Why is Rep. Kevin Kiley too chicken to debate his opponent? Is he afraid of her? | Opinion

Kiley dodges public forum

“Want to join Kevin Kiley’s “Cabinet?” Donate big money,” (sacbee.com, May 6)

As a public service to the community, the League of Women Voters of Placer County, alongside the leagues of Nevada, Plumas, El Dorado and Sacramento Counties, is attempting to organize a public forum between the candidates for U.S. Congressional District 3. Both candidates were given various dates to choose from via email, telephone and U.S. mail and were asked to respond in a timely manner as the election is just two months away.

Candidate Jessica Morse’s team has responded quickly, offering numerous dates that would work. We are still waiting for Congressman Kevin Kiley’s response.

We would like to host this forum as we believe the citizens of District 3 should be able to voice concerns and ask questions. The league has always provided this public service, and we hope to do so again this year.

Rosalie Wohlfromm

Auburn

Curbing smartphone use

“Newsom wants to limit smartphones in California schools,” (sacbee.com, June 18)

A couple of years ago, at an education workshop, a middle school teacher shared her idea to curb the use of cell phones in the classroom: She brought in a plastic shoe holder and hung it on the back of the classroom door. She numbered each “bag” and gave each student a corresponding number. When students entered her classroom, they placed their cell phones in their numbered bags and sat down at their desks.

It worked because the students could see their cell phones, and know that it was there, but were able to concentrate on their classroom activities.

Elaine Lagge

Elk Grove

Double standards

“California Native communities demand justice for MMIP,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 23)

I read with great sadness about how the murdered and missing of our first people is so far down the list of priorities — that an Amber Alert can go out within hours for everyone except these people, and that a Feather Alert can be denied.

I have never seen a Feather Alert, and now wonder why. We seem to forget that Indigenous groups were here before we were, but we don’t seem to give them respect, dignity or care.

Kathy Winkelman

Sacramento

Human destruction

“Wildlife agency to initiate mass murder of barred owl in CA,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 25)

I tend to agree with wildlife biologist Eric Forsman: “Let the two species work it out.”

The so-called “invasive” barred owls have simply expanded their range, thanks largely to our deforestation of the Pacific Northwest.

Humans are the single most over-populated, invasive, destructive and self-destructive species on the planet.

Eric Mills

Oakland

Chemerinsky’s proposal

“Is it time to begin the process of thinking about a new U.S. Constitution? | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 22)

Erwin Chemerinsky’s call for a new constitution is so scary as to defy description.

Fifteen of my family members served in WWII. Thank goodness, they all returned home and died of old age. I also have two ancestors who earned Purple Hearts in defense of this great nation. They didn’t serve this country in its times of need to have the system thrown out.

Yes, we can amend irrelevant, outdated parts of the constitution. But when will it be enough?

Robert Trygar

Redding