘Too Fast’ Rate Hikes

Editor:

I am distressed to learn of EBMUDs proposed water rate increase. It is too much, too fast.

Many in my community have faced tough financial times over the last few years. Some lost their homes and are struggling to get back on their feet. Others have cut their discretionary spending so they can be sure they have money in their budget for basic living expenses.

The group I’m most concerned about is those on fixed incomes. For them, budgeting for upcoming expenses is crucial. The EBMUD rate hike of nearly 10% is slated to begin in just 9 weeks! Nobody can plan that fast. Even more upsetting to me is that rates are set to go up again another 10% next year.

These rapid water service cost increases do not work with the income projections of those of us living in the community. People on social security income received a very modest 1.7% increase this year on their earnings. Working folks like me got hit with 2% increase on payroll tax withholdings. Did EBMUD even consider those increases when they planned this rate hike?

I understand there is a cost for the service they provide and I am grateful for the high quality of our water. I know we need upgrades in the system but I urge EBMUD to find another source of funding for these maintenance costs.

A rate increase of this size is not acceptable and will be a burden to many who simply cannot bear it. I think they should consider those they serve and our ability to pay when they plan for their own financial needs. Slow it down EBMUD!

—Allison R. Cook

Unincorporated San Leandro

A Speed Trap for Truckers in San Leandro?

Editor:

Here’s a warning for every trucker who lives or works in San Leandro. Please be careful. The city has posted some new truck route restrictions, and is enforcing them with a $100 infraction ticket.

The biggest problem is along Embers Way at the southern edge of town. The short frontage road leads from Lewelling Boulevard on to Hesperian, mostly carrying traffic from I-880 southbound, via the Lewelling exit.

There’s a brand new “No Trucks” sign, enforced by the San Leandro police, even though there’s no conceivable traffic-related reason to place that road off limits. Embers Way has no houses, and past the Hilton Gardens Inn on the corner, no businesses or cross traffic either.

I’ve been driving trucks along that handy shortcut for 23 years, and have never experienced or seen a problem. Forcing large trucks to make a tight extra turn, left onto Lewelling (under the freeway), and then right onto Hesperian (under the freeway again), can only increase local traffic and the possibility of accidents.

I hate to sound cynical, but this reminds me of those old small-town speed traps. Please remember that the groceries you buy, and all the goods in every store, were brought there by truck. I know the city always needs more money, but our hard-working truckers need money too.

—Paul Carlson

Hayward

Believes Leo West Saying ‘What Most of Us’ Think

Editor:

I would Take Leo West over Vernon (the whiner) Burton and any others I’ve been reading about.

Leo speaks what most of us are truly thinking and believe in. We just don’t comment. Because if your comments don’t agree with their beliefs, then you’re a bigot or hypocrite.

I only read the San Leandro Times for the  crime sections. To see how much crime has gone up and how the mayor focuses on the rainbow flag instead. And I read the editorial. Seeing all these politically correct pansies we have in San Leandro.

Mayor, how about the idea of placing security cameras on the major streets leading to Oakland or Hayward on East 14th Street or on the way to the freeways? If it doesn’t upset the politically correct big brother watching us pansies. We need to send would-be robbers back to Oakland or wherever they came from. Leo, you have followers!

—Johnny O. Shlicking

San Leandro

Only Two More Days to Catch SL Players’ ‘Little Women’

Editor:

Want to enjoy excellent community theatre without having the challenge to find reasonable parking?

The San Leandro Players’ (slplayers.org/season.html) opening production of “Little Women” adapted by Barry Eitel from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel is outstanding.

Quick – you only have until May 5 (Saturdays at 8, Sundays at 2) to catch the opening production of the season.

Take friends and family, have an outing, get away from the electronic pervasive glow and relish live local theater.

You will support your community theater, while gathering topics for your next dinner conversations.

Enjoy!

—Erika Bruce

San Leandro

A Tale of Two Cities

Editor:

Last week, in the huge city of Boston, three people were killed and about 170 were injured from bombs that were placed in the crowd at the annual Marathon running race.

A huge manhunt for the suspects took place; over $300 million of expenses to Boston for the dragnet and closure of City functions and businesses were borne without complaint. National and Bay Area media covered the pursuit nearly continuously until the last suspect was apprehended.

The case stirred discussion among citizens, interest groups and elected officials that touched upon U.S. foreign policy, gun and immigration laws, security and law enforcement practices, social insurance programs, and other issues. There will continue to be great interest that all of those who are responsible for this violence are brought to justice and severely punished for the deaths and injuries they caused.

Last week in the tiny town of West, Texas, 14 people were killed and about 160 were injured from an explosion at a fertilizer plant.

A nearby apartment complex, nursing plant and middle school were among the buildings utterly destroyed by the blast. While a major investigation of the causes of the explosion is taking place, the incident was widely reported as an “accident.”

National and local media have not covered the case obsessively. Because the public has been unwilling to provide sufficient money to fund the agencies responsible for ensuring that the fertilizer plant was being operated safely, the business had received its last inspection by State regulators in 2006, and Federal regulators last inspected the plant in 1985.

