Let's get serious about fire dangers

The state of California needs a better plan for dealing with fires, beyond just waiting for them to occur.

We need to screen access to our open lands, cordon off our open lands, provide permits for people who traverse our open lands, and we need fire watchers for our open lands.

Building close to our open lands must be regulated, and fire-resistant materials must be used. What kinds of trees that can be close to structures and how close to structures must be defined, and brush removal needs to be a personal and public responsibility. Where we have water receptacles for private use in the hill areas, we need water containers that fire departments can access easily to fight fires.

Isn't it time for California to take a proactive stance on fires?

– Gayle A. Means, Encino

'Begin somewhere' helping animals

Re "Reconsider Prop. 2 stance, Bee," letter, Oct. 15: I couldn't agree more with the letter by David Middlesworth. I have frequently followed The Bee's advice on propositions, but I was floored to see your reasoning and advice on Proposition 2.

To not vote for this because some chicken farmers may have to adjust their not-so-"cage free" operations is hardly an adequate reason. Many of us know that there are farmers who use this statement loosely. We need to begin somewhere to reduce the suffering of these animals.

– Nancy Hilden, Davis

We're going to sprawl, no matter what

Re "Governor signs Steinberg's bill that rewards smarter growth," Oct. 2: Senate Bill 375 describes what cities have been doing for years. The sprawl of the American people will happen as long as there is space, but there has been infill for years.

This will not change where or how far the high-emitting trucks are traveling. Where there used to be vast farmlands and separation between towns and cities, there is now little differentiation between one city and the other. Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Roseville and Rocklin all run right into one another, at this point.

The idea that a bill is going to somehow change the amount of driving that is done by people seems pretty humorous. It would be nice to see bills that would actually do something.

Unless you live in a high-rise building, there is no way that we could shove more people into the suburban spaces that have already been created. Houses are right on top of property lines, with yards the size of postage stamps. If we are to buy into the American dream, there has to be more.

– Annie Hill, Carmichael

'Ronald Reagan would be ashamed'

Re "Attack on Obama removed from Net," Oct. 15: Fueled by AM talk radio, the Republican Party seems to be appealing to the lowest instincts of human nature: turning listeners into "ugly Americans."

This lynch mob mentality is dangerous. As an independent who voted for Reagan but never for a Bush, I now believe being "conservative" or "Republican" is nothing to be proud of. Ronald Reagan would be ashamed of his legacy now.

– Harry Cowan, Fair Oaks

No need to print the sleaze

Re "Attack on Obama removed from Net," Oct. 15: As I read the part of this article that appeared on the front page, I was very pleased that something right was being done to remove sleazeball campaign materials that falsely slandered one of the presidential candidates, and equally pleased that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, stood up for what was right.

But when I turned to Page A12 and saw the actual ad from the California Republican Web site being reprinted in the Bee, I was angered and appalled. The article very clearly discussed what was on the Web site. There was no need to be confronted with this sleazeball ad in print for all the people in the Sacramento basin to see.

Think about the people who don't read well, who speak another language or those who just like to peruse the paper for the photos and advertisements.

County party Chairman Craig MacGlashan showed poor judgment and hostility in developing this hateful ad on the Republican Web site, which only those who choose to go to the Web site would see, but I am outraged that the Sacramento Bee didn't think through what a media blunder this is. Wow, a free ad for McCain!