Reopen Alto Tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians

I am writing about recent letters regarding a push to reopen the Alto Tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians traveling between Corte Madera and Mill Valley One recent letter suggested that public interest for the project is “tepid.” I disagree.

In fact, a petition of support was recently signed by over 2,000 avid supporters. It was presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

Many cyclists I’ve talked with got the impression six years ago that the tunnel project was supported in concept, but lack of local funding for it was a major barrier.

However, it is now clear that the vast majority of funds for the project would come from state and federal awards, bringing tax dollars to our county.

Personally, reopening the tunnel would give me, a senior rider, a safe, accessible route from Corte Madera south (and back) opening up varied riding destinations. I don’t ride an electric-assist bike, and don’t plan to get one so I can get over Horse Hill.

I consider this to be an unfair, discriminatory expectation for all riders, regardless of age.

I’m definitely not alone in seeing the Alto Tunnel as a vital, final link in the North-South Greenway through Marin. Ultimately, it can connect to the Great Redwood Trail, creating a very significant transportation corridor in Northern California. The tunnel is forward-looking and deserves our enthusiastic, collective support.

— Jennifer Malone, Greenbrae

Insurers’ requests for rate increases are reasonable

State Farm and Allstate are requesting from the Department of Insurance (DI) rate increases of 30% and 34%, respectively. The public perception is that the DI will ratify these rate increases because it is “in the pocket” of insurers. And, the latter are gouging us, the homeowners.

The underlying facts are different. According to research, for the same dollar coverage, California homeowners’ insurance premiums are 35% lower than the U.S. average. This is because the DI actively regulates insurance rates on behalf of homeowners, more so than in other states. In part because of their California wildfire risk exposure, combined with suppressed rate increases, both insurers have incurred underwriting losses in the billions over the past two years. This is not sustainable.

Given the mounting underwriting losses, the insurers rate-increase requests are reasonable. If the DI does not ratify them, they are likely to leave the state.

— Gaetan Lion, Mill Valley

It is time for a woman to lead the United States

I am an old man in my 80s. I’ve seen a lot, but watching coverage of a young man shooting former President Donald Trump, followed by a wild speech from former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan at the Republican National Convention (just a few days later) had me asking myself one question: How low can we go?

When we look at the death and destruction around the world, it seems that we men are the main problem. From Russian President Vladmir Putin’s war on Ukraine; the fight between the Hamas terrorist group and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza; or the conflicts in Sudan and Haiti, it is we men inflicting pain and suffering on the women and children. They are dying for change.

I think President Joe Biden just became a true agent for that change. It is time for a woman to become the leader of the most powerful nation in the free world. Vice President Kamala Harris has the integrity, intelligence and experience to lead a new generation of women toward health, prosperity and peace. Women make strong mothers and capable CEOs. They lead with both love and insight.

As a grandfather, I’m concerned about the future. I’m ready for change.

— Walter B. Littrell, San Francisco

Planet Earth always had dramatic climate changes

I am writing in response to the editorial cartoon by Adam Zyglis published July 20. It depicts a frying egg with the words, “This is your brain denying climate change.”

I am tired of the concerns about the impacts of changing weather patterns. No one can deny that there have been climate changes throughout history. It will continue to change. That’s the Earth doing its thing.

Throughout history, there have been many sudden and very dramatic climate changes — all of those changes came long before anyone was burning fossil fuels.

— Heinz Bartesch, Novato