For National Library Week, restore federal funding

April 6–12 is National Library Week and is a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, library staff and volunteers play in our communities, but it is a challenging time for celebration. Last week President Trump signed an executive order that named the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as one of seven small federal agencies to be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”

In 2024 Congress appropriated $295 million to the IMLS for distribution to states to fund local library initiatives. IMLS funding has been used to enhance library service and introduce the public to new technologies such as computers, the internet and now A.I.

The California State Library received over $15 million in IMLS funding to support local library efforts through grants that serve many segments of our community.

Ask your federal elected officials to restore IMLS funding so libraries can continue their mission as welcome centers for lifelong learning.

— Martín Gómez, Santa Cruz, Library Director (ret.)

More coverage wanted of Hands Off! protests

I am disappointed that you didn’t take more pictures of the huge Hands Off! protest that happened at Window on the Bay in Monterey where, according to our official counters, there were 3,662 participants. Also, you should have mentioned the Hands Off! rally that happened at the same time in Watsonville.

Thank you, however, for the coverage you did give to this event.

— Sidney Ramsden Scott, Pebble Beach

Praise for Panetta for holding local town hall

I’m glad Jimmy Panetta recently held a town hall in Santa Cruz County. I know he represents an area well beyond Santa Cruz County, but he shows up and told us about what he is doing to fight Trump and the Republican plan to cut Medi-Cal and Social Security.

I agree with those who want to scream and cry, and the Sentinel for giving them so much attention, because of the fear for our democracy. However, as Jimmy explained thoroughly, the best way forward is for our community to be united against Republicans who support these catastrophic policies. It’s amazing that Republicans and even some Democrats aren’t even holding town halls. We, at least have Jimmy, who continues to show up and fight for us.

— Alex Hubbard, Santa Cruz

Criticism of Panetta for his corporate ties

Rep. Jimmy Panetta does not support the Democratic Party base.

According to nonprofit Open Secrets, his biggest donors include real estate, investment and insurance interests.

Interest rates close to 30% on Chase credit cards issued by Panetta donor Morgan Stanley hurt the working class.

Trump and the MAGA movement have taken over our country because corporate Democrats including Jimmy Panetta have betrayed the Democratic Party. Vote Rep. Panetta out of office in 2026.

— Dan Friedman, Santa Cruz

No governing bodies willing to stop Israel

Israel is setting the standard for how a once-thriving democracy can become a rogue state that acts with absolute impunity. And no governing body — not the International Criminal Court; not the United Nations; and especially not the United States — can put the brakes on this runaway, murderous regime. It is astonishing, as well as heartbreaking, that women, children and even newborns continue to be slaughtered without discretion and without business as usual screeching to a halt.

Trump, in his usual ignorant manner, is in fact supplying Israel with even more 2,000-pound bombs, and how is a citizen who is sick of paying for this carnage supposed to counter the foolish criminality of our so-called leaders? Congress has failed us, ceding all war powers to the executive.

— Tim Rudolph, Santa Cruz

Here’s why the US is obligated to help Ukraine

We are the ones betraying the Ukrainian people. In 1994 Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons and naval fleet in exchange for a guarantee of sovereignty and protection in a treaty with the U.S. and Russia. Russia broke the treaty when it invaded in 2014 and 2022. Trump is breaking it now.

We’re not just being nice. We’re obligated to help Ukraine. We signed a legally binding treaty called the Budapest Memorandum.

— Donita Adams, Santa Cruz