The time for police reform to happen is now
Regarding “No need for reform” (Letters, June 18): The writer states: “Change to police forces should come from within.” This is what we have been waiting for for years and it has not happened. This writer also predicts many negative consequences that he views as inevitable if reforms are instituted. These results are not guaranteed.
I feel as if we as a society are performing an intervention on the police forces of this country. For decades, police forces have been promising change and warning about the dire consequences of change done wrong. This is so much like the addict who keeps promising to quit, but doesn’t and who can’t imagine life without their drug of choice. There comes a time when others must step in and insist that the change is necessary and that the time is now.
Eric Warren, Oakland
Shut down extremists
Regarding “Behind the rightwing ‘Boogaloo’ movement” ( June 17): Thank you for providing a little context behind the targeting and killing of police as instigated not by Black Lives Matter protesters, but by farright extremist groups communicating over Facebook. Perhaps related to this type of coordination via electronic networks, there are several reports from around the country (and at least two in California) of black men found hanging from trees. This is too coincidental to deem these suicides.
Instead of pursuing the ridiculous claim of Antifa terrorist groups, the FBI needs to infiltrate the electronic networks of Boogaloo and other rightwing terrorist groups and shut them down.
Denise Williams, Oakland
Venues for the arts
With professional baseball and basketball not happening, why not use their local venues for performance events? There’s more than enough room at Oracle Park and the Chase Center for paying audience members to sit three or four seats apart. What a boost it would be to the cultural community for the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors owners to invite the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet and Opera to use their facilities while sports aren’t happening.
Leah Garchik, San Francisco
Managing pandemic life
Regarding “Some folks can’t handle the truth” (Editorial, June 18): I’m one of the overwhelming majority of Californians today who, unlike some, can actually “handle the truth” about life in a pandemic and the inconveniences of social distancing, masks, sheltering in place and temporary curtailment of social activities associated with normal times. I am also not at all surprised by those few who reflexively defy the protocols of public health and safety, yes, even the creeps who threaten harm to local health officials. Another truth to handle: Some members of our society were sick long before the arrival of COVID19. Can we develop a mandatory vaccine for that disease?
Stan DeVaughn, Sacramento
Irrational threats
So there are people in California making death threats against county health officers urging caution for businesses seeking to reopen during this health pandemic? And who are rejecting sciencebased evidence that informs rational decision making? Sounds like the kind of folks who would enjoy attending a certain upcoming political rally in Tulsa, Okla. Oh, and I hope they’re OK with signing waivers of liability against the Trump campaign if they should happen to contract the coronavirus during their attendance.
Umberto D’Avila, Sausalito
Landmark moment
Regarding “Drama marks PG&E pleas” (Page 1, June 17): The 85 guilty pleas by a major corporation to the tragic deaths and destruction of Paradise is a landmark moment for justice and law enforcement in California and the nation. The citizens and taxpayers of Butte County are fortunate to have Mike Ramsey as their elected district attorney. He believes in holding criminals accountable both on the streets and in the boardrooms. Ten years ago in San Mateo County, the same company was convicted of crimes by its gas division. In Butte, it was the electric division. Both times, this investorowned utility shamefully put profits over people. Ramsey and his team of investigators and attorneys are to be commended for their public service.
Scott Tandy, Moraga
Right to rename
Regarding “Honor Jesse Jackson” (Letters, June 18) and “Rename Fort Bragg after famous deaf actor” (Letters, June 18): I like the suggestions by writers to rename Fort Bragg after deaf actor Bernard Bragg and Jackson Street after Rev. Jesse Jackson. Our little rescue dog, Louie, was originally named for comedian Louis CK. Since his fall from grace (#MeToo), we decided Louie could stay Louie, but be named after trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Kerry Parker, San Francisco
Winning suggestion
Americans love a win. I commend the letter writer for his excellent idea for Fort Bragg citizens to resolve their renaming issue with a winning suggestion. Renaming the city for Bernard Bragg, “the first deaf professional performer in the United States” would avoid all the logistical and financial problems for the city’s businesses necessitated by a wholly different name, while recognizing a famous deaf performer and teacher.
Peter Grenell, San Francisco
Stain of slavery
Regarding “Rename Jackson Street” ( June 17) and “Honor Jesse Jackson” (Letters, June 18): In the past few days, you have published letters advocating the removal of the name Jackson from San Francisco street signs due to the fact that former President Andrew Jackson owned slaves. Why single him out when former Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had slaves at their respective plantations also? Would the writers like to remove all traces of these men from our streets, schools, monuments and state names? How much of history do they wish to erase to ease their burden of guilt? A wise person once said: “To deny history is to repeat it.” The stain of slavery is part of our history and we should remember it so we never do it again.
Vincent Greene, Napa