There have been no major discussions of the need to change any business regulatory policies at all, and few are calling for the owners and operators of the plant to receive any jail time for their responsibility for this violent destruction of an entire community. The slaughtered workers join more than 4,500 Americans killed on the job every year in the United States.

This is what our society is like now. Does this represent what we want now?

—Doug Jones

San Leandro

Urging Public to Show Appreciation for Police

Editor:

The week of May 12 to 18 is National Police Appreciation Week, a week to honor fallen officers and to thank those in law enforcement who risk their lives every day to protect us.

As a sign of respect during Police Appreciation Week, we would like to invite neighbors, schools, businesses and the San Leandro community to join us by displaying blue ribbons on homes, schools and businesses to show these brave men and women our appreciation and support. This is a simple gesture and a wonderful way to honor and remember them.

As a suggestion, we used royal blue plastic table cloths to make our ribbons. One table cloth can make several ribbons which can be shared with neighbors and friends.

If you should see a police officer, it would be nice if you said “Thank you.”

—Pamela and

T.W. “Rick” Richards

San Leandro

On Leo T. West

Editor:

Leo T. West . . . This man would give an aspirin a headache.

—Larry Arnold

San Leandro

West ... Better Than a Comic Strip

Editor:

I sometimes think it would be nice to have comics in the Times, but then I read another letter from Leo T. West, and it makes me laugh more than any comic strip ever could.

—Gary Minor

San Leandro

And...

Editor:

In the April 11 Times’ Letters to the Editor, I wrote that I agreed with Mayor Cassidy’s decision to reject the application of Mr. Leo T. West to fill the vacant seat on the Tenant’s Review Board. My stated reason was his often stated views of the real world in this, the 21st century.

Upon reading Mr. West’s latest screed (“Calls Public Opinion Polls ‘Diversionary Tactics’,” Letters, April 18), I rest my case.

—Vernon S. Burton

San Leandro

But Wait. There’s More...

Editor:

It’s time again to paraphrase Martin Luther King: The bombs that the United States is dropping in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya and so on are, and will be, exploding in Boston and other U.S. cities.

Barack Obama and his progressive stooges can now start a campaign to ban chemistry classes and books; mining and dynamite; farming and fertilizers; nitroglycerin, gun powder, plastic explosives, gas cylinders and a long list of et ceteras.

Next, it’ll be knives, crossbows, arrows, axes, etc.

All of these measures will be taken while strengthening the military and “security forces” budgets; with drones over our heads and all of us being forced to chant “Hail to the Chief” with our right hands straight up.

—Leo T. West

San Leandro

Calls Public Opinion Polls ‘Diversionary Tactics’

Editor:

Rejoice, San Leandrans! Mayor Cassidy is flying the degenerates’ flag while at the same time pushing marijuana business to keep us smiling.

From Washington to Sacramento to City Hall, these are diversionary tactics. Their fraudulent polls inform us that the majority support gay marriages, gun control, legalization of marijuana and illegal scabs and so on while reporting that they lied to us ten years ago about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. But they blame that one, once again, on ... George W. Bush!

In spite of their polls, they wouldn’t dare to take these issues to the vote of the people, they prefer to resolve it legislatively.

Cassidy and the City Council abide by these tactics while squandering millions of dollars in taxpayers money by “buying high and selling low” properties for the benefit of their corporate backers. Or, bright lawyer Cassidy, giving another couple of million dollars of our money in tithes to a church when the city already had a favorable preliminary resolution in court.

City Hall is also informing us of a coming budget deficit, therefore expect another tax measure for next year’s election and a Maffia-style shake-down of a downtown district for a special tax = Pay or you loose our protection.

Schools are closing, higher crime, drones over our heads, all over the country, tell a lie to the fraudulent lower unemployment figures, the economic recovery reports and so on, while they put their hands in our pockets.

But don’t you worry; light a joint, medicinal, of course; look at that colorful flag and sing smiling: “In the land of the freak, and the home of the gay.”

—Leo T. West, San Leandro

Praises Renewal of the Violence Against Women Act

Editor:

Finally, House Republicans yield to pressure and let the House of Representatives pass the Senate version of renewing the Violence Against Women Act.

This act will provide new protections for American Indian women as well as for gays, lesbians, and immigrants.

Last year, when the Senate passed the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, the Republican-controlled House blocked it because they didn’t like the idea that this act will allow American Indian courts to prosecute non-Indians who attack their American Indian partners on Indian land.

Now, after too much pressure, the House passed the Violence Against Women Act and President Obama signed it.

—Billy Trice, Jr.

Oakland

A ‘No’ Vote for Ursula Reed for Her Language-Based Vote

Editor:

Ursula Reed voted “NO” on April 1, 2013 for the wind turbine for Halus because the information wasn’t printed in Mandarin.

Get real, this is America, not China. Can hardly wait for Ms. Reed to run for reelection so I can cast my big “NO” vote for her in English.

—Brent Heath, San Leandro

Says Mayor Targets Wrong Problem in Looking to Slash City Workers’ Pay, Benefits

Editor:

Amy Sylvestri accurately summarized that Mayor Cassidy claimed “budget gaps created by unsustainable salaries and pensions are (among) San Leandro’s main problems” in his 2013 State of the City address.

