Prioritize smaller classroom sizes
Concerning “6 top governor candidates offer study in contrast on education” (May 4): As a retired public school teacher with over 30 years of experience, I am disappointed that none of the gubernatorial candidates discussed reducing overcrowded classrooms as part of their education plan. California has one of the nation’s highest student-to-teacher ratios, with 30-35 students in a typical classroom. How can teachers be expected to close the achievement gap for certain student populations if they can’t offer more small-group or one-on-one instruction? In addition to providing adequate funding, our next governor must make class-size reduction a priority.
Phyllis Ramirez, San Francisco
Weapons arsenal
I see that the authorities in Las Vegas are still searching for a motive for the recent massacre, when the circular logic behind it has been obvious this whole time. The shooter had amassed an arsenal of assault weapons whose sole purpose is the efficient killing (assault) of human beings. I’m sure that took some time, money and effort, so that to not use them would be a waste. It’s the same kind of absurd circular logic the National Rifle Association uses to defend its positions. So, no surprise there. Mystery solved!
Glenn Walters, San Francisco
Trump contradictions
It is not at all surprising that President Trump took back his statement on raising the age to obtain an assault rifle once he realized that it was against the agenda of the National Rifle Association. However, his tendency to contradict himself still leaves the population confused on what he truly believes, versus what he is being advised to do. He should more heavily consider the tragedies that have occurred due to gun violence and make comments in better taste.
Ingrid Mora, Tracy
Underground water
Regarding “More big dams are not the answer” (Editorial, May 3): The editorial raises important points for improving California’s water future. The state faces a chronic problem that experts predict will only worsen with a changing climate: depleted groundwater supplies. The good news is there’s a solution under our feet called groundwater recharge, which includes various methods for capturing available water and storing it underground for future years. Recharge is cheaper than new surface reservoirs, has fewer environmental hurdles and can be implemented within a relatively short time frame. There’s also three times more water storage capacity underground than in all of California’s surface reservoirs combined. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) recently published a report about the progress the San Joaquin Valley made regarding groundwater recharge during last year’s historic wet winter. PPIC found that more recharge occurred there than since the start of California’s last drought, with the region experiencing its first positive groundwater balance since 2011. PPIC estimates that up to 25 percent of the valley’s groundwater deficit could be made up by capturing unused water underground. Lawmakers, agencies, agriculture and others should work on instituting the right policies, infrastructure and incentives to capture all we can underground for the dry years ahead.
Ashley Boren, San Francisco
‘Buzzed’ at work
Regarding “More companies open door to pot smokers” (Business, May 4): Even if some businesses are “desperate” to hire more workers, they should not turn a blind eye to employee marijuana use or forgo drug testing. I’d be troubled if hotel service or home health care workers showed up to their jobs “buzzed,” or smoked pot while they were on breaks. Employers who hire such people are not being responsible to their customers. While exceptions might be made if an employee requires medicinal marijuana to treat a serious health condition, I’d hope that workers who want to smoke pot would limit their recreational use to time away from the workplace, and not start their workdays in an altered state.
Howard Feinbloom, Burlingame
Mourn David Wiegand
So saddened by the news of David Wiegand’s passing. Many times, we would communicate back and forth on his reviews that I either agreed with or disagreed with. He always took the time not only to respond, but justify his position so I would understand more fully or take my viewpoint and occasionally agree that it, too, was valid and hadn’t thought in that perspective. A true gentleman, straight shooter, deeply committed to his craft and, for me, will be sorely missed. R.I.P. Dave.
Lance Greenfield, Folsom