Katie Valenzuela is a “strong voice for fairness, dignity, inclusiveness and integrity” | Opinion

Valenzuela’s second term

“We dissent: The Ed Board’s generational divide splits the District 4 endorsement | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 10)

I too dissent from The Bee’s official endorsement of Phil Pluckebaum for City Council District 4. Incumbent Katie Valenzuela’s effective leadership and moral clarity have raised the consciousness of residents throughout Sacramento through the policies she has supported and introduced as a city councilwoman.

She understands the importance of engaging with communities when developing policy solutions to build a more sustainable future for Sacramento. She tirelessly works for equity and environmental justice, and she has made progress for the health of all our communities — not just District 4. She has also amplified the voices and priorities of people and communities most impacted by housing instability and homelessness. She has been a strong voice for fairness, dignity, inclusiveness and integrity.

Valenzuela’s leadership, background and experience make her the best candidate for the city council. I look forward to what she can do in her second term.

Dr. Rhonda Rios Kravitz

Sacramento

Reverse RTO decision

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

California is in a budget deficit. The last thing we need to do is mandate all state workers to return to the office. Departments that have downsized over these last couple of years will now have to look to increase their workspace and pay more for leasing buildings. These departments will now have increased utility bills and maintenance costs that have not been necessary over the last four years. This increased cost just to return state workers to their offices is costing Californians millions of dollars in taxes that would otherwise be used in more meaningful endeavors, such as addressing the current homeless crisis that has plagued our state for the last four years.

I have lost faith in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ability to lead California, having failed to keep his constituents’ interests in mind. The return to office mandate needs to be reversed, saving California taxpayers’ money from unnecessary expenditures

Allan Nguyen

Sacramento

Opinion

Entitled workers

“Return to office: State workers say looming mandate would cost more than money,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 12)

I was appalled to read a front-page article profiling a bunch of entitled workers whining about potentially having to go to the office twice a week. Having worked closely with several state agencies over the years, I can tell you that many state workers believe in their missions and will do whatever is asked to achieve them — many of whom never had the opportunity for remote work.

This article does those workers a grave disservice. Don’t be surprised if you see it being held up as Exhibit A the next time some conservative legislator wants to remove civil service protections and fire half of the state’s workforce.

Mike Filigenzi

Sacramento

Radical change

“Sacramento council gives city manager authority to open homeless Safe Ground sites,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 2, 2023)

Homeless sweeps are a cruel and ineffective way to manage unhoused people. Sweeps move them from one place to another, but homeless people have to be somewhere.

Safe Grounds are not the perfect solution, but they are a much better option than sweeps. They get people off the streets, offer a community setting where people often help each other and are a reliable place where people can keep their possessions and where outreach workers can find them. Finally, when provided with toilet facilities and garbage pick-up, they allow people to live with dignity.

My understanding is that our city manager was tasked with locating Safe Ground sites. Instead, the city is busy sweeping away any type of shelter that homeless people have.

Sacramento needs a radical change in its approach to the homeless.

Diane McGuire

Sacramento

Outrageous

“Sacramento CA cleared homeless from park for DiCaprio movie,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 9)

Moving unsheltered folks without sheltering them is outrageous. Movie shoots surely have enough money in their budgets to get these people hotel rooms. These budgets cover catering for their cast and crew; trailers for stars to relax and dress; and use of private homes for one day at a rate that might cover their mortgage for a month. DiCaprio himself could pull some money out of his pocket and generate positive publicity for himself and the film.

Why didn’t the city put this in their negotiations for permission to film?

Beth TenPas

Sacramento

People first

“Sacramento CA cleared homeless from park for DiCaprio movie,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 9)

I was shocked to see the headlines about the homeless being given only 24 hours to vacate their homes for the filming of a movie. The fact that they had to move during the rainstorm is even more tragic. I can imagine many of those folks were over 40 and unable to quickly and effortlessly heed the city’s demands.

Unhoused people should have been moved with the help of the city before being given notice, and the city could have asked Warner Bros. whether the filming could have been delayed until — and only when — these people were adequately housed. People first!

Rosalynne McCort

Mount Vernon, Wash.