The chief problem facing our City is a lack of quality jobs with decent pay and benefits. Without an improvement in this area, San Leandro businesses will continue to struggle because our residents will not have enough money to support them.

City government will also continue to suffer poor to mediocre revenues from sales, business and property taxes. Reductions in business regulations and selective providing of superior City services to the business community will not make up for a lack of customers with disposable income. That is Capitalism 101.

Rather than attack the pay and retirement security of public servants, the vast majority of whom have both current compensations and future pensions which place them in the shrinking middle class, Mayor Cassidy would better serve our current economy and future City budgets by attacking a larger problem: shameful Federal and State tax policies which allow the megawealthy and biggest corporations to avoid paying to support the Nation which has enriched them, and which encourage these rich people and businesses to hoard money and pay off shareholders at the expense of you and me.

Even though City government lacks jurisdiction over the future of San Leandro Hospital, Stephen used the bully pulpit to speak out against attempts to close the Hospital’s ER and other vital services, both before and after he took office. So he should take up the pulpit now against the attempt by misguided, powerful, greedy people to disable the functions of government.

Our roads aren’t getting fixed because, for three examples, Chevron and other oil companies pay zero State oil extraction taxes, General Electric pays no net Federal income taxes, and Mitt Romney pays a far lower total tax rate on his investment income and hundreds of millions in wealth than a person in San Leandro who has a decent middle-class paycheck.

The Mayor’s inference that we could have better services if City worker’s current incomes and retirement securities were slashed is shameful and wrong.

While complaining that the City is currently obligated to pay health care benefits for the firefighters who have helped save the health of San Leandro residents at great risk to their own, Mayor Cassidy said “We all must do more with less.”

So, our firefighters or other residents of San Leandro must not meekly accept sharply lower qualities of life in future years. Many of us are fighting to prevent Mayor Cassidy’s dystopian future. Stephen would serve San Leandro much more effectively if he would join us.

—Doug Jones, San Leandro

Glad for Mayor’s Rejection of Leo West to City Board

Editor:

Kudos to Mayor Stephen Cassidy for rejecting Leo T. West’s application to fill the vacant seat on the Renters Review Board.

Over the years, Mr. West has made it very clear that his views are, to put in delicately, “different.” The archives of the San Leandro Times and other area publications are jammed with written expressions by Mr.West on his view of the world.

Thankfully, the Mayor, like most sane individuals, decided that the public will be better served if that position were filled by someone who lives in the reality-based world.

—Vernon S. Burton, San Leandro

Two School District Workers Earn Statewide Awards

Editor:

I would like to recognize two of the San Leandro School Districts’ exceptional employees.

After receiving recognition as “Administrator of the Year” in Alameda County, Mr. Garry Groetke of Madison School has been selected as “Principal of the Year” for the entire state of California!

In addition, our Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Ms. Song Chin-Bendib, was announced as California Schools CBO of the Year. We are proud and grateful to have such exceptional employees in the District.

—Diana Prola, President

San Leandro School Board

Study Faults Meat-Based Diets for Heart Disease Woes

Editor:

The new link between meat consumption and heart disease, discovered by Dr. Stanley Hazen of the Cleveland Clinic, is just the latest evidence linking meat consumption to killer diseases that cripple, then kill, 1.3 million Americans annually.

Hazen’s study showed that carnitine, an amino acid contained in all meat products, is a major factor in heart

failure.

Similarly, an Oxford University study of nearly 45,000 adults in last January’s American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vegetarians were 32 percent less likely to be suffer from heart disease than people who ate meat and fish.

Harvard University study of 37,698 men and 83,644 women, in last April’s Archives of Internal Medicine, concluded that meat consumption raises the risk of total, heart, and cancer mortality.

We have sacrificed the lives of 10,000 American personnel and trillions of dollars in waging two wars to avenge the deaths of 2,600 Americans in the 9/11 attacks.

When will we wage a bloodless, low-cost war on the killer meat-based diet, potentially responsible for as many as 1.3 million American deaths annually?

In the meantime, we have the power to raise our own life expectancy by adopting a meat-free diet. An internet search provides ample resources.

—Dennis Roth, San Leandro

On the Word ‘Marriage’

Editor:

For those who want to change the meaning of the word marriage for their personal needs, they have a perfect right and the free will to do so.

Those who believe in the literal, traditional and Biblical meaning also have the perfect right and the free will to do so. So be it.

—Earl Cava, San Leandro

Leo West ‘Too Radical’ to Serve on Rent Review Board?

Editor:

The skyrocketing rents and the plight of the tenants is not in the City Council’s Agenda.

There’s a Rent Review Board in San Leandro of two tenant representatives, two landlord representatives and one homeowner. While the landlord representatives positions are fully staffed, the tenant representative positions are not.

One position has been vacant for  more than a year and the other is occupied by a person who’s been there for more than 10 years and who hasn’t done any outreach to the community of tenants. Many tenants don’t even know of the existence of the Rent Review Board.

