Shootings have become the tragic new norm
Regarding “Gilroy festival shooting — 3 killed, 15 wounded” (Page 1, July 29): Another mass shooting carried out by someone with an assaultstyle weapon has become the tragic new norm in America. Equally tragic is the unwillingness of the National Rifle Associationfunded political leaders to ban such weapons from being sold to ordinary citizens, as well as their refusal to institute universal background checks on all gun purchases. My condolences go out to the families of the victims at the Gilroy festival, while my contempt goes out to our representatives in Washington, D.C., who never offer more than empty thoughts and prayers after each new U.S. mass shooting.
Belinda Davis, San Francisco
Saddened by news
I’m deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a beloved community tradition in the Bay Area. Wishing strength and recovery to the neighbors in Gilroy, the victims and their families. Much gratitude to the first responders.
Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Constant coverage
In an amazing example of oversaturation and exploitation of the tragedy in Gilroy at the Garlic Festival, all major TV channels kept showing scenes speculating about the shooter, how many were killed or injured and what his possible motives were. The same scenes were shown over and over as if on an endless reel with the same interviews, with the same people. Very few details were known for sure and yet news of this horrific tragedy went on for hour after hour.
There are multiple news outlets for those who were obsessed with the tragedy, but for NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX to suspend programming for hours was ridiculous in the extreme. There are people who do not want to be constantly bombarded with the latest example of why these types of weapons should be banned, but never are.
Kenneth Jones, San Francisco
Regrettable ruling
So the conservative majority Supreme Court, which claims it strictly interprets our nation’s Constitution, has ruled that the Trump administration can begin using $2.5 billion in Pentagon money for the construction of a border wall? Whatever happened to respecting the Constitution’s assignment of the power of the purse to Congress? This high court decision further erodes the power of this country’s legislative branch, while dangerously increasing the power of the executive branch. Our founding fathers, who designed a tripartite form of government with coequal powers through a series of checks and balances, are likely rolling in their graves at this regrettable news. Hazel Underwood, Milpitas
Voting is the answer
I am truly proud of the citizens of Baltimore protesting about what the president of their nation said about them. It’s about time that citizens all over this nation let our president know that he cannot just say whatever he wants. What he doesn’t understand is that the places and people he chooses to criticize are the people and places he is supposed to represent. Although protesting makes a good point, the best way to get your point across is to vote.
Robert Nice, Redwood City
Good use of space
Regarding “Mayors want jail converted to shelter” (Page 1, July 27): There are many things I don’t understand. One of them was this article. Why are some advocates for the homeless concerned with the proposal to convert a former jail into housing for the homeless, calling it “dehumanizing and immoral?” Several years ago, my husband and I were in Basel, Switzerland, where we paid good money to stay in a converted jail in the center of town. Yes, we had to bend down to get into our cell and they had combined two cells together to construct our room. It was conveniently located and quite pleasant. We didn’t feel like prisoners and have since recommended going there to friends.
Granted, it was probably nicer than what Oakland has in mind for converting the prison, but they could certainly remove the bars and replace them with doors — maybe put in some comfortable beds, etc. It need not be fancy. It would be an excellent use of the space. They should do likewise with San Francisco’s juvenile hall.
Deborah Sohr, San Francisco
Absurd policy
Regarding “Palo Alto may open park to everyone” (July 27): So this city may finally open its exclusive Foothills Park to nonresidents? How would Palo Alto residents feel if, upon visiting San Francisco, they were not allowed to visit Golden Gate Park because it was exclusively reserved for those who lived there? Palo Alto’s policy for Foothills Park is both absurd and discriminatory. All people, regardless of where they live, should be able to enjoy nature in city parks without such restrictions.
Vincent McCullers, San Jose
Third political party
Is it time for a third political party catering to moderates? If I were choosing which major political party to join today, it would be difficult. Right now, I belong to neither. As the Democratic Party seems to be embracing socialism and the Republican Party is leaning more toward fascism, those eligible voters who have more moderate views that still believe in true democracy seem to be on the fringe of both parties. As both parties become more and more polar opposites, there is less hope that our current government leaders can work together and solve our country’s real problems. This behavior is rubbing off on its constituents, where intolerance to others who are anything different from themselves has become widespread. A political party that encompasses a viewpoint of cooperation, democracy, sensibility and tolerance is something I would eagerly join and I think many others who are currently registered Democrats and Republicans would as well. Alex Araki, Dublin
No more fracking
Regarding “Clean up California’s water” (Editorial, July 27): The Chronicle’s editorial rightfully praises Gov. Gavin Newsom for his new, healthy water program. However, the governor, like his predecessor, continues to allow fracking, which contaminates our precious groundwater with toxic byproducts of the fracking process. Your editorial mentions the governor’s statement that impure water for our citizens is “a moral disgrace,” and I agree. It’s also a moral disgrace that oil companies, which never cared one bit about the citizens of the entire planet, are allowed to continue to do this.
George Istvan, Concord
Marathon pioneer
Regarding Erin Allday’s article “Runners of color push for starting line” (Page 1, July 27): I was surprised that she didn’t mention Ted Corbitt, the person of color who is known as “The Father of Long Distance Running” in the United States. He pioneered marathoning and ultramarathoning in the 1960s and 1970s. He founded the New York Road Runners, which was so instrumental in popularizing longdistance races on the East Coast, long before Frank Shorter brought distance running to the public’s attention.
Jerry Haslam, Los Altos Hills