New housing will lead to big parking issues

It was interesting to read the plans emerging from years of discussion about the parking problems in eastern San Rafael (“San Rafael details proposal for parking permit program,” Jan. 31). I believe the ongoing congestion from cars and trucks in that densely populated area is the tip of an iceberg.

From my perspective, San Rafael and Novato, like so many other areas in California, are sinking ships. The “passengers” living there are getting set up for the next version of the Titanic disaster.

As our “captains” in the state Legislature blithely “sail through” demands for gigantic housing high-rises with pathetically inadequate parking facilities, I see many more icebergs ahead. By the time the ship is on top of the icebergs, it will be too late. Cars and trucks will have proliferated into all nearby streets, arousing predictable complaints from other residents.

Meanwhile, state officials appear to blithely lounge around tables assuring each other that the residents of their new “steerage” housing will walk or ride bicycles, so we need not worry about where they’ll park. I think that’s a dangerous and unrealistic fantasy.

Can anyone steer this ship into saner waters before it’s too late?

— Elaine Reichert, Santa Venetia

Mill Valley school trustees must take responsibility

As a former member of the Mill Valley School District Board of Trustees, I am writing to share my belief that decisions made by the current board led to the $7.3 million budget deficit it now faces. It has jeopardized student achievement, district jobs and the transitional kindergarten program.

The trustees need to take accountability.

It appears clear to me that the board neglected its role to maintain sound finances. It ignored its own advice. The math wasn’t difficult, and the warnings were clear.

Teaching is a “people business.” Approximately 85% of spending funds salaries and benefits, so people are the major drivers for a district’s finances.

In 2023, the board approved a 14% raise for teachers over a two-year period. Weeks earlier, per its own communication, the board noted that a pay increase over 11% in a two-year period would require the district to “consider cuts to student programs, … increases to class size, layoffs ... and the district would be unable to launch and fund new programs.”

Earlier that year, the district’s own Community Financial Advisory Committee made a presentation showing that a 14% pay increase would lead to a catastrophic reduction of the budget reserve.

In addition to pay increases, the board agreed to two preparation periods for middle-school teachers, rather than the typical one. That cost, according to recent district presentations, is $2.5 million per year.

There should be no surprise that the board’s decisions led to its current position.

The Mill Valley community has been an unwavering supporter of education. It wants to be a part of the solution, for transitional kindergarten and other issues.

But before investing more into the district, we need a board that will take responsibility for their decisions rather than shifting blame, show they understand a budget and commit to fulfilling its role in maintaining sound finances.

— Todd May, Mill Valley

Let Habitat for Humanity coordinate Gaza rebuild

It would be wonderful if the Habitat for Humanity nonprofit organization could coordinate rebuilding in the Gaza Strip (“Gaza is in ruins, and it’s unclear how it will be rebuilt,” Feb. 5).

It would bring together people representing many nations, religions, races and ethnic groups all working together to help the Palestinian people.

— Dr. Ann Troy, San Anselmo

Gas cooktops can be a factor for asthmatics

I was very interested to read the recently published asthma article by Clinton Dune and Addie Dodson of the American Academy of Pediatrics (“What is asthma?” Feb. 3). However, in listing many things that can affect whether a child develops asthma, the article failed to mention the toxic combustion gases emitted by indoor gas cooktops.

Recent peer-reviewed studies have found that up to 13% of childhood asthma cases in the United States can be linked to having a gas stove in the home. Some of the studies also found that the combustion gases from gas cooktops, which include nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene, are likely to contribute to other health issues in children and adults.

These toxic combustion gases can easily be eliminated by switching to an electric cooktop. In particular, the new induction cooktops are a joy to use given their speed, precision and safety. I have found mine to be much easier to clean than a gas cooktop.

Those who choose to continue to use their gas cooktops should be sure to have their ventilation hoods turned on whenever the cooktop is in use (which few people seem to do). It’s curious how everyone seems to know not to bring their gas barbecue inside and fire it up because of the toxic combustion gases they produce, but somehow we have gotten so used to our gas cooktops that we fail to see that similar precautions are needed.

— David Moller, Larkspur

Novato did not listen to pleas about encampment

I agree with community members who have criticized members of the Novato City Council for not listening to the public during recent meetings. I find it interesting that, after these meetings, which began with urgent discussions about the recent anti-camping ordinance, community members have shown up. They gave comments and asked the council to pause before enacting the ordinance, but the city moved forward anyway (“Novato wins ruling against homeless campers at park,” Feb. 9).

I believe the spirit of the Brown Act is to create a transparent government where residents who vote for council members can make their decisions based on how these council members are thinking about and voting on issues that are important to us.

The ordinance essentially criminalizes the vast majority of people who are homeless living in Novato. I dislike how city council members said only “thank you for your comments” in response to residents who spoke. As a voter, I want to understand why each member voted the way they did. I am not in favor of simply “holding public comment” before voting to pass an ordinance. Ideas should be shared and a discussion should take place.

I find the city’s social-media messaging about wanting to hear us to be disingenuous. From my perspective, the council did not appear to care what we had to say.

The reasons behind the council’s unanimous vote on what I consider to be a discriminatory ordinance should be made public. This is not what a transparent government looks like. Novato’s posts about getting involved and being heard don’t make a difference if our elected officials aren’t actually listening.

— Heidi Merchen, Novato

Expect big cuts to fund tax break for billionaires

Don’t be fooled behind the cruel rhetoric of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk designed to paralyze us. I believe the real purpose of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is to cut $4 trillion from the federal budget in order to fund a tax cut for billionaires.

It’s the same tax cut that expires this year and must be funded in order to be passed. Musk and Trump appear ready to cut whatever helps them reach this goal.

We can stop them. Calling, writing, rallying, voting for anyone who is willing to stand against it, donating to organizations filing lawsuits and staying informed are all possible right now. It’s time to act.

— Nancy Kubik, Novato