I applied to fill the vacant position, but Mayor Cassidy rejected my application. When I requested a meeting for an explanation, the Mayor refused to meet me. Then, at the recent all day workshop of the City Council at the Senior Citizens Center, I denounced the situation publicly which forced the Mayor to come to talk to me at the end of the workshop.

He apologized for refusing to meet me but he repeated  his  refusal to recommend my appointment because “your politics are too radical,” and I always thought that it was about service. The position continues vacant, tilting the board toward the landlords.

The main reason for the neglect of the San Leandro tenant community is the pro-business drive of the Mayor and the City Council who make the appointments to the Rent Review Board. They definitively don’t want activists to take the Tenant Representatives positions.

In the last four years there’s been a constant rent increase in San Leandro. The rents are skyrocketing on the face of property devaluation. In other words, we the tenants are subsidizing landlords’ properties. As their properties lose value, they raise the rent thus, doubling the rate of return for the property’s value.

Even though the Rent Review Board allows for only a 10 percent rent increase yearly, landlords have gone way beyond that limit in many instances due to the tenants’ lack of information about the existence of this board.

In Oakland, a Tenants Ordinance allows for only a 3 percent increase yearly; in San Leandro a landlord can, literally, double the initial rent in 10 years by raising the rent just 10 percent yearly. How many workers get a 10 percent increase in their wages, yearly?.

—Leo T. West, San Leandro

‘Hankering to Get Hitched’

Editor:

Regarding the city’s decision to fly the Rainbow Flag when the Supreme Court hears arguments on same sex marriage, all my partner and I can say is kudos!!!

And as such we can only give a heart-felt thanks to the City Council for taking this most courageous action! We do imagine, however that you are going to get some “blow-back” from the Right over this decision. But hold your ground!

Don’t let the meanies (aka: Mr. West) deter the only decent and right course to take! We are hopeful; however that my partner and I will be able to take our wedding vows, soon! When the happy day does occur; we extend an open invite for the Mayor to marry us when it all becomes legal to do so!

Hankering to Get Hitched in San Leandro!

—Rob Delre & Andrew Cunert

San Leandro

Wonders Why City Allowed Old Lucky Store Site to Languish

Editor:

I heartily agree with the first two letters (on CVS Pharmacy to become the anchor store at 1555 E. 14th St.) in the March 21 issue of the San Leandro Times.

I, too, have called city planners to suggest that Trader Joe’s or another upscale food market take the old Lucky site and was told that surveys about how much money residents of San Leandro spend at a grocery store was not in the range of what Trader Joe’s management found would sustain their store. They also have strict requirements about parking, etc.

Walmart, Costco and other big box stores make it virtually impossible for small businesses to succeed.

The fact that the site sat so long without city planners trying to fill that spot is what I’m not clear about. For sure, another CVS (there are already two within one block of each other) or coffee shop or fast food franchise would surely be overkill.

I have been here since 1950 and see potential with the Kaiser Hospital and its employees who may shop, dine or rent, but we need to offer more in the way of shopping, restaurants and rentals for Kaiser employees, patients and visitors to that facility.

—Barbara Moyles, San Leandro

Takes Issue with Phil Hunt’s Column on Prop. 13

Editor:

In his March 21, 2013 San Leandro Times column, Phil Hunt wrote about Prop. 13, and he got most of it right. Unfortunately, he made a few errors.

Mr. Hunt stated “Prop. 13 is in the crosshairs of State politicians who would love to see it eradicated.” Sadly, these types of statements feed into the fears and disgust that members of our community have towards politics and government. Since Prop. 13 is part of the California Constitution, it can only be changed by a vote of the people, not politicians.

Second, Mr. Hunt states “Someday, Prop. 13 will be all but gone because every property will have been sold and assessed value will be at the sales price.” No, Prop. 13 will not be gone; its cap provisions limit all future year increases after properties are sold, thereby providing all of Prop. 13’s benefits of lower taxes.

Indeed, that process created one of the inherent and perhaps unintended inequities of Prop. 13: residences are sold more frequently than commercial properties. Since corporations are people too (according to the U.S. Supreme Court), but unlike people they cannot die, corporate-owned properties are rarely sold (shares of stock change hands, but those actions do not trigger reassessment).

As a result, residences (houses) carry an unfair burden of property taxes compared to commercial properties like stores, factories, and warehouses.

The only discussion among politicians regarding Prop. 13 – the third rail of politics – is whether to ask the voters (us) if we want to split the property tax rolls to tax commercial properties at a higher rate to eliminate this inequity. Corporations would pay their fair share of property taxes with a split roll. Even so, only the voters may enact such changes, not politicians.

Prop. 13 is going nowhere given the current climate, so let’s stop being afraid and distrustful.

—Brian A. Foster, Castro Valley

‘Sad’ that Schools Have to Depend on Corporate Donors

Editor:

First, congratulations to the SL Education Foundation for much excellent work on behalf of San Leandro schools and, in particular, for acquiring $50,000 from the Coca-Cola Foundation “to develop playground programs to promote student health and exercise.”

