San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Court decision could impede environmental transition
Regarding “Opponents win OK to contest power plants in local courts” (Nov. 27) and “Solar farm struggle in Livermore Valley” (Nov. 30): I read in The Chronicle that decisions of the Public Utilities Commission can now be challenged in state trial courts, not just reviewed at the California Supreme Court. This was billed as a victory for environmental justice, marginalized communities and the fight against fossil fuels. Yet now, I read that Livermore NIMBYs are suing to stop a solar installation (and new hiking trail) on vacant land near their homes. Opening the courthouse doors to challenges to the regulatory state may serve only to empower those who already have a lot of it — wealthy suburban homeowners — and can impede rather than advance the green transition.
Sonny the elephant
Regarding “Lonely elephant” (News of the Day, Dec. 1): Now that Kaavan, who had been dubbed the world’s loneliest elephant, has been removed from years of solitude in a Pakistan zoo to a new wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia, perhaps local authorities there might consider renaming him Sonny. After all, his rescue was championed by none other than an American actress and singer named Cher.
Teachers are essential
Regarding “Rushing to get S.F.’s teachers prioritized for virus vaccines” (Dec. 2): I read with interest that San Francisco teachers might be prioritized just behind health care workers in getting free COVID19 vaccines.
When will the powers that be realize teachers are essential to our students for so many reasons beyond teaching ABCs? Parents have been pleading for schools to open so their kids can get their educations back on track. Teachers should definitely be receiving the vaccine so they can safely go back to the classrooms.
So long, Dr. Scott Atlas
Concerning “Divisive adviser on outbreak to Trump resigns” (Dec. 1): What difference does it make that Dr. Scott Atlas, who advised President Trump on the coronavirus pandemic, has just resigned from his position? This former Stanford University radiologist, who has no infectious disease experience, repeatedly expressed that the science of mask wearing to prevent the spread of contagion was uncertain, and that children couldn’t spread the coronavirus. Atlas spent months promoting the kinds of falsehoods that have contributed to the latest national surge in COVID19 cases. He should never have been hired in the first place.
The benefits of quiet
Regarding “With less need to yell, birds’ singing is best in decades” (Front Page, Nov. 26): It makes sense that birds sing more softly and sweetly in a quieter environment. The benefits of quiet have been welldocumented for wellbeing in humans, and it stands to reason that all living creatures thrive with less intense, chronic ambient noise. Just imagine how our suffering forests would benefit without the sound of bulldozers, chain saws, delimbers, mulchers, stump grinders and all the other heavy equipment used in evenaged management and other destructive forest industry practices. Per the author, whitecrowned sparrows respond to quiet with a “seductive trill.” Trees respond with production of that oxygen that we require to breathe and survive, sequestration of dangerous atmospheric carbon, protection of
GOOD WEEK
S.F. supervisors ban smoking in apartments — but exempt cannabis. And U.S. House votes to decriminalize marijuana. But Senate is unlikely to follow suit.
The most trusted authority through the pandemic accepts offer to become chief medical adviser for the Biden White House.
Those guidelines-defying opulent dinners created headaches for Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor London Breed, but are great publicity for the Yountville restaurant. forest biodiversity, and, without the practice of planting same age/same species trees to replace those felled, a reduction of wildfire risk and severity. If we banned clearcutting and all forms of evenaged management, and if we listened carefully enough, we would probably hear the trees, themselves, singing resplendently as they are nourishing and protecting us.
Add panels to aqueduct
As I drive by the California Aqueduct, I always wonder why it is not covered with energyproducing solar panels that would also reduce evaporation as it winds its way hundreds of miles through the open and often very hot Central Valley. I agree with covering parking lots with solar panels. How can this kind of thinking be expanded?
Find the best person
In regards to whom Gov. Gavin Newsom should select for the U.S. Senate, did we not learn anything from Californians’ mandate on Proposition 16? Californians don’t want preferences. They want the best person for the job.
BAD WEEK
Coronavirus surge prompts Bay Area counties to go into a serious lockdown. Wise move for public health, but it will intensify tough times for many businesses and workers.
Top official Harlan Kelly, charged in federal bribery case, resigns. His wife, City Administrator Naomi Kelly, not charged, takes leave of absence.
Team defeats rival L.A. Rams to move into playoff contention — then is forced to relocate to Arizona for at least two “home” games due to pandemic concerns.