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Global warming isn’t a hoax; it’s consensus
Re: “Climate panic is no path to stewardship” (Page A8, March 1).
In his letter, Fred Gutmann refers to global warming as a “hoax.” As a concerned citizen, I cannot let that statement go unanswered.
Scientific consensus from 97% to over 99% of climate scientists confirms that Earth is warming and that human activity — specifically burning fossil fuels — is the primary driver. Rapidtemperature increases cannot be explained by natural cycles alone; and evidence shows rising temperatures, greenhouse gas accumulation and significant measurable impacts on climate. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concludes that human influence has unequivocally warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land, causing rapid, widespread and intensifying changes.
Gutmann calls Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff “Al Gore’s faithful.” Well, I am thankful that Padilla and Schiff recognize the threat of climate change and support legislation to mitigate its risks, thus looking out for the well-being of their constituents.
Paula Danz
Los Altos
Only Dems’ strongest candidates should stay
Re: “Race for governor is tight early on” (Page A1, Feb. 26).
California is the fourth-largest economy in the world. Every 12th person in America is a Californian. Our state is a national leader in and an international model of progressive policy, policy largely sponsored by Democrats.
Soon, we select our new governor. In our state’s primary, the two candidates receiving the most votes will compete in November. By virtue of the large pool of Democrats running, we could end up with two Republicans running in November in a state with nearly twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans. This is wrong.
It is critical that the strongest, most viable candidates advance in California’s gubernatorial race. We cannot squander the important progressive leadership role we play in the world and in our country. Candidates without a realistic path to victory should reassess their ambitions, leave the race and unify behind those with wider appeal. Put our children’s futures over your self-interest.
Marsha Palitz-Elliott
Los Gatos
Passing bill would keep animals, drivers safer
Re: “Protection for California mountain lions could become permanent” (Feb. 4).
The recent Mercury News article highlights the growing threat of habitat fragmentation and dangerous roadways for wildlife across our state.
To address this challenge, I introduced Senate Bill 1250 (SB 1250), which would help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions by incorporating wildlife crossing infrastructure into California’s transportation asset management framework. This approach would accelerate projects that improve traffic safety, restore habitat connectivity and strengthen climate resilience.
Researchers estimate more than 7,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions occur annually in California, involving deer and other large animals and posing serious safety risks to drivers.
SB 1250 treats wildlife crossings as essential safety infrastructure, allowing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to address dangerous collision hotspots as part of routine highway projects. By integrating wildlife connectivity into the state’s transportation planning, we can reduce crashes, protect drivers and make California’s roads safer for everyone.
State Sen. Dave Cortese
San Jose
ICE arrests at jail weakens community
Re: “Jails a prime source for arrests by ICE” (Page B1, March 6).
It is disgusting to hear about the recent detention of 46 individuals by agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside Elmwood. This is something that should concern every single member of our community.
Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be harmed for the culture they practice, where they are from or the color of their skin. Yet, recent events have shown cruel behavior toward individuals for those reasons.
Santa Clara County is a strong and diverse community. Actions like this weaken the community’s morals and display inhumanity. Although people can be different in appearance, we can never forget that we are all human, and no human should be treated as an alien anywhere on this planet.
Safety policies should help the community remain unified, not divided.
Gabriel Torres
San Jose
We need more helpers to ease child trauma
Re: “Childhood trauma doesn’t have to last a lifetime” (Page A2, March 3).
The fact that childhood trauma could lead to lifelong mental and physical health damage, according to the landmark 1998 research, is troubling for those without an ideal childhood.
Education and intervention for families who need help are necessary if we want to reduce the threats to healthy children. There are many threats out there, but there are also many trustworthy, kind and observant adults who will provide a nurturing and positive experience for these struggling children.
More of these people are needed to make a difference in the healthy outcomes of these future adults. Without somebody who they can trust in a chaotic childhood, they can become a chaotic adult.
Patricia Marquez Rutt
Redwood City
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