Second, one has to appreciate the irony of Coca-Cola’s donating to promote student health and exercise. The primary purpose of any donation by corporate foundations is to promote sales and develop brand loyalty, in this case, brand loyalty to Coke products, which, while tasty, contribute to such costly health problems as obesity. How sad it is see schools more and more dependent on corporate donations.

—Cindy Hicks, San Leandro

Thanks to All Who Helped Celebrate Alta Mira’s 107th

Editor:

The historic Alta Mira Club had its 107th birthday on Jan. 28 and it was a great celebration with many dignitaries in attendance, including five Alta Mira Club past presidents – Helen Tenant, Elizabeth Koppenhaver, Almira DePace, Virginia Skinner, and Gail Hamilton; three district representatives – Barbara Kuhns, Marcene Willard and Dori Kelsey, as well as representatives from state Senator Ellen Corbett’s office, state Senator Loni Hancock’s office, and Assemblyman Rob Bonta’s office. San Leandro’s former mayor Tony Santos and his lovely wife Melitta attended, as well as staff from the San Leandro Times and many of our great members. Thank you to all the dignitaries, guests and members who took time to attend.

—Carol Libbrecht, San Leandro

Urges Citizens to Support San Leandro Police Officers

Editor:

I was extremely agitated about the brutal killings of four Oakland police officers four years ago. There were no words that I could express to the families of officers Roman, Sakai, Dunakin and Hege. My prayers go to the families and I sincerely hope that their memories of this incident would gradually fade away over time.

To the families of Santa Cruz officers Baker and Butler, the loss of their dearly loved was indeed very painful. I urge all citizens of San Leandro to continue to work closely with our police officers. I have full confidence in our police force and with our combined efforts, it will not be long before San Leandro turns into a much more attractive city to live.

—Alfred Kwok, San Leandro

Questions City Council’s Downtown Business Acumen

Editor:

The City Council can’t seem to get out of its own way.

They wonder why they are challenged to hire police offices, fix streets, develop the marina, and bring back events like the Cherry Festival. And then they state that they bought and then sold the property at 1555 East 14th St. at a $3.25 million loss – that answers its own question.

I can’t believe that a city manager, that is supposed to be an expert in these matters, would let this happen. Business 101 says buy when the market is down and sell when the market is up, not the opposite. The city didn’t really lose that money until they sold the property; so why the rush? So a developer could buy it and do nothing with it?

Secondly, one of the challenges the city council faces is to make San Leandro a place where people come to spend money. Will people spend more money when we build a bigger CVS store as an anchor at 1555 E. 14th? Not a chance. It will only take the money that is already being spent at the other two CVS’s to a new location. This will also wind up having CVS vacating their existing stores and creating more vacant downtown storefronts.

Safeway might expand into one of those stores but that is not what San Leandro needs. We need variety, like a Trader Joe’s, not more Safeways. The developer also wants to put in a Chipolte; does San Leandro really need another burrito shop? Only if you trying to homogenize put some of the existing independently owned burrito shops out of business.

If the city really wants to get people to come to San Leandro and spend money they will have to start thinking outside the box. They should look at Park Street in Alameda and Piedmont Avenue in Oakland and see that those commercial areas are thriving because they have unique, creative, and independently owned businesses not a homogenized city that only consists of chain stores.

—Harry Orner, San Leandro

CVS Pharmacy in Prime Downtown Location Would Be Just More of the Same

Editor:

Our government officials purchased the downtown Albertson’s site so that our local community and the county could have some say in what we value and what we hoped would be built (first a mixed-use, transit-oriented building; then a push for an upscale grocery store and a variety of good restaurants to add diversity to San Leandro’s rich mix of ethnic foods and specialty food shops in the area.)

The current proposal merely provides more of what we are already have in abundance: street level parking and existing retail tenants. The plan seeks CVS Pharmacy as the main anchor tenant, potentially with drive-thru service and 19 more parking spaces than the previous plan for Fresh & Easy proposed.

We need to insure our community’s values and needs are taken into account and prioritized, but instead it looks like we’re trying to make the best of a poor hand.  The thing is, our hand should be improving.

I see no need to “cut our losses” and accept a bad deal today. This property is located in our strongest civic district. The real estate market is improving in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.  In fact, it is hot.

San Leandro is well-situated with BART and high-speed internet to capture some new development. Let’s craft a solution that is closer to the original vision. When we make our downtown more vibrant and lure people away from their screens and out of their homes, workplaces and cars, they are not only consumers but they also get exercise and encounter other people.

The existing well-lit, tree-lined parking lot will serve our community for another 5-10 years while our planners and politicians develop significant community input and marshal the resources and partnerships needed to realize a sustainable, market-responsive development.

—Leah Hall, San Leandro

Calls on Residents to be the ‘Eyes and Ears’ of San Leandro

Editor:

Today marks the four year anniversary of the killing of four Oakland Police Officers: Sgt. Romans, Sgt. Sakai, Sgt. Dunakin and Officer Hege.

