Pt. Reyes process was a respectful discussion

There are multiple factors that should be discussed when considering the ranchers in Point Reyes National Seashore who gave up their leases in the recently announced settlement.

The fact that this will allow a “rewilding” of ranches to a natural park-like setting while addressing concerns about water pollution in downstream areas, this is hardly a case of “environmental terrorism,” as Andrew Giacomini said to the IJ (“‘Environmental terrorism’: Point Reyes settlement roils agricultural community,” Jan. 18).

Negotiations have been ongoing since 2022. Nobody should be surprised. The parties involved worked long and hard in a respectful manner to find mutual territory in a workable agreement.

I think California’s methane rules for dairies are going to make it hard for smaller operations to continue. The ranchers were clearly offered very generous settlements.

It may have been a godsend for some.

There is much concern in the community for the farmworkers who may have lived on ranches in the park. Aid has been established. It includes financial assistance and transitional support services. Hopefully, workers can continue to live in their community.

As we usher in this new era, it is a huge relief for the elk fence to be coming down allowing them to roam free and forage and drink after over 250 elk died during the drought while trapped behind the 8-foot fence.

— Spirit L. Wiseman, Fairfax

Environmentalists must stop terrorizing ranchers

I am opposed to the restrictions that led ranchers in Point Reyes National Seashore to accept a settlement to shut down their ranches. This fight has been going on a long time in Marin. I recall writing to Sen. Dianne Feinstein in defense of ranching long ago.

Just like always, outside forces are pushing Marin ranchers into bad situations. Ranching families operated on a certain set of rules for generations. Now, because of the “political correctness” of outside forces set on land-grabbing, ranchers are, indeed, being “terrorized” by environmentalists from multiple angles.

Many insist on “sustainability” for restaurants. They want the food to come from nearby. Well, with this move, Marin will have less milk, cheese and beef. This is the wrong move for Marin, California and the National Park Service.

— Arlene Caris Fenstermaker, San Rafael

Taxpayer group: TUHSD needs outsider to lead

With the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Tara Taupier, the Tamalpais Union High School District is presented with an incredible opportunity.

Many believe it has been on a downward trajectory for years, losing its place among the elite public school systems in the state. It’s evident in the declining grades on the California School Dashboard, social turmoil and tax overreach to address poorly maintained school facilities that are leaving all students, particularly the economically unfortunate ones, behind.

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers, where I serve on the Board of Directors, focused on these issues when we opposed the failed Measure A bond proposal on the March 2024 ballot. That pricey proposal would have cost $1 billion over its 30-year repayment period.

In my canvassing for voters, I often heard doubts about whether their children were actually receiving the education that they deserved, and parents expected. In the November election, CST reluctantly recommended a neutral position to taxpayers for the downsized Measure B. That was only because it had reduced its budgetary demands. If nothing changes, passing it will have been a mistake.

CST believes the TUHSD Board of Trustees must now think “outside the box.” A statewide, if not nationwide, search must be conducted to find a new top administrator who will take on the challenge of fundamentally rebuilding academics, as well as taxpayers’ and parents’ trust.

Issues such as grade inflation, social promotion and the recent kerfuffle over ethnic studies must be addressed and rectified. Promoting an “insider” simply will not work.

We believe there are too many in-house proteges who will follow Taupier’s administrative approach. TUHSD desperately needs more teachers and fewer administrators. Cut the red tape, get a top-notch new leader and begin the long, hard road needed to return to educational excellence.

The future of our children is too precious to waste this opportunity.

— Kingston Cole, San Rafael