Young people right about dangers of alcohol
Regarding “Is wine the ‘2024 cigarette’? Younger generations say all alcohol is ‘literally poison’ ” (Wine, Beer & Spirits, SFChronicle.com, March 25): Alcohol has long been so normalized in our society, especially in California where the industry is powerful, that the comparison with cigarettes is apt.
When I read obituaries of people who died “after a hard-fought battle against cancer” featuring a photo of the departed loved one holding a glass of wine or a cocktail, I’m saddened that far too many people still do not realize that alcohol is a powerful carcinogen. Alcohol increases the risk of breast, liver, throat and bowel cancers.
We need to do better at educating the public and indeed, the wine industry needs to recognize that a pivot to nonalcoholic wines may be a smart business move. Millions of people happily do not drink alcohol and as a result live longer, healthier lives. Ruth Malone, San Francisco
Not mayor material
Regarding “S.F. mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie says he knows how to fix nonprofits. Can he fix City Hall?” (Politics, SFChronicle.com, March 23): The Chronicle’s story on the nonprofit group Tipping Point and mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie was a thoughtful if incomplete article.
Tipping Point has played a critical role in elevating and redefining the role and effectiveness of philanthropy. Bravo. And yet, within the nonprofit and philanthropic community, there is also a healthy degree of skepticism regarding Tipping Point’s exaggerated claims about its model and impact.
Perhaps a bigger question for voters is: Does leading a foundation (raising and giving away money) qualify someone to be mayor? The answer might be yes but I am inclined to lean toward someone who has actually done the work that Tipping Point supports.
Something for all of us to think about.
Alec Lee, San Francisco
Untangle S.F. streets
Regarding “What Paris can teach San Francisco about safe streets in aftermath of West Portal crash” (Editorial, SFChronicle.com, March 22) and “Can self-driving cars prevent accidents like one in West Portal that killed S.F. family?” (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, March 26): The original Muni Metro plan in the 1970s for West Portal station was to underground it with a subway under West Portal Avenue to St. Francis Circle.
But opposition by West Portal merchants helped defeat a bond measure to fund it, and the plan was scrapped. Business interests won out over traffic safety and transit effectiveness, and it’s the reason for the auto, bus, streetcar, pedestrian, bike and scooter tangle near West Portal Station.
San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Ferrell’s plan to put autos back onto Market Street will not get him my vote. Muni has substantially reduced travel times, not just along Market Street but to other neighborhoods as well. Steve Vaccaro, San Francisco
Solve cause of crime
Regarding “Crime in Oakland has been rising. These charts show how trends vary by neighborhood” (Crime, SFChronicle.com, March 25): It is concerning that crime in Oakland is rising. However, the most concerning issue is the response of public officials.
The reaction by the police and the governor has been to increase the number of officers even though professionals have asserted that the crime increase is due to the closure of public places and schools, disruption of support networks and economic distress in poor communities in the area.
Public officials should look at ways to support the economy of these highly patrolled communities and offer more resources instead of more surveillance. Jose Magana, Santa Cruz
Trump’s sales job
“Happy Holy Week!” writes the former president in his inspirational holiday message. “Let’s Make America Pray Again. As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless the USA Bible.” And it’s only $59.99!
Hawking the good book inspired by the lyrics of a country singer to pay off your legal bills would be sad enough for someone who sells snake oil at carnivals, but by a former president and presidential candidate seems less dignified than Bob Dole shilling for Viagra.
Worse, the shilling is by a man who virtually obliterated each of the Ten Commandments. Shouldn’t the message have said, “Let’s Make America Pay Again?” Mitchell Goldman, Richmond