We must remember these heroes and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty. The horrific killing in Santa Cruz last month of Sgt. Baker and Det. Butler was a sober reminder of the unpredictable danger our men and women in blue face everyday. Often we don’t think about our Police Officers unless we need them or tragedies such as these occur.

I implore you to acknowledge their work, commitment to duty and the danger they step into each time they put on their uniform. A wave, smile or positive statement is all it takes.

Help be the “eyes and ears” of San Leandro. Call 911 and allow the fast acting dispatchers to get the Police out quickly to where they are needed. Become an active part of the solution to fighting crime.

Recently several aware and concerned citizens have made those calls and the criminals have been apprehended. Working together we can honor our Officers and help our citizens.

—Janet Gebhardt, San Leandro

Disturbed a Few Nights a Week by Rowdy Motorists

Editor:

I live on the corner of West Avenue 134th and Aurora Drive. I am 38 years old and my mother is a senior citizen. My mother teaches piano in Pleasanton and San Leandro.

A few nights a week there are disturbances between midnight and 5 a.m. on the side of our house on West Avenue 134th.  Motorcycles and vehicles are parked on the street and revving their engines, flashing their high beams into people’s houses, blasting their radios and stereos, and loitering on the street, laughing, talking, and yelling.

These things are fine during the daytime, but at night these things are disturbances. Why must people act like this? What is this city becoming? What is happening to San Leandro? Can’t the police do anything about this?

—Edwin Freeman, Jr., San Leandro

School Board to Discuss SLHS Back Entrance Closing at April 9 Meeting

Editor:

Last Tuesday, March 5, the San Leandro School Board heard a proposal to permanently close the Evergreen Avenue turnstile gate, disallowing foot traffic to the back entrance of the high school complex.

The motion came about after a petition signed by 76 neighborhood residents gave multiple reasons for permanent closure. Some reasons included class-cutting during the day, visitors messing up the fields and neighborhood with litter, dog feces, and divots, parking violations, and graffiti.

Some residents live in fear of property damage and hostilities from inconsiderate drivers and pedestrians. When residents call for police, those to be questioned at times ran off to the other side of the turnstile. Even if the turnstile gate was locked down, the emergency entrance vehicle gates could remain accessible to emergency personnel. Both vehicle and pedestrian gates could also be closed.

In the past several months, while both gates have been locked during the construction projects on the fields, the problems have stopped.

In order to allow for alternative voices to respond in an inclusive and respectful manner, the vote was postponed. Do public safety, neighborhood quality of life and community peace outweigh having the convenience of a back entrance to the high school and sports field complex?

Closure would not exclude access to the fields. The entrance from the front of the high school would allow access for legitimate activities such as sports practice or jogging.

This time-out enables ideas to come forth as well as the opportunity for district employees, students, public safety and public servants, clergy, neighborhood associations and other interested parties to share their thoughts, so the process is truly transparent, inclusive and fair. The issue will be reconsidered on April 9th.

—Vince J. Rosato

San Leandro

Sheriff’s ‘Drones’ Called Threat to Privacy

Editor:

I’m writing in response to the article titled “Sheriff Says Alameda County Needs Drones,” in the San Leandro Times on Feb. 21, 2013.

I do not agree that Alameda County needs a drone, let alone two, that cost $50,000 each. The money spent on the drones should be spent on more pressing everyday issues, such as fixing our roads, streetlights, and keeping people like teachers and librarians employed.

My biggest concern is the breach of privacy. A machine that intrudes on every aspect of our private lives violates many rights, such as the right to privacy guaranteed by the Ninth Amendment and the right against unreasonable search and seizure guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment in the Bill of Rights.

The claim that the sheriff’s department “will take steps to ensure” that privacy is not breached contradicts the “wide-ranging” missions the drone will have. If the missions are wide-ranging, the sheriff can claim any picture of a person, place or thing is “relevant to a felony investigation.”

Sheriff Ahern said that the drones would be used to find lost people, but as argued by Linda Ley, staff attorney for the ACLU during the public hearing on Feb. 14, “data collected in the name of search and rescue could be retained for intelligence gathering and analysis.”

Furthermore, drones have advanced technology that can look into houses and cars, especially when drones are only 2-feet long and look like insects, putting citizens under searches 24/7. The threat of privacy invasion in the name of “finding lost seniors” is too great, since there is not enough administration or accuracy over drones.

—Manpreet Grewal

San Leandro

Says ‘Check was Written’ on City Employee Pensions

Editor:

All over America citizens and taxpayers seem to be experiencing “sticker-shock” now that the costs of Public Employee pensions are being revealed and, increasingly, coming due.

There is a saying we used to hear in my youth that seems appropriate: “When you have a dance, the band must be paid.”

Back when far too many folks were distracted with weighty issues such as affirmative action, abortion, and gay marriage, civic leaders were loading up for their Golden years and spreading some of the largess around to the rank and file.

Well, the check was written and is now being presented for payment, so it time to stop whining and cough up. It looks as if too many taxpayers want to continue siding with the one percent, and let them off the hook. So they will have to pay this tab themselves. Gullibility is expensive.

