The reality of retail development
The Golden Rule
Regarding “Developers struggling to fill new retail space” (Page One, Nov. 21): The problem for retail spaces, especially ones with small square footage, is that the cost of the lease is very expensive.
As a small business, one can only pay so much, and leases are the No. 1 cost. Also, not all are where the new units that are being constructed can generate enough foot traffic. Then to survive, one cannot blame the developer because commercial development comes with a cost, and as we know today, it is very expensive. City planners should re-look at new projects submitted with adjustments and commercial, and allow the developer to show if it is feasible to construct.
There are areas of the city where commercial units can demand an expensive lease, but not all areas can. Developers certainly do not need another tax on vacant units. Simple business is that if it is warranted, fine. If not, do not build it. Arthur Zanello, San Francisco
Concerning “Love bridges kin’s political divide” (Open Forum, Nov. 22): UC Santa Cruz Professor Nathan Altice may describe himself as the West Coast son of an “educated redneck” whose family ties transcend opposing political beliefs.
However, those of us labeled liberal elites by Trump supporters know that our differences are not just about issues like displaying Confederate flags or reforming health care. Rather, the GOP and its fervent followers are actively promoting a Christian-based theology that would deny equal rights to gays and lesbians, take away a woman’s right to abortion, and use public subsidies to send their children to private religious schools. These Christians should live by the Golden Rule, and treat those of differing sociopolitical values the same way that they treat their own. Eleanor Fischbein, Dublin
The denial defense
I was wondering what President Trump would say if a reporter asked this question: “Mr. President, since you believe Roy Moore (Republican) over the women who accused him of sexual misconduct, would you also believe Sen. Al Franken (Democrat) if he denied sexual misconduct over the women who accused him?”
Steve Rivers, Benicia
Pattern is obvious
There’s a very troubling pattern that is evident in our president’s tweet storms. He is unable to accept criticism from African Americans and women. Consider his reaction to comments from Steph Curry, Colin Kaepernick, Marshawn Lynch and other NFL players who do not stand for the national anthem, the “Hamilton” cast, Meryl Streep, LaVar Ball, Rosie O’Donnell, Elizabeth Warren, and his favorite foil, Hillary Clinton, as well as his obsession with undoing anything that President Barack Obama accomplished. It’s quite clear that Donald Trump believes African Americans and women should be seen and not heard.
Gary Cavalli, Danville
Welfare states
There have been several news stories lately about California and many of the other blue states paying more in federal taxes than they receive in federal aid. These states are referred to as donor states. California is a donor state. So what do we call those states that pay less in federal taxes than they receive in federal aid? How about welfare states?
Rosemary Benner, Santa Rosa
Good for women?
I don’t get it. President Trump now thinks it’s “very very good for women” that the accusations of sexual abuse and harassment are coming out? He’s a total hypocrite, as usual. Where is the investigation of his abuse of many women over the past? Why is Trump getting a free pass on this? Maybe it’s because, as in the case of Roy Moore and Vladimir Putin, he denies it.
Standard prosecutorial practice: Ask the suspect if he/she did it. If they deny it, end of investigation. I’m disgusted and bewildered. David Dibble, Anderson