Yes, citing Sacramento bicyclists is a good idea to improve street safety | Opinion

Yes, let’s cite cyclists

“Will citing cyclists improve safety on Sacramento streets?” (sacbee.com, April 27)

Citing cyclists who violate traffic laws is a good thing. Yes, improving infrastructure helps decrease accidents, but I constantly see all types of violations by cyclists: They run signals and stop signs; they ride between lanes on streets and block traffic; and they ride the wrong way on sidewalks in business districts.

I keep away from them as much as possible, yet cyclists have crashed into me three times — twice when I was stopped completely. I have had friends injured by cyclists when walking in groups.

We would see fewer accidents, injuries and deaths if the city and county enforced speed laws, and that should include the American River Bike Trail. Bicycles, automobiles and pedestrians should not be given a pass when it comes to traffic laws.

Charles R. Donaldson

Sacramento

Protect this vital program

“My experience fighting wildfires with Forest Corps,” (sacbee.com, April 11)

I served in AmeriCorps from 2009-13, where I worked on a variety of community service projects across the U.S. That year shaped who I am: It taught me leadership, problem-solving and communication skills that I now use daily in my career. For me, AmeriCorps wasn’t just a year of service, it was a launchpad.

Every year, 200,000 AmeriCorps members serve communities across the country in fields like education, disaster response and public health. But on April 15, AmeriCorps NCCC members were demobilized, pulled from their service sites and sent home with little warning. The following day, the majority of AmeriCorps agency staff were put on administrative leave.

These actions are short-sighted, take away opportunities for young people to serve and grow and remove critical support from communities who need it most. I hope Congressman Ami Bera will protect this vital program.

Griff Ryan-Roberts

Carmichael

Prioritize environmental protections

“This California law made housing too expensive. Here is how to change it | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, April 21)

As a local who is worried about the environmental future of our state, I implore legislators to maintain the California Environmental Quality Act. By guaranteeing that development projects go through a comprehensive environmental evaluation, CEQA has played a crucial role in protecting our natural resources.

Simplifying procedures is vital, but if CEQA is weakened, unregulated development could occur, endangering ecosystems and public health. Let’s concentrate on improving efficiency within the current framework rather than weakening environmental protections. California’s authorities should continue to place a high premium on environmental protection.

Karysa LeTourneaux

Stockton

Added mayhem

“California nightlife laws could change with Assembly Bill 342,” (sacbee.com, April 21)

It’s not just drunk driving that increases if bars stay open until 4:00 a.m., domestic violence and increased trips to emergency rooms have also been documented by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in jurisdictions where hours of drinking were expanded.

More than just “public safety officials,” including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the California Alcohol Policy Alliance and alcohol justice organizations have opposed similar bills in the past. Bars are sometimes located in residential neighborhoods, creating potential conflicts between neighbors and bar patrons.

We would do well to remember former Gov. Jerry Brown’s veto of Senate Bill 905 years ago: “I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 a.m. without adding two more hours of mayhem.”

Bill Motmans

Sacramento

A national opportunity

“New solar legislature could cut utility rates in California,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 25)

America is in the midst of a clean energy surge. Solar and storage are driving economic growth, lowering energy costs and creating thousands of high-paying manufacturing jobs. Federal tax credits, backed by bipartisan support, have been essential to this progress.

In 2024, solar accounted for 84% of new energy capacity in the U.S., meeting rising demand while giving families more control over their energy bills. These investments are helping secure our energy future and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Nearly nine in 10 Americans support federal incentives for clean energy. This is not a partisan issue; it’s a national opportunity.

We urge Representative Kevin Kiley to protect the tax credits that power this momentum. A vote for solar is a vote for jobs, innovation and American energy leadership.

Jeppe Johansen

Jay Arghestani

Managing Directors, SMA America

Inhumane treatment of animals

“Congress looks to undo California animal welfare proposition,” (sacbee.com, March 8)

I am extremely concerned that the dangerous EATS Act was just reintroduced in Congress. This horrific legislation allows animal welfare to be thrown aside in favor of corporate profits.

In practice, pigs are forced into tiny, metal gestation crates, unable to turn around. They are expected to give birth and nurse their piglets, despite weakened bones they’ve developed as a result of their confinement. Chickens are held in long rows of small wire cages, deprived of a nest, so long as they are meeting their quota for egg production. Those chickens are often plagued with metabolic disorders and foot lesions.

I urge Representatives Tom McClintock, Alex Padilla and Marie Alvarado-Gil to oppose the EATS Act, also known as the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, and any similar efforts that would allow cruelty to flourish. Such inhumane treatment of animals cannot prevail.

Karen Samboy

El Dorado Hills