—Vernon S. Burton

San Leandro

Michelle or Jeb for 2016? Be Careful What You Wish For

Editor:

Referring to the letter “Michelle Obama for President In 2016? He Hopes Not,” Letters, March 7), what a great idea!

Four years from now it could be M. Obama vs. J. Bush. If Mrs. Obama wins we could see teenagers in the White House driving on the lawn and young boys climbing through the windows for that late night date.

If Jeb Bush wins, he could read the notes his father and brother left on the bathroom walls, and then he wouldn’t even have to think about his job, kind of like his dad and brother.

What is the lesson here? Be careful what you wish for.

—Larry Arnold

San Leandro

Questions Why SL Taxpayers Pay Employee Share of Police and Fire Pensions

Editor:

Regarding the “Rising Cost of Pensions” (Page 1, The Times, Feb. 28) — why should San Leandro taxpayers be paying both the city share and the employee share for police and fire pensions?

Your reporter should be aggressive and ask our mayor, finance director and City Council members.

Teachers certainly pay their share into their pension systems and they earn less than police and firemen — and they cannot retire as early as police and firemen. We pay our cops and fire fighters a generous salary and they can certainly afford to be treated the same as teachers.

As an afterthought, anyone who thinks teachers don’t work as hard as cops and firemen, try sitting in on a typical middle school class and see for yourself.

—Dale Dirlam

San Leandro

Says Times Should Have Reported All the Facts on City Employee Pensions

Editor:

I would like to clarify some facts regarding City employee pensions.

Yes, the City does pay the employee portion of their pension. However that is because in lieu of pay raises, the City offered that during past contract negotiations. Now that the deal the City offered it’s employees is not working out as they planned, is it right to go back on that deal without negotiating something that benefits both sides?

In the future the San Leandro Times, elected officials and the people that represent them should state all the facts of an issue, not just what benefits their agendas.

—Patrick Grajeda

San Leandro

Pacific Sports Complex a Win-Win for San Leandro

Editor:

When the new Pacific Sports Complex opens this summer, the City of San Leandro will have a first class sports facility – one of the finest multi-use sports facilities in the East Bay.

This grand accomplishment is the result of the will and resolve of the community, the San Leandro School District, and the City of San Leandro.

Yet, by the end of this year, few will remember the events leading up to the rebuild of this iconic facility.

Pacific High was built in 1963. Thirty years ago, the School District sold the High School to developers, but retained 13 acres of sports fields (now know as Burrell Field and The Pacific Sports Complex). The sale of the school still evokes angry emotions from residences, and every attempt to sell the remaining sports fields was met with public protest.

Only two options remained. Fortunately, voters approved Measure M, a $51-million school bond in 2010, to rebuild the aging sports fields into a safe, modern sports complex designed to serve the needs of The District and The City for generations to come.

The Community, the District and the City united to achieve this grand accomplishment. This unique collaboration between School District and City is a win-win for the Citizens of San Leandro, and sets a worthy example for all communities.

Congratulations San Leandro, you’ve shown that anything is possible with the spirit of cooperation.

—Martin Capron

San Leandro

Michelle Obama for President In 2016? He Hopes Not

Editor:

The only thing worse than Obama for four more years is Michelle Obama running for president in 2016.

Why not just elect President Obama president for life?

—Richard Phillips

San Leandro

Which Animals Do We Pet? Which Do We Eat?

Editor:

Last week, food safety officials in United Kingdom, France, and Sweden found traces of horse meat in ground beef sold across Europe.

Massive recalls and lawsuits are ensuing.

Can it happen here? Horse slaughter for human consumption was banned in the U.S. between 2007 and 2011. But now, a New Mexico slaughterhouse is getting approved by U.S. authorities to slaughter horses for human consumption, and a Philadelphia restaurant has already announced plans to serve horse meat.

I marvel at our hypocrisy of rejecting the notion of horse or dog meat on our dinner plates, while condemning cows, pigs, and chickens to the same fate.

Obviously, we have established special relationships with horses and dogs as our companions, protectors, and sports protagonists, rather than as food. But where is the ethical and logical distinction, given that all these animals are endowed by individuality, sentience, and an ability to experience the same feelings of joy, affection, sadness, and fear that we do?

Fortunately, our health food industry has spared us from having to choose which animals to pet and which ones to eat. Their delicious soy and grain-based meat alternatives are available in every supermarket.

—Dennis Roth

San Leandro

Accuses City of Ignoring Opposition to Wind Turbine

Editor:

Despite outcries from many San Leandrans, the BZA approved a variance permitting the first wind turbine on Bay Area shores.

California law prohibits off-shore wind farming due to junkyard-like aesthetics. If wind turbines are off-shore blight, then by the spirit of the law, wouldn’t a turbine built on-shore be worse? Nevertheless, the BZA unanimously voted against the spirit of California Law, ignoring alarmed San Leandran’s pleas.

Numerous residents shared health, safety, aesthetic, and environmental concerns, requesting (1) variance denial, (2) Environmental Impact Report (EIR) completion (instead of settling for old, incomplete research), and (3) turbine policy adoption. However, the BZA opted against their due diligence, renouncing valid concerns of many for the whim of one – a successful businessman, without need for this turbine for his already lucrative business.

