Letters
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- Written by: Kate Schmidt-Hopper
Gov. Gavin Newsom is the current target of frustrated voters from the minority party, who are unsuccessful in providing either policy or candidates which resonate with the majority of California’s citizenry. Gov. Newsom won with 61.9% of the vote in November 2018.
So, let’s take a look at what Gov. Newsom has done so far for the people of California in his first term of office.
Concerned about the economic fall out of a pandemic which burst upon the scene at the end of 2019?
California has a budget surplus in 2021 conservatively estimated at $ 38 billion of immediately available funds. Gov. Newsom has created the “California Comeback Plan” which includes “Golden State Stimulus” middle class tax rebates of at least $600, and to families with children $500 more. Two out of every three Californians will now benefit from a direct cash payment from the state.
Concerned about back rent and utility bills left unpaid during pandemic layoff, and about the threat of eviction?
The California Comeback Plan includes the only statewide renter assistance fund which will support qualified low income citizens by paying 100% of back rent and current rent several months into the future. Newsom’s plan also includes funds to help Californians pay their overdue water and utility bills. Additionally, the California Comeback Plan includes more money than ever for tenant legal services. California also has extended the eviction moratorium through the end of September.
Concerned about wildfires?
Gov. Newsom has proposed a $1 billion investment to the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan including increased funds for forest health and community fire resilience. He has authorized more than $80 million in emergency funds for 1,399 additional firefighters with Cal Fire to bolster fuels management and wildfire response efforts.
Concerned about electricity reliability and climate change?
With Gov. Newsom’s leadership, California has achieved his goal of 33% electricity from renewable sources two years ahead of schedule. When the percentage of renewables is combined with other sources of carbon-free energy, such as large hydroelectric and geothermal generation, the total percentage of clean energy is 63%. Gov. Newsom signed an emergency proclamation to free up energy supply to meet demand during extreme heat events and wildfires that are becoming more intense and to expedite deployment of clean energy resources this year and next year.
A simple NO vote on your mail in recall ballot on or before Sept. 14 will confirm the will of the majority of Californians, and secure implementation of the California Comeback Plan which benefits and protects working families and small businesses.
Vote no on the recall.
Kate Schmidt-Hopper lives in Hidden Valley Lake, California.
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- Written by: Susan Cameron
Regardless, a small group of Californians has created an election to recall Governor Gavin Newsom, at a cost of between $250 million to $400 million.
This cost, as estimated by the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, will be paid by all Californians. Yet it takes signatures of just 12% of the votes cast in the previous election to trigger a recall election.
In a state where the governor won the election in 2018 with 62% of the vote, there is a small group of residents who believe a recall is appropriate. Voters need to tell them IT IS NOT. Look for your ballot to arrive in the mail soon after Aug. 16. Election day is Sept. 14.
California ranks 10th in the nation for coronavirus vaccinations. Our economy is in strong recovery. According to Bloomberg, the state “has no peers among developed economies for expanding G.D.P., creating jobs, raising household income, manufacturing growth, investment in innovation, producing clean energy, and unprecedented wealth through its stocks and bonds.”
So why terminate success? We shouldn’t.
Most Californians want no part of this nonsense. A poll conducted in July by the Public Policy Institute of California found 69% of California likely voters say that the special election to recall Governor Newsom is a waste of money.
Although Californians do not want this recall, the only way to kill it is to participate in it. Your vote is your voice. Use it. All active registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail. Complete and return your ballot anytime up to and including Sept. 14. More information is available at the Lake County Registrar’s office: 707 263-2372 or http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/ROV/Upcoming/Upcoming.htm.
Susan Cameron lives in Hidden Valley Lake.
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- Written by: Carolynn Jarrett
I was lucky to be a part of a Hospice grief support group that Gene also attended. We met weekly. I always looked forward to seeing the smile and twinkle in his eye which was there every time no matter what.
Gene gave us the best advice, some that I have tried to follow: when you are down, pick up the phone and call someone and ask how they are doing. Listen to them and try to support and help.
He encouraged us to volunteer and said when you are helping others you don’t have time to feel your own sadness. It reminded me so much of a sampler my mother had on her wall — “Look towards the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.”
I know that Gene was involved with many projects and groups in Lake County, always trying to make life better for his community.
He was a positive force for good, always a gentleman, but someone who would be adamant about what was the right thing to do.
He had such an impact, for seniors especially, it would be fitting if something could be dedicated in his memory. A nice bench in the park perhaps.
Gene made a difference. I am grateful to have known him.
Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake, California.
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- Written by: Will Hall
She says “people can’t do much about the temperature of the water.” Wait what? Has she stepped outside lately? Local temperatures — which affect the Clear Lake water — are off the charts in a record breaking drought, and yes, people are partly the cause. I learned in sixth grade that carbon from humans burning fossil fuels is accelerating a trend of rising temperatures. It’s called global warming.
She also says cyanobacteria and algae get worse from nitrogen and phosphorus. What are those? Sixth grade biology again: nitrogen and phosphorus are pollution from agriculture.
Clear Lake is naturally shallow, nutrient dense and vulnerable to ambient temperature. That won’t change. But pollution from humans does make algae and bacteria growth — and the bad smell — worse. Exactly how much worse? Nobody has paid to do that research, or find out how much it would cost to support a healthier ecological balance.
The human impact on Clear Lake is long term, but real. And some of us aren’t just thinking about next weekend’s barbecue. If we care about children and grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoying Clear Lake, we had better start planning long term for the future. And yes, human pollution — and choices — make a difference.
The sooner we get started — and remember our high school biology — the better.
Will Hall lives in Kelseyville, California.
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