San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Protesters in Iran need help in stand against oppression
We need to draw attention to the people of Iran being killed, kidnapped and beaten on the streets as they peacefully protest the inhumane rule of the Islamic regime.
I urge my elected officials to work to expand sanctions on Iran to prevent foreign funds from being used for oppression, complete diplomatic isolation of Iran and designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. These murderous dictators will stop at nothing to secure power and they must be stopped.
My husband was born in Tehran and his family fled persecution simply for being against the extremist government. This is something that greatly affects Persian Americans, and we must stand up against terrorism.
Katrina Swanson, San Francisco
Not NIMBYism
Regarding “Marin towns tax themselves to keep housing off hill” (Front Page, Nov. 10): I find it annoying that The Chronicle chose to frame this as a NIMBY move by quoting Laura Foote, executive director of YIMBY Action in San Francisco.
I don’t see how stopping the construction of luxury housing
for millionaires, some of which likely would have been second homes, is stopping housing that, as Foote said, “has to be built someplace else.”
No affordable housing was included in the development plan. The new park will provide access to everyone in the Bay Area to open space with incredible views that would’ve been blocked forever.
By the way, I moved from Marin County to Richmond because I could not afford to buy in Marin. However, I highly doubt that the proposed development would have increased my chances of being a Marin homeowner. But I’m really looking forward to visiting the new park.
Now, Belvedere and Tiburon, how’s the progress going on
providing affordable housing? That’s the real issue.
Kay Feallock, Richmond
Voting matters
Regarding “America is fumbling” (Letters to the Editor, Nov. 11): Letter writer Brayton Fisher made me laugh; that’s a good thing!
The fate of the government has often depended on that last vote, like what is happening now in Georgia regarding the future of the Senate. I recently re-watched “Iron Jawed Angels,” on how we women finally got the vote in 1920, thanks to Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. And guess what? It came down to one vote.
This is how our democracy works. That’s why it is said that every vote matters; it does.
Priscilla Rich, Danville
The impact of layoffs
Recently, a person who reported to me at work was let go. I had no say in how it happened. Layoffs are devastating.
They are even more devastating for those on work visas who only have 60 days to find a new job. She had just gotten her own place and her own cat. The current immigration process is so challenging. The job market is also so hard.
I urge my elected officials to have compassion for our immigrant neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. We should extend the H1B visa grace period to six months. It’s the least we can do for those who want to stay here and contribute to our economy.