Fire preparedness more vital than new parcel tax

Mayor Fred Keeley of Santa Cruz appears stuck in a cycle of addressing past concerns, such as proposing ever-increasing additional taxes on local homeowners to tackle homelessness and housing affordability (Jan. 12 “Mayor’s Message”). This comes while Californians witness the horrific devastation of the Southern California fires and the shortcomings of the LA political leadership, including the mayor of Los Angeles.

As residents of Santa Cruz County, we demand answers regarding our own fire preparedness. Are we effectively capturing the crucial winter rains? This region grapples with water scarcity annually, with discussions even reaching the extreme of desalination plants in Monterey Bay, a proposal ultimately rejected by voters.

What are the current plans to ensure a sustainable water future, as well as forest fire prevention, and related issues such as community evacuation in this county?

We respectfully request Mayor Keeley provide outline plans to ensure the long-term water security and preparedness against forest fires in Santa Cruz County. The safety and well-being of our community depend on a proactive and comprehensive approach to these critical issues.

— Beth Ahrens-Kley, Santa Cruz

Moratorium on smart city environmentalism

“Never ascribe to malice what might be mere incompetence,” common sense purports to say.

Common sense also recognizes that lawyers are sometimes necessary and the precautionary principle is wise. In the past days I have received more than a few solicitations evoking the fires in SoCal. Speaking in a lawyerly way on my own behalf, I would like to arrange a postnuptial agreement between Santa Cruz County and the smart city-sustainability agenda.

I love climate activists. I used to be one. I believe policies consistent with economic flourishing and thriving democracy exist. The speed with which the plan for Smart City LA 2028 has appeared is cause for concern, however. Common sense is willing to debate the density of development, the possibility of rewilding. Common sense also recognizes the danger of land grab profiteering when disaster capitalism meets the financialization of nature, so-called “Nature-Based-Solutions.”

Because it appears Gov. Newsom might not love us the way that he said he did, let’s follow the precautionary principle with a moratorium on the smart city-sustainability agenda.

— Rachael Sotos, Santa Cruz

Keeley’s latest costly ‘gift’ — another parcel tax

As homeowners face ever increasing insurance bills due to fires, skyrocketing PG&E bills, and huge increases in the cost of home maintenance (tried to get a new roof lately?), we are treated to Mayor Keeley’s latest gift, an increase in the parcel tax to fund … affordable housing!

And landlords who own property in the city (are there any left?) may not pass this additional cost onto tenants. Those who sell their houses (mostly retirees on fixed incomes) must pay a new transfer tax or raise the price of the house.

Here’s an idea: How about creating higher paying jobs for people in the city so that people who cannot afford homes can work and save to buy one?

— David Emberson, Santa Cruz

LA fire blame game: Look at government failures

The Sentinel editors as well as every single politician is blaming the Southern California wildfires on everything except government individuals who failed and could have done better to prevent such tragedy. It’s either the “dog ate my homework” excuse of climate change, or “it was unavoidable,” or “let’s figure it out later we have people to rescue,” or total silence (LA Mayor Karen Bass when asked if she felt any responsibility).

With the government, it’s always a “systemic problem we got to fix” and never do. While I suspect there are plenty of systemic government problems considering the reality of the biggest bureaucratic monopolies involved, what is really needed is someone who has experience saying “You’re FIRED.” Donald J. Trump comes to mind.

Replace the wildfires with the wharf above and it’s not so different.

— Garrett Philipp, Santa Cruz