New laws proposed against free speech on social media

Re “Stop California from ending anonymous free speech online” (April 2):

Kenneth Schrupp has the right idea in keeping government out of social media by-laws, but the fear over age verification is rather overblown. If online alcohol and gun retailers are to be the example, then age verification will be practically meaningless, because minors will certainly lie to defeat it.

The real question is, are social media platforms publishers or not? If they are, then they, being liable for slander or libel, are free to police every message posted. If not, then every user must be held liable.

To be held liable, user accounts either cannot be anonymous, or, if users are free to post anonymously, then accounts must contain personal information, which can be accessed by the social media company and used to sue users in the event that they slander or libel someone. Speech is not without consequence, and it would behoove everyone interested to remember that fact.

— Scott Kelly, Huntington Beach

Fast-food industry challenges at $20

Re “The job-killing fast-food minimum wage of $20” (April 3):

Having read your editorial referencing the employment obstacles at fast-food restaurants today, I could not help but relate my experience last evening at a usually busy chain eatery that is usually packed at that hour, but was virtually empty.

I do not frequent such places except when having late afternoon appointments; the last was the same facility where I always order the same meal.

What was an already rapidly inflated price of $17 for my meal weeks ago, was almost $21 last night! I was startled at the price increase and commented to the server, perhaps unfairly as not his doing, that no wonder there was nobody there.

How could a family, or anyone, afford electively to eat outside the home?

I foresee very hard times for the fast-food and restaurant industry with many going out of business due to over-reaching, non- free market regulations.

— Eric Kurtz, Dana Point

California housing market

Re “Bidding wars lift housing prices” (April 3):

The only way to bring down housing costs is to bring more housing on the market — not true. A suburban developer who is bringing three phases of housing to market will possibly charge X for Phase 1, X+10% for Phase 2 and X+20% for Phase 3.

Where do you see housing costs going down? Your front-page story on the Sportsmen’s Lodge development (April 4) says there will be 78 units reserved for very-low income out of the 520 total apts. The eventual owner will have higher rents on 85% (442/520) of future renters to make up for the minimal rents on the 78 units. Higher rents and higher new house prices also raise rents and prices in the surrounding areas. In real estate lingo it’s called comps. Supply and demand don’t exist in real estate.

— Bob Munson, Newbury Park

Biden helps Baltimore

Kudos to Affectionate Joe for helping Baltimore and their critical trade waterway by sending them $60 million to assist in the recovery. A minimal but an appreciated amount. I wonder how much he would have sent if the bridge was located in Ukraine.

— Patrick Flaherty, Beaumont

Assembly Bill 2419

Re “Bill takes aim at underage sex work” (March 30):

The article about child sex trafficking does not address the root problem of child exploitation; it’s the wide open southern border.

The mere idea of the children and drugs streaming across our border facilitated by gangs is not mentioned at all in the article.

This invasion will soon overwhelm police agencies and social workers and another Sacramento bill funded by the taxpayers which will do nothing but enrich some NGO.

Immigration laws have been on the books for years.

Just use common sense, which is in short supply in Sacramento, and enforce them.

— Victor Curti, El Segundo