This turbine isn’t “green energy” and won’t fight global warming. In fact, it’s dangerous, kills birds, and hasn’t been adequately researched. In prior meetings, the owner reported no 24-hour staffing, and unsafe delays when extinguishing a 100-foot high, nocturnal, turbine blade fire. Given the windy location, without an immediate fire safety policy, thousands of neighboring residents, businesses, and shoreline wildlife are in danger.

This 10-story rotating eyesore, immediately adjacent to acres of marshlands, will be in the direct flight path of millions of birds, several endangered. We should advocate against adding to the numerous avian predators on our shoreline.

I’m shocked over the BZA’s blatant disregard for its citizen’s resounding opposition, and its eager acquiescence to this businessman who threatens moving out of San Leandro if an EIR is required. Equally frightening, no official agreements were drawn prohibiting more shoreline turbines. Many outraged voices went unheard.

If San Leandro takes pride in American Democracy, then why were the voices of so many unheeded, and the whisper of just one individual’s application so earnestly embraced?

—Stephanie L. Smith, San Leandro

Calls Drones a Useful Part of Technology to Prevent Crime

Editor:

To your Inquiring Reporter column on Feb. 21 (“Should the police be allowed to use drones?”): Yes. Law enforcement should be able to use any modern technology available to prevent crime, monitor criminal activity in real time, and solve crimes after the fact.

To Mr. Serzon comment in the Page One story “Sheriff Says Alameda County Needs Drones,” flying cameras are not “science fiction” and “Big Brother.” Wake up. It’s 2013.

Hobby helicopters and CCD camera technology have been around for more than a decade. Any store owner can have cameras at their entrance, banks will snap your photo at the street ATM, and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge now generates a photo of your car.

Our police officers can wear a camera on their uniform, mount dash-cams in their cars, and the city has deployed cameras at dangerous intersections for years. What you are calling science fiction can easily be created by anyone with some duct tape, an iPhone, Facetime app, and a hobby heli.

The camera is an extension of our memory and, when used properly, enhances our ability to capture images and video of events. The helicopter is an extension of our arm. The flying camera is already an approved technology in California for law enforcement. Our CHP has a fleet of full sized helicopter with pilots and cameras at the ready.

Is drone use automatically an invasion of privacy? No. It isn’t. A remote-controlled flying camera is just a cheaper version of a full staffed police helicopter. Drone technology is much lower cost and can be deployed in minutes thus increasing the availability of the already accepted eye-in-the-sky technology.

—John Clouston, San Leandro

One ‘Yes’ Vote for Drones

Editor:

So I vote we have a “Take a criminal to lunch day.” May as well, no one want to lock them up. Until we get serious about fighting crime, the A.C.L.U. has another meaning, All Criminals Love Us.”

Drones are simply easier than carrying a 20-foot ladder. D.R.O.N.E. – “Doing Right Often’s Never Easy.” Write your supervisors, they need to know we’re tired and we’re not going to take it anymore. The alternative is more people buying guns and blowing a foot off, or worse.

—Larry Arnold, San Leandro

Drones: Great for Finding Lost Seniors or Fighting Zombies

Editor:

Regarding: Drones for Finding Lost Seniors. Great idea.

Or maybe it would be cost effective to trap seniors and put radio transmitter collars on them.

Or maybe the Alameda County Board of Supervisors can just pass a senior leash law to prevent seniors from wandering (they can range free at the San Leandro Senior Center). And it would be reassuring to know that the Alameda County Sheriff has plenty of drones; they could be especially useful against zombie attacks.

—Richard Eisenman, San Leandro

Says GOP Using ‘Bald-Faced Lies’ To Oppose Higher Wages

Editor:

In his recent State of the Union address, President Obama called for Congress to raise the minimum wage in the United States to $9 an hour and peg yearly increases to the rate of inflation. This is a very popular proposal; polls show over 60% of Americans in support of it.

Neither the opinion of the people or proper analysis of factual information are priorities for the modern Republican Party, however. GOP members of Congress immediately rejected the proposal.

Among those who detailed their “reasoning” was a Republican House member who recalled her first job making $2.15 an hour. Supporting Speaker Boehner’s factually-wrong statement, “When you raise the price of employment, guess what happens? You get less of it,” this Congresswoman claimed that if the minimum wage were raised, businesses like the one that first employed her would not have been able to provide her entry-level job.

We expect members of Congress to understand this sort of thing, but this Republican actually made a strong case for raising the hourly minimum wage much higher than $9. Based on the rate of inflation in the U.S. since the years she had that $2.15 job, a current minimum wage that matched her wage as a young person in Missisippi would be around $13.50 an hour.

The modern Republican Party’s ignorance of what makes a consumer-based capitalist economy work, and their desire to hold down the vast majority of working Americans in poverty and financial vulnerability, is expressed by their political leaders attempting bald-face lies like this one.

I am not a Republican, but I desperately want their Party to return to sanity. Their current leaders’ ideology has taken away their ability to help solve the problems Californians and Americans face. How long must we suffer them?

—Doug Jones, San Leandro