Sac City Council betrays voters in approving development project | Opinion
Sac City Council betrays public
“Sacramento council approves Airport South Industrial project,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 3)
Breathe Sacramento, among other community voices, asked for a ‘no’ vote, yet two city council members known for their air quality advocacy — Councilmen Eric Guerra and Roger Dickinson — summarily dismissed these project impacts and voted in support of the project.
This is why environmental advocates will likely end up in court to try to salvage some semblance of fairness from Sacramento’s local government. The council failed to exercise due diligence and instead let economically interested parties persuade them to blink on the public interest in air quality.
Judith Lamare
Fair Oaks
Farmland cannot be replaced
“Sacramento council approves Airport South Industrial project,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 3)
The Sacramento City Council’s approval of the development of the 440-acre site is short-sighted and disingenuous.
The Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan of 1997 recognized that continued destruction of farmland was inimical to the environment and public health. The temporary construction jobs to be generated are a one-off, and any future jobs created are speculative and — given the precarious nature of hotels and restaurants — not worth the negative environmental impact.
The $3.4 million a year in general fund revenues generated, if true, would do little to retire any of the city’s debts. Look around, Sacramento: Once we lose farmland and open space, it can never be replaced.
Bill Motmans
Sacramento
Keep conversion therapy ban
“California’s conversion therapy ban faces Supreme Court test,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 4)
Research has shown that “conversion therapy” is ineffective at changing sexual orientation or gender identity and can pose a significant risk of harm (including suicidality) to individuals undergoing this unproven “therapy.”
The American Psychological Association, joined by the American Psychiatric Association and 12 other mental health and medical professional organizations, has filed as amicus curiae in opposition to reversing the Colorado ban on “conversion therapy.” The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry clearly states: “Conversion therapies should not be part of any behavioral health treatment of children and adolescents.”
If the Supreme Court votes to reverse the ban, they should assume medical-legal liability for the pain, harm, and possible suicides caused by this so-called treatment.
Harry Wang, MD
Sacramento
Stop killing fish
“To save salmon runs and fishing jobs, California needs new water rules | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 7)
California may be debating “new water rules” to save salmon, but the most effective rule is the simplest: stop killing them. No flow standard can protect fish that are hooked, hauled from their habitat, and sold by the pound.
Fish are fascinating animals — every bit as complex as the dogs and cats who share our homes. California can — and must — create modern, sustainable jobs that don’t rely on harming sentient beings.
Scott Miller
Research Specialist, Fishing & Waterways
The PETA Foundation
Reject federal plan
“New federal plan for Delta water pumping conflicts with California requirements,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 6)
The proposed plan is a gift to donors of President Donald Trump and would allow for higher Delta diversions. Increased diversions would threaten water quality, harm water supplies for Southern California and other local water diverters. It could also be the death knell for the salmon fishery.
Increased federal diversions under the revised operations plan harm California and should be challenged by the state and litigated if necessary.
Matt Zidar
Carmichael