Opinion July 19, 2017

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

Vision for Who?

Re: “2030 vision” (GT, 5/24): I agree we need more places for rent, but I am concerned that much of the proposed housing is not appropriate for couples or families, let alone companion animals. Humans are social creatures, driven to have relationships and build families. Without accommodation, it ostracizes and pushes out the next generation. We need kids, and they need to be healthy and secure, not more isolated and sick.

Santa Cruz could make great leaps ecologically and socially by having each new housing development host a complete rooftop garden for its residents’ enjoyment and health. Effects of the green space would carry over to the neighbors by reducing heating and cooling costs, raising oxygen levels, reducing airborne toxins, and providing a place for nature—and residents—to thrive.

Rowan Lindenfeld

Corralitos

Keep the Tracks

So what’s up with this misnamed “greenway” plan to rip out all of the railroad tracks? Somehow we can’t have both? I certainly can’t see why that would be true. Why not have tracks, and eventually a transit system and bike and pedestrian trails as well?

If the tracks were removed it would permanently eliminate any possibility of future rail transit systems due to the huge cost. Also, it would be a huge waste of money to take out tracks unnecessarily.

My suspicion is that wealthy homeowners in Aptos and other trackside locations are trying to eliminate the use of the tracks to enhance their property values. Sort of like people who buy homes at a reduced price due to proximity to an airport and then want to stop the airplanes! I live on a busy street—maybe we can just get it closed off so it would be quieter? Right!

Let’s use this valuable resource for the greater good of the overall community!

Fred J. Geiger

Santa Cruz

A Better Budget

While members of the Republican majority are competing to see who can make the deepest cuts, there is a budget proposal before Congress that would boost the economy for all of us while cutting the number of people in poverty in half. It’s the People’s Budget, proposed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The People’s Budget invests in safe and productive infrastructure, education, affordable housing, healthcare and nutrition, childcare and working family tax credits. It calls for increasing the minimum wage.

These investments will create 3.6 million jobs, and set us on a path to cut poverty in half in 10 years. The People’s Budget invests $2 trillion in infrastructure spending, expanding rural broadband, universal Pre-K and free college tuition at state and community colleges.

Every year, without fail, our elected representatives give more than half of the discretionary budget to the Pentagon, leaving less than half to be divided up to fund education, healthcare, environmental spending, infrastructure, and everything else.


Richard Gallo


Santa Cruz


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CREDIT CART
Santa Cruz’s Homeless Services Center is a part of the Macy’s Shop for a Cause campaign this year. Anyone who gives $5 receives a 25-percent-off savings pass while supporting the cause. The charity that raises the most money receives an additional $100,000. The effort runs through Aug. 9. To donate, visit crowdrise.com/homeless-services-center.