Sacramento Bee readers respond to Placer’s first Pride, math curriculum debate

Financial oversight

“I know why there’s so much gun violence in Sacramento. We have not invested in our youth.” (sacbee.com, May 29)

I helped create the Sacramento Office of Youth Development, which worked with the parks department and previously ran youth programs. When I asked my constituents in 2008, during the Great Recession, whether they would support a tax for youth services, they said no. They didn’t think they could afford another tax. They wanted the city to prioritize spending to fund more youth and senior programs. The city now funds an Office of Violence Prevention, which works with community-based organizations that deliver services to our youth.

Collaboration, implementation and accountability are the key ingredients of any successful nonprofit organization. One can’t keep demanding public money without internal controls and responsible financial oversight.

Lauren Hammond

Former Sacramento council member

Hiding facts

“Placer county executive fired by supervisors for harassment,” (sacbee.com, June 3)

Thank you for your excellent reporting on the firing of Placer County CEO Todd Leopold, bringing to light a most tragic event and curious set of circumstances. The people of Placer County deserve an account of what their highly paid public servants are doing.

It appears to me that it will take a state or federal investigation to determine whether or not the Rocklin police administered a drug or alcohol test to Leopold after he hit and killed a pedestrian. It will seemingly also take a state or federal investigation to determine whether there are any improprieties in the sexual harassment case used to dismiss Leopold from his position, which appears like more cover-up. The Rocklin police must make the traffic report public, and Placer elected officials must stop hiding the facts.

Milton H. Whaley

Pleasant Grove

Math debate

“Calculus isn’t the only option. Let’s broaden and update the current math curriculum.” (sacbee.com, June 5)

In supporting the proposed California Math Framework, professors Jesus De Loera and Francis Su are correct in stating that there should be rigorous alternatives to calculus. However, the framework’s data science options, already implemented in Los Angeles and San Francisco, are not rigorous.

For instance, the Los Angeles course teaches histograms, but without talk of how to set the bin width. That’s akin to a doctor prescribing a drug without setting a dosage. In San Francisco, statewide math scores for low-socioeconomic-status kids declined after the reform. Underrepresented minority youths are being shunted into data science options. No, not all kids should take calculus, but they deserve better than this.

Norm Matloff

Professor of computer science, UC Davis

Placer proud

“Why the first Pride event in conservative Placer County was historic and cathartic.” (sacbee.com, June 1)

On behalf of the planning committee of Placer Pride 2022, please accept a huge thank you for The Sacramento Bee’s coverage. Visibility is important; numerous studies show that LGBTQ+ folks who have support in their families, schools and community are far less likely to experience depression, anxiety or suicidal ideations.

We had about 500 attendees and over 30 vendors, including many local resource organizations, supportive businesses, churches and youth groups, join us to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. For folks who want to donate and help make Placer 2023 and the Placer LGBTQ+ Resource Center a reality, contact us at info@prismq.org.

Daniella Zimmerman

Auburn

Reckless planning

“Sacramento County transportation tax proposal offers $8.5 billion but risks so much more,” (sacbee.com, June 2)

Bravo for The Bee’s discussion of the fiscal and environmental costs of the Southeast Connector expressway included in a proposed November ballot measure. Sacramento County supervisors encouraged land speculators in 2011 by changing the general plan to allow approval of developments outside the county’s adopted growth boundary. As a result, four massive, climate-wrecking sprawl projects are in planning.

Now, promoters of the expressway expect that supervisors will approve even more destructive sprawl beyond the growth boundary. Speculators cite housing needs, but the county has already approved 49,000 greenfield homes inside the growth boundary, far exceeding foreseeable market demand. More greenfield approvals won’t yield more home starts, especially for low- and moderate-income residents who need them most. Meanwhile, our older suburbs continue to deteriorate as investment flows to the richer profits of upscale sprawl.

Oscar Balaguer

Sacramento

To be or not to bee

“Bees are legally fish in California, court rules.” (sacbee.com, June 2)

Given the revelation that bees are legally fish in California, I have a very important question: Will The Sacramento Bee now change its name to The Sacramento Fish? Or maybe The Sacramento Bee-Fish? Inquiring minds want to know.

Anthony Watts

Chico

Eyesore

“Hotel planned for historic Old Sacramento Waterfront district” (sacbee.com, June 2)

The proposed construction of a large neon sign promoting Old Sacramento sounds like an eyesore and is a sign of regression. Lady Bird Johnson, who tried to make America beautiful by campaigning to limit billboards and junkyards near federal highways, must be rolling over in her grave at the prospect of a large neon sign purposely placed to be visible from Interstate 5.

Robert Dell’Agostino

Sacramento