Don’t ignore climate change’s influence
Regarding “Understanding science behind atmospheric rivers” (April 5, Main News): Though otherwise thorough and informative, this article omitted any mention of whether climate change is contributing to the intensity of these strong rainstorms. Climate change has such an enormous bearing on the future of our children and grandchildren that we need the theme to be woven in wherever relevant. This would help combat the tendency toward complacency and denial. Barbara Rhine, Oakland
Water for nothing
Regarding “Tony enclave doused greenery on city dime: 1 million gallons a year” (April 4, Page One): With apologies to the great band Dire Straits, the lyrics to describe Presidio Terrace residents must be: get your water for nothing and your streets for free!
Steve Flitcroft, Benicia
Weapons availability
Regarding “Mass Shootings: Let’s face it, the real issue is mental health” (April 5, Opinion): The real issue is mental illness combined with powerful weapons. Andrew Malcolm makes an excellent point: We need better ways of detecting and caring for people with serious mental health problems. But the counterpart of the current gun violence problem needs to be addressed, too. Modern technology is a powerful amplifier for the good, as well as for the bad! What types of arms does the Second Amendment guarantee us to bear? Should hand grenades be included? What about mine-launchers, chemical weapons, or small conventional bombs? Should those items be readily available for over-the-counter purchase? As a society, we need to think about how to limit our most powerful technologies from becoming available too easily, so that they may readily end up in the hands of mentally ill people. This issue also needs to be addressed for other technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones. Carlo Sequin, Berkeley
Meaningful treatment
Kudos to Andrew Malcolm for finally stating the obvious (the real issue is mental health)! In the hysteria over gun control, the politically correct police are afraid to address the real issue here; mentally healthy people don’t commit these crimes. We must stop sweeping this problem under the rug and identify and provide meaningful treatment to the mentally ill before more innocent people are slaughtered. The “rights” of the mentally ill do not outweigh the “rights” of the rest of society to live free from fear of murder and mayhem. Nancy Leasia, Saratoga
Bad idea of the year
The editorial “Boots along the border” (April 5) shouldn’t include the title “Bad idea of the week.” Rather, it should be “Bad idea of the year.” With all of the terrorist issues facing this country, both domestically and internationally, the last thing President Trump should be considering is the use of our military forces to beef up border security for nonexistent threats. Trump’s ludicrous proposal is not just another example of his “whirling, untethered thinking,” it’s completely unhinged. This “leader of the free world” is actually turning into a tinpot (or is it crackpot?) dictator.
Annabelle Devereaux, San Francisco
Uncover gun safety gaps
Lately, I’ve been delving into news reports of gun violence and mass shootings, including thwarted attempts to figure out what went right and what went wrong. A mass shooting was thwarted at Syracuse University recently, thanks to the actions of citizens and a gun shop owner who contacted police. It took six days, however, for the police to get a search warrant — plenty of time for the shooter to get weapons. A local child got his father’s loaded gun from an unlocked drawer and shot his sibling. Was the father charged? Is the child still in the home? Let’s uncover the gaps rather than replay the same narratives so we can keep the public safe. How can we emphasize: If you see something, say something. If you own a firearm, is it stored safely? Joanne Ritter, San Rafael
Absurd complaints
Regarding “The homeless can’t wait” (Editorial, March 25): The connection between the housing situation and homelessness is an issue that affects seniors, adults and children in the Bay Area. When referring to the housing situation, it does not only refer to the lack of housing but to the lack of acceptance in neighborhoods to create affordable housing.
It is absurd to think that individuals complain about the overwhelming increase of tent communities, and yet are opposed to welcoming affordable housing in their neighborhoods. Who are they to state who can live there and who cannot?
The article states that this is selfserving and socially destructive behavior that will be addressed by legislation, AB2162. I have read multiple articles and discussed the topic of housing and homelessness with many individuals living in the Bay Area. The editorial only validates the saying that a social issue doesn’t become a real issue until the affluent are affected. Gabriela Munoz, Richmond