Federal death row commutations

Re “Families, advocates react to Biden’s commutations” (Dec. 24):

This article states the reactions of families of victims who were shocked by Biden’s decision to convert the death sentences of 37 murderers to life sentences. This ongoing deluge of pardons and sentence reductions began with Biden pardoning his son. This action together with other vindictive acts by Biden subsequent to the election is his effort to avenge the loss of the presidential election regardless of how it affects those lives of victims’ families. This shows his ongoing hatred of Trump that started with lies and now he will do anything to make Trump’s presidency more difficult.

— Kenneth M. Bezich, Rolling Hills

Minimum wage decrees

Re “$30 wage would be an Olympian error for L.A.” (Dec. 24):

I understand that federal, state, local governments can pass minimum wage laws. What I don’t understand is choosing specific sectors. A minimum wage should be statewide, countywide for all. Fast food, but not restaurant workers?

Hotel workers and airport, but not Staples or local stores? Picking and choosing doesn’t cut it and is wrong.

I expect any to challenge it in court would not have standing.

— Lynda Goddard, Redondo Beach

Global warming: Myth or truth

Re “Progressive myths harm the honest discourse” (Dec. 22):

Outright lies also harm the honest discourse. The author claims that it is a myth that global warming is an existential threat to America and the world. It is not a myth. It is simply the truth!

The author goes on to state that “virtually no serious scientists think that global warming is an existential threat.” Another untruth. Well over 90% of scientists believe that global warming is real and provides a very serious threat to our way of life and other life on the planet.

The only way this statement could be true is if the author only considers the scientists who agree with him to be “serious” and excludes the over 90% who disagree with him. Global temperatures are rising. The temperature of the oceans are rising and the oceans are becoming more acidic due to absorption of carbon. Weather is becoming more extreme. The author should be ashamed of his article.

— Larry Kramer, San Juan Capistrano

Legislative accountability

Re “Assemblymembers taught how to duck accountability” (Dec. 22):

Carl DeMaio’s article on how Sacramento works in Sunday’s Opinion section was a Christmas present for all Californians. The truth he tells about corrupt activities contaminating our politics for decades must be changed for California’s good. Lobbyists and special interest groups have no place in government for the people and should be prosecuted for keeping the status quo of decline in the Golden State.

It would be great if Carl could spread his findings through popular podcasts and social media to the younger generation, who do not read print news.

— Stephen Lucas, Van Nuys

Costa Mesa Travelodge conversion

Re “Supes OK plan to convert motel” (Dec. 18):

The O.C. Board of Supervisors has directed staff to purchase a property in Costa Mesa that once included a Travelodge motel and have it converted into 78 affordable housing units for people experiencing homelessness.

Redevelopment of the Travelodge is “expected” to cost $45 million and you know that’s going to go up!

The motel will undergo “major” improvements to the 78 rooms. At a cost to the taxpayers of $576,923 per room? They better get some pretty nice remodeling.

This Project Homekey is another example of Gov. Newsom’s failed spending war on homelessness, and the money is a criminal waste of taxpayer money as the local and state government should stay out of the real estate developing business, especially when they are playing with taxpayers’ “house money.”

— Michael Corboy, Indio