California’s regressive taxes: A holiday plea for empathy

Editor: As I reflect this holiday season — a time for warmth and joy — I feel deep concern for Californians burdened by our state’s regressive taxes. These policies weigh heavily on low-income families, turning celebrations into reminders of hardship. Consider our nation-high gas taxes, about 70.9 cents per gallon, including a 51-cent excise and cap-and-trade surcharges. For rural or suburban parents commuting long distances without public transit, this means 3%-5% more income spent on fuel — up to $1,000 extra yearly. Recent hikes, like July’s 1.6 cents, force choices between gas, gifts or groceries.

Sales taxes averaging 8.8% (up to 10% in some areas) hit basics hardest for the poor. Excise taxes on cigarettes ($2.87 per pack), alcohol and cannabis add to the strain, often affecting those coping with stress. Climate rules further raise energy and transit costs, isolating rural residents.

In this season of compassion, let’s urge reforms that lift rather than crush. Channel holiday kindness into change, offering hope to those who deserve it.

— Gary Jones, Santa Rosa

On Giving Tuesday, too many fundraising pleas all at once

Editor: It might be more productive for the worthy nonprofits to not bury intended donors with requests all at once. Perhaps some could ask early in the year and/or late summer or early fall. I realize many people wait until the end of the year to donate, but many more get turned off by the deluge of pleas on Giving Tuesday. It’s too much all at once, and more than many of us are willing or able to give then. There has to be a better, more productive way to raise money.

— Sue Bates-Pintar, Petaluma

With the nation at a crossroad, who will stand up to lead?

Editor: The lack of a spine in Congress and the Supreme Court erodes our constitutional rights, like the slow drip, drip, drip of a faucet. Our rights in the Constitution are under attack like never before. What do these elected congressional members see when they look in the mirror? What reflection of their values do they see staring back at them? Will history portray them as heroes or cowards?

Fear makes strange bedfellows, so what will they tell their grandchildren? How will they defend their pledge to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States? How do they face the veterans on the wall, those who gave the last full measure of devotion? Who among them will step forward with conviction and say, enough is enough? Will a collective bond together and turn the tide against this attack on democracy?

Our nation has been at this crossroad before. Who this time will stand up? Who will say no more? What person, what Congress, what court will lead the charge to stop the drip, drip, drip? History awaits the heroes; history awaits the brave.

— Richard R. Norgrove, Santa Rosa

Equity and community care at NAACP

Editor: In a year marked by widening inequities and growing community needs, the NAACP Santa Rosa-Sonoma County’s inaugural Thanksgiving turkey giveaway served as a living example of equity-driven action. At the HIVE — the branch’s Home of Intentional Vision for Equity — more than 100 families gathered, not only for holiday meals but for connection, dignity and community support.

Volunteers welcomed parents, elders and youth into a space created to support them year-round. Many first-time visitors toured the facility and learned about programs centered on education, advocacy and family well-being. This event affirmed that real equity work extends beyond statements. It requires presence, compassion and intentionality.

The NAACP continues to bridge structural advocacy with direct community service — a dual strategy vital to advancing racial and social justice in Sonoma County. The upcoming holiday toy drive and closet shop, ongoing youth programs and committee volunteer opportunities further demonstrate the branch’s commitment to accessible, culturally responsive support. These efforts invite the broader community to join in strengthening well-being, inclusion and opportunity for all. Equity is a practice — and community care remains one of its strongest tools.

— Kirstyne Lange, president, Santa Rosa-Sonoma NAACP