A Texan’s note to Californians on Prop. 50: Thank you | Opinion

Thanks, from Texas

“Trump has aggressively targeted California for months. His reward: Prop 50 passes easily,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 50)

Californians have demonstrated the independence that Texans once prided themselves on.

In passing Proposition 50, your citizens lent us a hand — and, in doing so, forwarded the golden message of democracy.

Thank ya, neighbor!

Allison Marks

Fort Worth, Texas

Newsom’s leadership

“Why Prop. 50 is the hollowest of victories for California Democrats | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 4)

Democrats are finally experiencing a sense of victory and hope following the recent election.

I appreciate the leadership shown by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom articulates the democratic platform clearly and cleverly, by emphasizing health care, economic fairness and the climate crisis.

Gail Marie Erlandson

Sacramento

Goodbye, Kiley

“Kevin Kiley says he’s running for re-election. He’s not sure where,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 5)

I read with some amusement about how Rep. Kevin Kiley is looking for a district where he won’t face serious opposition.

Kiley has been fine and dandy with Republicans gerrymandering seats across the U.S. He only started to care about it when it might personally hurt his own political career. I wish him the best with his private life after he’s not reelected next year.

Susan Wallace

Cameron Park

Religious freedom begins at home

“Turlock reverend: Catholics must speak up against deportations | Opinion,” (modbee.com, July 20)

On All Saints’ Day, clergy, religious sisters, and laity — including a Chicago auxiliary bishop — were barred from bringing the Eucharist to detainees at the Broadview immigration detention center in Illinois. This marks the second such denial in three weeks. Despite peaceful processions and outdoor Masses involving thousands, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials refused entry.

Cardinal Blase Cupich rightly called this a violation of religious freedom and human dignity. A class-action lawsuit now alleges widespread mistreatment at Broadview, including the denial of religious rights. Judge Robert Gettleman found the facility’s conditions “don’t pass constitutional muster,” and imposed a restraining order demanding reforms. Pope Leo XIV has condemned the “inhuman treatment of immigrants,” and urged U.S. bishops to speak out.

As Scripture reminds us, we will be judged by how we welcome the stranger. Religious freedom must begin at home.

Fr. Misael Avila

Turlock

Maintaining fairness

“Plan to lower electric bills penalizes solar customers,” (sacbee.com, March 3)

California’s net‑energy‑metering (NEM) laws guarantee full retail credit for electricity exported to the grid. Yet, under NEM 3.0, Southern California Edison and the California Public Utilities Company pay new solar customers only avoided-cost rates. This undermines legal protections, weakens rooftop solar economics and discourages clean-energy adoption.

Full retail credit up to 100% offset is essential to maintain fairness and support California’s climate goals. Any lower rate violates the intent of net metering and risks slowing the state’s solar progress.

Dan Barenholtz

Cathedral City