Alhambra project opponents deny they are NIMBY. But the label fits | Opinion

If the shoe fits

“‘Not NIMBYS’: Why East Sacramento residents oppose Alhambra project | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, July 12)

Dr. Will Green vehemently denies that he’s a NIMBY, the pejorative acronym for people who oppose new real estate or construction in their neighborhoods.

He’s okay with developers, so long as they don’t make a profit. He’s fine with new apartments, provided they’re deed-restricted as affordable. He even agrees this highway-adjacent derelict site should be redeveloped — but not like this, because it’s too tall, too expensive and happening too fast.

He supports new housing, just as long as it’s built somewhere else.

Varun Arora

Board Member, SacYIMBY

A failed experiment

“US House approves permanent daylight saving. What does it mean for California?” (sacbee.com, July 14)

During the energy crisis of the early 1970s Congress imposed ongoing daylight saving time for a two-year period. What is being ignored now amid the desire for more light at the end of the day is the big problem caused in the 1970s by daylight saving time during winter months: long, dark winter mornings.

This created early-day safety concerns, especially for students going to school. Public opinion quickly turned negative, and the experiment was abandoned in less than a year.

As a state senator, I have authored bills to convert California to permanent standard time.

Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to relive them.

Sen. Roger Niello

Fair Oaks

Respecting water

“California needs public policy that respects how water actually works | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, July 3)

For generations, we have been guilty of treating natural resources as infinite, and our environmental policies reflect this error.

Our environmental policies should reflect an attitude of care and respect.

Indigenous environmental principles, such as reciprocity and limitations on the use of shared resources, can guide a new era of environmental policy and ensure our natural environment is preserved for future generations.

Amber Salazar

Fresno