Every year is hotter than the previous one and storms are getting insanely intense. Yet some people still don’t get it: Climate change is a global emergency.
In his letter of Feb. 10, Daniel Sonnett notes that his gas stove worked during a recent power outage and that should, according to him, give us pause about electrifying our homes. Does he propose another way of addressing the need to stop pumping carbon dioxide into our atmosphere? No.
Stubbornly clinging to a cooking method not far removed from what our cave-dwelling ancestors used many thousands of years ago is not the sole cause of the climate crisis, but it’s symbolic of many people’s failure to apply any sense of perspective to the matter.
True, if he was cooking on an electric stove it would not work in a power outage (unless he installed a solar system with battery backup). But Sonnett would not have starved if he couldn’t finish cooking that meal. Like most, the recent outages were geographically limited: he could have gone out to eat. He could have had a cold meal, cranked up his barbecue after the weather cleared or visited a neighbor who had battery backup.
The occasional (and avoidable) inconveniences of ending our reliance on coal, oil and gas pale in comparison with what will happen if we do not change our ways. We need solutions (like the San Francisco company that now makes an induction stove with a built-in battery backup, so it works during power outages), not excuses for doing nothing.
— David L. Fiol, Novato
I write in enthusiastic support of the IJ editorial board’s endorsement of Brian Colbert for the District 2 seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors in the March 5 primary election. I urge all eligible voters in the district to support his candidacy.
By voting for Colbert, residents of Marin County have an opportunity to represent diversity and bring a voice to the Board of Supervisors that will represent all of our Marin residents.
Electing Colbert will assure all who live in Marin that they will get an effective and dedicated supervisor. His past successes as mayor and City Council member for San Anselmo, as well as his multiple turns of service on regional boards and agencies, have given him the experience to both lead and participate in developing solutions to the myriad challenging issues facing Marin County now and into the future.
A win for Brian Colbert equals a win for Marin.
— Grace Hughes, Larkspur
As the emerita Marin County superintendent of schools, it is my honor to write in support for Heather McPhail Sridharan for the Marin County Board of Supervisor in District 2. She has many talents and attributes that have had a tremendously positive impact on our community.
The bottom line for me, however, is that McPhail Sridharan has dedicated such personal energy, heart and commitment to our children and families. She has demonstrated remarkable leadership skills infused with respect, honesty, inclusion, efficiency and accomplishment.
I have known her personally and professionally for more than 15 years. I have come to admire McPhail Sridharan’s passion for supporting the community, children and schools. While serving on the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees for nine years, she faced many challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her engagement with parents, teachers, administrators and the greater Marin County community helped enable Kentfield schools to reopen safely while maintaining excellence in student learning.
As a trustee, McPhail Sridharan immersed herself in countywide issues impacting schools, including in the areas of state and federal legislation, shared services, housing and Safe Routes to Schools. She focused on transportation through her service on the citizens oversight committee of the Transportation Authority of Marin. McPhail Sidharan will hit the ground running with established contacts among key Marin partners and every other level of government.
Her belief in affordable workforce housing, the environment, fiscal transparency and community engagement speaks to a commitment to help future Marin County generations enjoy safe, healthy and productive lives.
There is no question that Heather McPhail Sridharan would bring to the Board of Supervisors a deep understanding of the community, the ability to listen and learn, and a work ethic and belief in doing what is best for District 2 and all of Marin.
— Mary Jane Burke, Novato
I am responding to recently published letters arguing against electric-assist bikes on Marin trails.
I appreciate the vast network of trails our county offers and hope there continues to be trails available for hikers and mountain bikers. I do not own an e-bike and will continue to ride my “acoustic” mountain bike until I am no longer able to do so.
I also enjoy hiking. I believe that those who ride class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes should be allowed on our trails. Marin County has the oldest population in the state, with 28% of residents considered to be “elderly.”
I hope we can continue to give healthy options to all who want access to the trails. I know of several friends who can continue to enjoy the beautiful trails because they use pedal-assist bikes. The health benefits they receive are equally as important as those who hike.
Instead of pitting hikers against mountain bikers, let’s find ways to make the trails accessible to both groups. I urge both groups to be respectful to each other on and off the trails.
— Derald Cook, San Anselmo
I am writing to advocate for a more inclusive Mount Tamalpais. I started running the trails on Tam when I was a freshman in high school in 1999 and have been a regular user ever since.
One thing that has always struck me is the relative lack of inclusivity when it comes to trail use. People on foot and horseback have far more access to trails than cyclists do, while cyclists are largely relegated to fire roads.
This lack of access is kind of hard to believe, given that Marin touts itself as the birthplace of mountain biking. I think there is an opportunity here to look at areas to expand cyclist access and reduce conflict.
I think we need to focus on existing visitors rather than attracting new ones, as there are many cyclists that currently ride in Marin. They would leap at the chance to access trails not previously open to them. Being more inclusive of cyclists would also increase the number of people who would volunteer for trail work, which would go a long way to improving sustainability and maintaining existing trails (rather than adding new ones).
There are a lot of existing trails I can think of that would present excellent opportunities to try out a new more inclusive dynamic to allow both cyclists and pedestrians. As a lifelong trail user on Tam, I think everyone should have an opportunity to explore it in a respectful and sustainable manner, which is not the case right now.
We have a chance to make a change for the better without sacrificing any of the aspects we all love of the mountain.
— Alex Varner, Mill Valley
Having attended countless high school basketball games, I was shocked and deeply concerned by the conduct at a recent boys varsity game between two large public schools in Marin County.
I saw kids from the student section of the winning school rush the court following the conclusion of the game to taunt the student section from the losing school. If a fight had started, I’m not sure there would have been enough security to break it up.
Luckily, the situation did not escalate. I strongly urge all Marin schools to emphasize to all students that there is no place for this type of conduct.
— Richard Stess, San Anselmo
