Speed cameras on Feb. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)
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Speed camera fine
is too little to deter
Re: “Map: Speed cameras are likely to be placed on these San Jose streets” (Nov. 20).
Speed cameras seem to be an adjunct to the understaffed San Jose Police Department. A test program is a great idea. However, the proposed fines are: drivers going 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit will be sent a $50 ticket. Sixteen to 25 mph over the limit is a $100 ticket, and 26 mph over is $200. Those who exceed 100 mph will receive a $500 penalty.
That last fine is preposterous. Anyone driving on city streets at 100 mph, regardless of the posted limit, should face severe consequences — perhaps confiscation of the vehicle and/or jail time.
Mike Roberts
San Jose
S.J. must invest in
varied housing plans
I am writing to emphasize the critical need for increased efforts in creating more affordable housing options for the residents of San Jose. The escalating cost of living in our city has reached a point where many hardworking individuals and families are struggling to secure suitable housing.
As you are undoubtedly aware, San Jose has become one of the most expensive cities to live in, and the lack of affordable housing contributes to the challenges faced by our community. The current housing crisis not only affects low-income families but also impacts the overall socio-economic fabric of our city.
By investing in affordable housing initiatives, we can provide stability and security to those who are currently burdened by the high cost of rent and housing. This, in turn, will contribute to a more vibrant and resilient community. Moreover, addressing the affordability issue aligns with our city’s values of inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Hunter Niemann
San Jose
End Israel’s slaughter
of innocent Gazans
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, and the death toll of civilians in Gaza grows disproportionately, I am compelled to write a plea for an end to the war.
Let me be clear — the attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 was horrific and must be condemned. And I do not question Israel’s right to defend itself. But at what cost to innocent Palestinian? Not this cost.
Let’s not disregard the roots of the animosity between Israel and Palestine. The Israeli state was created out of a crying need for a homeland for the Jewish people. But it came at the expense of the Palestinians. In the words of Pope Paul VI — “If you want peace, work for justice.” May we focus our efforts and resources on promoting a two-state solution and end the violence that only breeds future generations bent on hating one another.
Gary Bertuccelli
Santa Clara
Pandemic overreaction
affects vaccination rates
Re: “Children drive surge in deadly outbreaks” (Page A2, Nov. 27).
It is very sad to read of the deaths of tens of thousands of children across the world due to monumental reductions in standard childhood vaccines.
Unfortunately, that brief article failed to correctly capture the cause of the decline in childhood vaccination. Four times the article claimed the reason was the coronavirus pandemic. Four times the article was incorrect.
The coronavirus did not prevent any vaccinations. The pandemic did not stop childhood vaccine campaigns or impede children’s health care. People did that. People set aside long-held public health measures that suppress very dangerous viruses, disregarding the easily predicted impacts on children’s health, for a novel virus that poses low risk to children.
The overreaction to COVID-19 by governments, media and public health had massive and predictable costs to children’s health, education and overall well-being. The harms done to their lives for decades to come will continue to be counted.
Michael Peercy
Los Altos
Politicians must stop
taking PAC money
The combined effect of media consolidation (six corporations own 90% of the media) in conjunction with Citizens United, which allows for unlimited spending by corporations, creates the perfect storm for destroying our planet and our democracy.
Do we really think that our congressional representatives will vote against the interests of the agricultural, health insurance, high tech and pharmaceutical industries when they likely have accepted campaign contributions from these industries? We cannot stop the climate catastrophe or protect our fragile democracy until our representatives stop colluding with those who are enabling this destruction.
We must advise those who seek elected office in Santa Clara County that if they take campaign contributions from corporate PACs, they will not receive our endorsement; that aligning themselves with those who are destroying our planet, and our democracy, will no longer be permitted.
Kent Bossange
Saratoga