Not so progressive

Regarding “Amazon buys site for S. F. center” ( Front Page, Business, Dec. 16): What a crime to let Amazon get away with this! Amazon has impacted small businesses all over San Francisco and the U. S. Jeff Bezos has made billions, including billions during the pandemic, while small businesses have gone under. Even Amazon employees have spoken out about conditions during the pandemic. San Francisco is a “progressive” city in name only.

Judith Keenan, San Francisco

Recycle Amazon’s trash

Did anyone else see the irony in Amazon purchasing land from Recology for a facility? In my opinion, Amazon packages are the biggest source of residential trash in the city, as evidenced by the overflowing bins in the trash room of the building in which I live. Do you think Amazon is planning to install the first collection and recycling facility for their packaging materials? Just saying.

Gilda Sullivan, San Francisco

Tips for every worker

The United States government is not doing anything to ease the burden of the average person during this pandemic. One small check was of no use. I have noticed that pay has gone down during this time. Greedy people and corporations are taking advantage of desperation. As long as our government ignores the majority of its people, individuals must stand up. An answer might be for those who can afford it is to tip. Tip anyone who serves you in any way from household cleaners to supermarket workers. In fact, keep money in your pockets to give to anyone you suspect may be suffering in this economy. It would make a difference in their lives and perhaps give hope to those who still believe in democracy.

Vaccinate the educators

As a matter of public health and safety, child care providers must be at the top tier in vaccine priority as we provide essential services to the workforce. These essential workers/ child care providers put themselves and their families at risk to serve working families, including frontline workers. They work with young children who cannot socially distance and babies who can’t wear masks. Many in our field lack health insurance, or have high health care costs, do not have paid sick leave, and/ or adequate personal protective equipment. Most child care environments are inadequately ventilated and lack resources to fix this. The early educator workforce is largely composed of women of color who are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus for various social reasons like housing that is intergenerational. The child care industry is at risk of crumbling both economically and healthwise and this impacts California. We providers and service workforce caring for the next generation of California’s citizens invite the governor and the California State Department of Public Health to stand up and prioritize early educators to receive the vaccine as soon as available. Your actions will complement the vision outlined in the recently released Master Plan for Early Learning and Care.

Superspreader services

Regarding “Church services defies court order” ( Business, Dec. 14): It is irresponsible during a raging pandemic for San Jose’s Calvary Chapel, its pastors, and parishioners to participate to hold indoor religious services inside with no social distancing and, I assume, masks optional. Such services are likely to become virus superspreaders endangering attendees’ health and possibly lives and others they come in contact with. No wonder coronavirus cases number more than 16 million with deaths reaching above 300,000. Thoughts and prayers will be little solace then.