Democratic candidates for governor better figure this out soon | Opinion
Dems need to figure it out
“Candidates joust for a lane at San Francisco governor debate,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 4)
Democratic candidates for governor better figure this out soon. If over 10 Democrats run against two Republicans in California’s moronic top-two primary, the Democratic vote will be split, and the two Republicans could be the two highest vote-getters. And then the bluest state in the union gets a Republican governor.
It’s simple math. Some of you need to take one for the team and drop out now.
Matt Nelsenador
Sacramento
Condos are the solution
“California leaders can expand homeownership opportunities. Here’s how | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 30)
According to economists, limiting corporate entities (which currently own just 2.8% of houses) from purchasing single-family homes does very little, except marginally shift housing stock from rental to for-sale markets.
Similarly, studies have found that downpayment assistance programs push home prices up. That said, there is an evidence-backed solution: condominiums. Because of outdated laws, California builds basically no ownership multifamily housing (just 3%, compared to almost 40% in Canada).
A nascent reform effort, including legislation like Assembly Bill 1406, seeks to re-legalize condos. This would be a boon for first-time buyers and the real estate market.
This effort to reinvent homeownership faces an uphill battle. It could use a powerful ally such as the California Association of Realtors.
Ben Raderstorf
Sacramento
Kaiser strike should alarm us all
“Union representing California Kaiser workers launches strike,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 26)
When nurses strike, it isn’t a stunt — it’s a warning that something in our health care system is failing. Kaiser’s nurses are sounding the alarm about chronic understaffing, overwhelming patient loads and conditions that threaten patient safety.
This strike isn’t about pay. It’s about nurses’ ability to care for patients without risking their lives. When one nurse is responsible for too many patients, care suffers. Exhaustion leads to mistakes, and thin staffing makes the system fragile.
Rosalyn Kahn
Los Angeles
Animal cruelty in California
“Californians have the right to rescue animals from torture,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 13)
I am a recently convicted felon, serving my final weeks of a 90-day custodial sentence. The crime? Investigating Perdue Food’s California subsidiary, Petaluma Poultry, and rescuing four suffering chickens from their slaughterhouse.
My prosecution reflects our government’s cooperation in keeping the cruel realities of animal agriculture cloaked in secrecy.
Zoe Rosenberg
Berkeley
Coexistence strategies needed
“Wolves and other predators present ‘a crisis,’ state environment chief says,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 28)
California must reinvest in and strengthen the state’s efforts to promote coexistence with wildlife.
As a founder of Women for Wolves, I live in rural El Dorado County and work alongside landowners, tribes and community partners utilizing non-lethal tools (like guardian dogs). Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature should prioritize coexistence strategies.
Anjali Ranadive
Pilot Hill
Unforgettable performances
“Remembering Catherine O’Hara: Her 10 Greatest Movie and TV Roles, Ranked,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 1)
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Catherine O’Hara at age 71. From “Home Alone” to “Schitt’s Creek,” her warmth, wit and unforgettable characters brought joy to audiences around the world.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.
This story was originally published February 8, 2026 at 6:00 AM.