Multifamily, low-income housing needs chargers

I am writing in regard to the article published March 7 with the headline, “Marin maintains growth in electric vehicle sales.” The growth in sales is great news, except it still appears that residents in multifamily housing and low-income communities are being left behind. Fortunately, two local efforts to install EV chargers at small apartment buildings are important pilot projects.

The Community Land Trust Association of West Marin (CLAM), which helps create affordable housing, is seeking to install EV charging on two of their properties with support from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. In Larkspur, a property owner, on his own initiative, installed EV charging at each unit’s parking space. MCE (formerly Marin Clean Energy) also offers rebates for installing chargers in multifamily housing.

Let’s learn from these projects to get more EV charging in multifamily homes and low-income communities.

— Lawrie Mott, San Anselmo

Flood Zone 9 board must be held accountable now

Imagine hiring a contractor who learns building codes on the job, at your expense. If they built a house that didn’t meet code, you’d likely fire and sue them. It’s even worse if they knowingly ignored the codes. Based on my experience, this scenario mirrors the Marin County Department of Public Works’ handling of flood control projects in Flood Zone 9.

San Anselmo voters have already expressed their dissatisfaction by passing Measure F and leaving Flood Zone 9 — a clear vote of no confidence. It has been reported that over $52 million has been spent on flood-control efforts. I think there has been little to show for it.

Despite all that, at the Feb. 27 Flood Zone 9 Advisory Board meeting, county officials continued to insist on the removal of San Anselmo’s Bridge Building No. 2. I think the county must first complete the surveys; meet regulations set by the Federal Emergency Management Administration for national flood insurance program map revisions; and have enough funding in place to implement identified mitigation measures.

The public deserves transparency and accurate information about projects impacting their homes — for many their most significant asset. County officials should understand and respect this.

A private contractor behaving similarly would lose their license. It’s time to end the mismanagement of the San Anselmo flood-risk reduction project and hold those responsible accountable.

— John Crane, Ross

Kudos to Corte Madera for electrification support

I am a senior at Archie Williams High School writing to express my support for the recent decision by the Corte Madera Town Council to endorse the Marin County “electrification roadmap” plan (“Corte Madera council supports countywide electrification plan,” Feb. 9).

This initiative is a crucial step forward in addressing the pressing issue of climate change and reducing the harmful emissions from natural gas that are contributing to our environmental and public-health crises.

As stated by the Town Council members, electrification is not just about reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. It’s about improving the quality of life for residents by eliminating harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and nitrous dioxide from our homes. These pollutants are associated with various illnesses. Moving away from natural gas will create healthier living environments for all.

I was struck by Vice Mayor Rosa Thomas’ remark, “Health is your true wealth,” as it emphasizes the impact these changes will have on the well-being of our community. The roadmap also recognizes that climate change presents an urgent threat and that action must be taken now.

I also appreciate that the plan acknowledges the freedom for local jurisdictions to adapt it to their specific needs, which is critical for its success. Furthermore, the focus on workforce development, streamlined permitting and accessible financial assistance ensures that the transition will be equitable and manageable for all residents.

While some concerns have been raised about over-reliance on a single energy source, I believe the electrification roadmap offers a balanced approach that prioritizes both the environment and public health. This is not just about reducing emissions, but about ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier world.

I commend the Town Council for its forward-thinking leadership, and I look forward to seeing how the implementation of this roadmap unfolds in the future.

— Juliana Weise, San Anselmo

If 49ers must cut payroll, start with the lousy kicker

When 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch announced that, due to spending cuts on player salaries, it was time to recalibrate the roster, fans knew changes were coming. But releasing, to free agency, many players so close to the hearts of “the Faithful” was a real jolt.

Devotees know games are won or lost by kickers. I ask then, why is Jake Moody still on this roster? Surely, there is a better choice at a lower cost.

— Lynn Arias Bornstein, Greenbrae

Novato production of ‘Cabaret’ is very strong

I am writing to urge everyone to go see the production of “Cabaret” running through April 13 at the Novato Theater Company.

To watch the actors, singers and dancers give their heart and soul to this show was inspiring on many levels. I think that, with our government in turmoil, this production really hits home.

We know that local theaters are having a tough time as they search for resources in support of the theater arts. This is the one to see. I know all who attend will enjoy extraordinary talent and a fresh script for a well-known story. I’ll never forget the performances of Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli in the film version of this beloved tale. This local production features the work of many talented people.

In this version of Germany before the Nazi takeover, natives were short of food and scared to defy political rules as those in power put the target on those where “othered.” It is a cautionary tale relevant today.

— Claire R. Cohn, Novato

Inappropriate to blame public for economic policy

I am writing in response to Bill Brennan’s letter published March 23. Brennan asserts that the “end users” of oil and gas should be liable for catastrophic wildfires. As someone who last bought a car before I retired, I take exception to his idea.

If I could afford to buy or lease an electric vehicle, I definitely would. But I bought my current gas-burning Ford before retiring. I cannot buy a new car now. In fact, I hope that the one I have will last the rest of my life. As a so-called “consumer,” I feel locked in by corporate policy. I am doing the best I can.

To blame the public for national and corporate economic policy is not appropriate.

— Lou Judson, Novato

Conspiracies about Trump are going too far

In her letter to the editor published March 23, Sally Seymour writes that President Donald Trump is executing “a calculated plan” of “spreading chaos” with the apparent desire to bankrupt people so that “the very wealthy” can snatch up their assets “at a fraction of its value.”

I think this is delusional thinking and a common overreaction by those who support left-leaning politics. Now that I know the impact of Trump on the Democratic Party, I wish I had voted for him in 2016 instead of Gary Johnson. I made up for that by voting for Trump in 2020 and 2024, even though I knew the majority of California voters would ensure our state’s Electoral College votes would go to the Democrats.

It appears to me that the delusional accusations have only gotten worse since Trump’s latest victory. I can only let out a heartwarming laugh when I see what I consider to be unproven conspiracies being floated about our president.

— James Quigley, San Rafael