Bee readers react to PG&E, rooftop solar, recent earthquake and a unicorn wish granted | Opinion

Report cards

“California leaders abandoning plans to hold PG&E accountable,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 28)

I appreciate Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s recent note shaming me for my profligacy, taking me to task for using … let’s see here … 24% more energy last month than “similar homes.” This is unconscionable, and my grief is profound.

In some small way, I hope PG&E will consider what I haven’t done: I haven’t begun 1,500 fires in the last six years, destroying millions of acres of forest and thousands of homes. I didn’t kill eight people in an explosion, nor was I found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of 84 others. I think that was PG&E.

So thanks to the company for its concern with my wicked ways, and I look forward to exchanging these little report cards every month.

Steve Cannon

Sacramento

Repeal decision

“After years of debate, California cuts subsidies for rooftop solar,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 23)

According to a recent study reported in The Bee, California lacks a specific plan to achieve ambitious goals to reduce pollution by 2030. That’s no surprise in light of Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s skyrocketing rates and the California Public Utilities Commission’s recent passage of regulations that reduce “excess” solar production credits to ratepayers by 75%. Just when we need to encourage more people to buy electric cars, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the PUC implement rules that will help kill home solar sales.

They talk a good game, but how about putting some walk into all this talk? Repeal the solar regulations and drastically reduce investor-owned utilities’ inflated rates. Time to take action and show real leadership.

Chuck Robuck

Newcastle

A full life

“Sacramento, CA obituaries: Notable deaths for region in 2022,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 3)

Thank you for including my dad, Richard Niello Sr., in your listing of key Sacramento figures who died in 2022. He passed away at 99, just 10 days shy of the century mark.

We would have liked him to be with us even longer, and we miss him dearly, but he lived a long, full and very successful life as it was.

Roger Niello

Fair Oaks

A suggestion

“To cut fossil fuels, California needs power lines, fast.” (sacbee.com, Dec. 15)

Yes, indeed, the state requires means to move electrical power from faraway places to population centers. The newly proposed steel towers are a very costly means of implementation.

We already have infrastructure in place: our highway system. Why not expand their usage to include transmission of electrical power?

Don Anderson

Folsom

Fallout

“Earthquake hits Rio Dell in Northern California,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 2)

As I write, an undercurrent of hyper-alertness and fear runs through me. We were cleaning the wreckage from the first earthquake in Humboldt County when a sucker punch of an aftershock tore through and wreaked havoc on homes that were already compromised.

Anything that survived the last quake was jolted as if from a different direction. Every shelf and cabinet fell. Toilets cracked and spewed water. Houses twisted and left windows smashed and doors impossible to open or shut. Our houses are crazed with cracks.

Jessica Friedlander

Rio Dell

Unicorn request

“Girl gets permission to have unicorn in California backyard,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 8)

I was delighted to read that “the powers that be” in Southern California animal control gave serious thought to a little girl’s request to house a unicorn in her backyard … if she is able to find one.

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda is to be congratulated for giving serious thought to the request and granting permission provided certain rules are followed. I believe the little girl will be able to follow the rules easily — except for maybe finding a watermelon to feed her unicorn once a week! That might be a little tricky.

Congratulations to the agency for having a heart and a sense of humor.

Claire Gliddon

Fair Oaks

Remembering Pelé

“Pele’s funeral and burial to take place in hometown Santos,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 31)

In 1994, I was working at Stanford when World Cup soccer games were played there. I assigned myself to Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé.

He had more security than Vice President Al Gore, and I spent five days keeping people from him. On the last day, I looked him in the eyes and thrust my Nike hat in front of him. He smiled and signed it “Tu amigo, Pelé.” Co-workers told me to hide it or be killed. I laughed, but they said, “You don’t understand, you will be killed for it.” Oh!

He left that day flanked on all sides by security. The owner of a sporting goods shop told me he would buy the hat from me for $500. I did not sell.

Pelé will be missed.

Todd Gearou

Citrus Heights

Heartbreaking

“Bills’ Hamlin in critical condition after collapse on field,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 4)

I’ve been learning more about what an amazing person Damar Hamlin is. Even at a younger age, he was selfless, caring, compassionate and upstanding. Heartbreaking.

My thoughts go out to him, his family, the Buffalo Bills and all involved.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.