Let UC Berkeley build its housing in peace
As a student long ago, I learned of the UC Berkeley Free Speech Movement and its birthplace, People’s Park. Many years later, upon joining the faculty of that famed institution, I was thrilled to learn that my assigned parking space was across the street from People’s Park.
Far from being a monument to the Free Speech Movement, I saw a filthy, graffiticovered, debrisscattered, abused piece of land. The detritus of drug abuse was common. I soon learned it was not a place to go if one valued his or her safety. It remained so until I retired last year. The site is an embarrassment that dishonors its past.
Let UC Berkeley build its new building in peace and give the plot of land a purpose again ( “What the people need is housing,” Feb. 18). Housing for students and homeless people in need is far better than the shameful place it is now. Plant a plaque over a small, wellmaintained piece to commemorate the place People’s Park occupied in history.
Kenneth Lowe, Novato
Reclaiming the flag
Thank you for “Don’t abandon GOP” (Feb. 19) and “Let’s reclaim Old Glory from the far right” (Open Forum, Feb. 19). Though a Democrat grateful for President Biden, I have wanted all of us decent, truly patriotic citizens to encourage the handful of honorable Republicans in Congress and perhaps corporate America to reclaim and clean up their Trumpdamaged party.
With the same hope and vigor so far displayed by the new administration, the Republican Party probably could reform itself and gain a majority of decent voters horrified by the worst of the last four years. As for reclaiming Old Glory, I absolutely agree that we also need, as a country, to clean up and redefine the image and the meaning of our flag and of patriotism. Recover the original goodness of both the word and the symbol.
I also believe that church members of conscience and moral integrity must work to distinguish true Christian values from extreme, rightwing, nationalist Christian propaganda based in hate and fear.
Susan Brown, San Carlos
Keep the Ferris wheel
Regarding “Skystar Observation Wheel needs to go” (Letters, Feb. 18): I think the Ferris wheel is beautiful. My husband and two friends rode the Skystar Wheel in October. There were many families in the socially distanced line. The kids could hardly wait. Masks were required to ride. Each car was thoroughly cleaned after the occupants left.
The cars rise high enough to get some great views of our city and the Music Concourse, the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum and the San Francisco Academy of Sciences. It reminded me of how much time I’ve enjoyed in this nook of Golden Gate Park.
In December, we returned to the area one night to see the entwined light installation. When we faced west, we could see the Ferris wheel lit up. Entranced, we walked, along with many others, to see it at night. It was magical. Lots of families with children were walking, running and skating around the darkened concourse.
I believe the Ferris wheel is a great addition to San Francisco and should be made permanent. I’ve seen many school classes visiting the de Young Museum. Once schools resume, perhaps free rides could be provided to some classes. It might be their introduction to beautiful Golden Gate Park.
Mary Gardner, San Francisco
GOP cancels its own
For a party that openly complains about cancel culture, they sure do a lot of canceling themselves. Sen. Richard Burr is just the latest example of Republicans canceling anyone who is not loyal to former President Donald Trump.
Daniel Levy, Oakland