In a time of multiple world crises, it is easy to feel discouraged, even depressed about the situation. This can lead to the paralysis of inaction. One way to counteract this is to pick one of the global crises and do something about it locally.
Marcia Basalla of Novato recognized this over 10 years ago. Understanding the severity of the biodiversity crisis, she took positive steps to counteract it on one small piece of ground. In collaboration with city officials, she adopted a traffic island on Alameda del Prado and expended countless hours of effort and her own financial resources to turn it into an oasis for local wildlife.
Her efforts have been widely praised, and her project became one of the first to be registered with the Marin Biodiversity Corridor Initiative. Her work merits continued support and her success deserves to be further publicized and replicated throughout and beyond Marin.
— Paul da Silva, Larkspur
Marin’s love for cycling has taken a concerning turn. New data was presented at the Marin Healthcare District Board on Dec. 12 by Gwen Froh of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. She shared concerning data reported by Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis regarding electric-assist mobility devices.
The data reveals a sharp rise in teen e-bike crashes and injuries that, to date, are sharply outnumbering human-powered bike accidents:
• 911 calls for bike crashes soared 25% since 2019. With a three-fold increase, the highest rate of bike crash 911 calls in Marin are for 12- to 17-year-olds.
• Emergency room visits jumped 21% from 2017 to 2021, totaling 843 visits for 2021 alone.
• Injuries are getting worse. Twice as many crash victims needed hospitalization in 2021 compared to 2017.
• Since 2018, 17 people in Marin have tragically died following injuries sustained in bike crashes: While far fewer in number, at least half of 2022’s deaths involved e-bikes, raising concerns about their potential lethality. This mirrors the severity ratio of county motorcycle fatalities.
Local statistics are a stark wake-up call. These levels highlight the need for action to prevent further tragedies.
Offering a promising step forward, Assemblymember Damon Connolly’s proposed legislation on bike safety, in partnership with Marin Supervisor Mary Sackett, are well worth our support. Let’s support their efforts and work together for solutions:
• Education: Equip teens and parents with information about e-bike risks, including helmet use, passenger rules, and safe riding practices.
• Regulations: Consider age-based restrictions for high-speed class 2 and 3 e-bikes and enforce existing laws.
• Infrastructure: Continue investment in safer bike lanes and paths for both traditional bikes and e-bikes.
Before more tragedies occur, let’s all work as a community to advocate for comprehensive solutions that prioritize safety while ensuring everyone can enjoy the freedom and benefits cycling brings.
— Larry Minikes, San Rafael
I’m not an economist, but I understand the basics of finance. In looking to comprehend the business model of Pacific Gas and Electric Co., the question arises: What is PG&E’s core business? I think it is one of either two things:
• Provide reliable gas and electric energy to California customers
• Reap maximum revenue to pay shareholders and executive bonuses
It’s become increasingly clear that the second option is the real core of its business model. Infrastructure has been criminally neglected, deferred and avoided with tragic consequences over many years.
PG&E has experienced everything from exploding and burning gas lines in San Bruno to rampant wildfires, while often paying exorbitant bonuses to shareholders and senior management. Apparent mismanagement like this is impossible to ignore.
With a tame regulatory body supposedly overseeing the utility, nothing has challenged this model. I am concerned that the recent extension of the aging Diablo Canyon nuclear facility, built atop earthquake faults, will only add to the problem.
It appears that, to finance both bonuses and repair work, ratepayers are experiencing huge increases in their bills to cover catchup costs. It’s time for a change.
— Elaine Reichert, Santa Venetia
