Thoroughbreds are loved

In the storied history of Thoroughbred racing, we have seen countless legends. In Southern California, thousands witnessed Seabiscuit, Swaps, Native Diver, Affirmed, Lava Man, Zenyatta and California Chrome etch their names into racing lore as they amazed the fans who stood by them. Each one was loved, then and now.

Contrary to a recent letter, Thoroughbreds are treated like family. I have been in the barns at Santa Anita, and have seen horses receive immense love and care. These equines have unique stories, and touch the lives of many people.

Very few become wealthy by owning a horse. After privately purchasing or claiming one, there are multiple expenses, including training and feeding. This is why ownership groups are formed.

The recent deaths we learned of are sad and no one likes that it happened, but safety is a priority in California racing. Fans, trainers and owners love their horses.

— Alan French, Glendora

Judging George

Three cheers for columnist Doug McIntyre! (Feb. 19). Judging George Washington by a norm that did not exist in his time is akin to Martin Luther King, Jr. being judged harshly in a future age because he, say, enjoyed juicy steaks (entailing harsh treatment of farm animals). If you are foolish enough to knock King’s statue down, then you are ready for Washington.

Are you truly glad George Washington lived? If so, put him on his pedestal and quit quibbling about his slaves. If not, then I’m getting off of your bus. Criticize the error but think twice about toppling his statue.

— Dave Matson, Pasadena

Single-payer

Re “Single-payer stunt makes a comeback” (editorial, Feb. 22): Why is the editorial board incapable of acknowledging that California is the most populated state in our republic and has the largest economy among the 50 states? California has the fourth-largest economy in the world. Knowing those facts, one would expect a plethora of problems associated with managing California’s population and economy. Providing affordable healthcare, quality education,and the protection of life and property to 39 million Californians can be a daunting task. We must encourage our elected leaders and professionals responsible for managing our state during non-eventful times and during a pandemic and natural disasters to do their very best to arrive at viable and commonsense solutions that will make the California lifestyle healthy for all.

Providing single-payer healthcare would increase the recipients’ access to affordable medical care and at the same time help streamline the operation of such a service to Californians. The increased cost of healthcare has forced many Californians (52%) to forego medical care as noted in a recent news article in your paper. It’s time that the opinion staff encourages our elected leaders to be bold and creative in establishing single-payer affordable healthcare for Californians and make California a leader for other states to follow.

— Larry Naritomi, Monterey Park

Taxing San Marino

Many elderly and retirees are able to stay in their homes because of Proposition 13. We already have attacks on Prop. 13 with parcel taxes.

For school parcel taxes, all parcels, residential, commercial or contiguous, are required by law to be taxes at the same rate, per California Government Code 50079. The San Marino schools parcel tax applies different rates. But Attorney General Rob Bonta does nothing.

For a city parcel tax for fire and police services, the law limits it to be used for fire and police protection, not for emergency medical services like paramedics, per California Government Code 50978. Only San Bernardino County has an exemption. The San Marino Public afety Tax is used for emergency paramedic services. And again AG Rob Bonta does nothing.

— Andrew Ko, San Marino

Working in concert

Re Fox and Trump: Only when doubt is sown for reliable sources of information can cheaters invent their own version of events and manufacture theories that subvert reality.

— Richard Dorsey, Hacienda Heights