Downtown Sacramento could become a battleground on the merits of working remotely | Opinion

Let state workers stay home

“Second state agency calls CA state workers back to office,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 22)

With decreased carbon emissions, less traffic, a smaller state footprint, known cost savings and many other benefits of state telework, why is there a push to bring state workers back downtown?

Because Sacramento special interests, Mayor Darrell Steinberg and the chamber of commerce are clinging to an antiquated downtown full of overpriced coffee shops, too many of the same restaurants, parking lots and commercial property owners that sway too much influence.

Sacramento must adapt — just like most major cities — and change the downtown landscape to be better for families and create more affordable housing. Forcing state workers back to try and prop up this broken downtown is the same as outlawing gas to save the horse and carriage.

Let state workers stay home, and let’s start making real changes to create a sustainable downtown.

Helen Hernan

Carmichael

Bow to authoritarianism

“Can Congress land a deal on Ukraine aid and border security as lawmakers return to Washington?” (sacbee.com, Jan. 9)

“It would be a disaster if Ukraine loses its war with Russia.” Sen. Chuck Schumer’s words are not just rhetoric: As a Sacramentan who served in Peace Corps Ukraine, I know our countries’ fates intertwine. Every day Congress delays aid for Ukraine is another day Russia’s dangerous imperial ambitions grow, while we cave to hardliners and cede our democratic values and global relevance.

Sacramento residents: You know somebody affected by the war whether you realize it or not. Our city has the highest per-capita Ukrainian population in the U.S. Stand with your friends and neighbors, and demand action from our Representatives.

I discussed this aid package with Sacramento area Congressional Representatives in D.C. last October. Failing to pass it means that more of my friends in Ukraine will die while Americans bow to authoritarianism. We will pay dearly in the future if we don’t act.

Cortney Copeland

Davis

Federal investigation warranted

“CA PG&E customers see electricity rate increases on bills,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 12)

Now is time for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review the actions of PG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission.

The feds are the checks-and-balance when the governor, state politicians and CPUC fail in their oversight of the PG&E monopoly.

The feds should ask: Why can’t PG&E match Southern California Edison in delivering power in drier conditions, at lower rates and without sparking fires? Why does PG&E funnel our hard-earned money into advertising, lobbyists, political campaigns, fire fines due to 85 deaths, top salaries to executives and awarding some CPUC members with lucrative contracts with PG&E after their terms?

The feds need to make PG&E accountable to the citizens of California instead of to its shareholders on the New York Stock Exchange.

Ask your member of Congress to investigate, and when you see a PG&E line crew, thank them for risking their lives for us.

Curtis Panasuk

Sacramento

Misguided project

“Controversial new condos in Sacramento’s Campus Commons development can move forward,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 12)

The recent decision on 707 Commons Drive overlooks community concerns, ignores planning regulations and makes a mockery of our city’s values. As a young professional who moved here precisely because of the thoughtfully planned neighborhood, established trees and historical buildings, I am disheartened with the way environmental, historical and urban planning issues have been disregarded.

This project has been mischaracterized as “urban infill” to justify the demolition of a historical building and the removal of 10 private, protected trees. If the goal is simply more housing, why not convert the existing building to market-rate units?

This misguided project with dozens of planning issues on fundamental topics like trees, parking, traffic and even trash collection only serves the developer’s desire for profit. All Sacramentans should pay attention. If this is allowed in a planned community like Campus Commons, your neighborhood and trees could become the next “urban infill” project.

Andrew Keating

Sacramento

Heating up

“Earth shattered global heat record in ’23 and it’s flirting with warming limit, European agency says,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 10)

Last year was the hottest year ever recorded. When records are broken year after year — and when we’re seeing temperatures we’ve never seen before — it’s apparent that this is not normal weather variation. Climate change is here.

In Dubai last month, countries across the world agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Now, we need to act. Our elected and corporate leaders need to stop talking and start acting. The world will continue to get hotter until we get serious.

Lisa Howard

Rocklin

A legend

“Jack Burke Jr., oldest living Masters champ, dies at 100,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 19)

Jack Burke Jr. was a legend. He staged the greatest comeback ever at the 1956 Masters Golf Tournament. He also won the 1956 PGA Championship and was equally skilled as a teacher, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and built the fabled Championships Golf Club in Houston. He delivered lessons along the way with a dose of homespun wisdom.

We will remember Jack Burke Jr. always and forever.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.