Ocean’s fury demands climate action now

Re: “Santa Cruz still reeling from storm that crippled wharf, damaged harbor” (Dec. 25).

I’ve lived in the Bay Area my entire 68 years, except during my four years as an undergrad at UC Santa Cruz. As a kid, my family would drive over to Santa Cruz with visiting relatives to walk along the wharf and eat dinner at one of the iconic seafood restaurants. I remember eating at one of those restaurants when an earthquake occurred, terrifying my uncle from Texas.

Senior year of college, I lived off East Cliff Drive, frequently walking across the bridge over the San Lorenzo River and down the steps to the beach.

Never in my life has the ocean wreaked as much havoc on our beaches, harbors and wharves as it has in recent years. Sea level rise and an increase in storm frequency and intensity are worsening due to climate change. Please urge your members of Congress to make climate solutions a priority issue in 2025.

— Paula Danz, Los Altos

Will Senate honor oath or Trump?

Re: “Trump Cabinet picks cause angst for GOP” (Dec. 26).

I was dismayed to read the article about Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks. If you read the Senate’s Oath of Office, it is to “Support and defend the Constitution,” and not to be loyal to the president or their party.

The GOP should be reminded that Trump did not win a majority vote of the people, just 49.9%. The oath goes on to say: “I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.” If any senator is having reservations about questioning Trump’s Cabinet picks, perhaps they have forgotten their Oath of Office.

I would also like to remind the Senate that after Cabinet members are confirmed, the Senate has no more control of the Cabinet and little say in what they do, so they had better make good choices for the people and not the president, as their oath compels them to do.

— David Coale Palo Alto

How many red flags to see Trump’s intent?

Re: “Musk expresses support for far-right party” (Dec. 21).

Elon Musk is the world’s richest man and appears to be President-Elect Trump’s closest adviser with designs on being the power behind the throne since, as a native South African, he cannot run for president.

His friendship and admiration for International Criminal Court-wanted war criminal Vladimir Putin and recent endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD party with ties to neo-Nazis is a clear indication of the incoming administration’s morality and ultimate intent. As reported, the AfD youth wing has been classified as “extremist” by German domestic intelligence, and others have been arrested as members of a right-wing extremist terrorist organization plotting to overthrow the government.

How many warning flags have to be waved by an incoming oligarchy that supports totalitarianism and war criminals before the majority in our country wakes up? Or are we going to be co-conspirators or just live in a comforting self-indulgent fantasy of denial?

— Steve Baron, Cupertino

Remote work keeps employees at their best

Re: “Five-day office return? Watch best workers quit” (Dec. 27).

There are many advantages in allowing employees to work remotely: fewer vehicles on the road equals less pollution, less traffic congestion and fewer accidents. Employees aren’t exhausted by stressful commutes. Living in lower-cost areas away from headquarters lets employees keep more of their income. Fewer diseases are spread because sick workers are at home. Eating at home provides better nutrition. Pets provide companionship and have a better quality of life when someone is with them. Nursing mothers can still work while having their infants nearby.

One would think employers would like their workers to be at their best. Working remotely can improve their employees’ health and therefore their productivity.

— Bonnie Home, San Jose