Letters to the editor | Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021: On roundabouts, COVID-19 and Veterans Day
More roundabouts needed
We are facing global challenges and need viable solutions. We must start to offer possible solutions about how to be efficient in our way of living.
One solution I have in mind is reducing the heat we generate with our car engines on during idle. We idle our engines at every stop light and stop sign, which generates unnecessary heat and CO2.
Our city planners should replace all stop lights at the busiest intersections with roundabouts. In a roundabout, we don’t have to wait and burn fuel for no reason. We must look at roundabouts already in place around our cities and see how efficient they are. This is a smart solution to stop burning unnecessary fuel and reduce global warming.
Vince Vega, Modesto
County COVID approach embarrassing
We’re coming to the end of an extended vacation on Hawaii’s Big Island. We are happy to come home to see friends and family, but not to go from a place that takes the pandemic seriously to a county where many remain unvaccinated, too many refuse to wear masks indoors and elected officials shrug their shoulders at the scofflaws.
Day to day, the Big Island reports over half as few new cases per capita than Stanislaus County. Indoor masking is almost universal, with little pushback. In two months, we’ve witnessed one instance where a customer refused to mask in a drug store. The other customers loudly called him out. I confess it felt good to join in, whereas we’d never do that at home for fear of provoking a fight. Public service announcements urging people to mask and vaccinate are everywhere
If a place like this, whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism and restaurants, can make the sacrifice needed to protect citizens, surely Modesto and Stanislaus County can do better. Get the shot. Wear a mask.
Bill Walker, Modesto
Celebrate veterans on Nov. 11, not Nov. 13
My husband, a former Marine, fought in Vietnam. He is shocked, appalled and downright angry to learn that the city has arbitrarily decided to hold the Veterans Day parade and program on Saturday, Nov. 13, instead of the actual holiday, Nov. 11.
He heard their reasoning was so children could attend. I say make it an annual field trip so children can learn and attend or make it a federal holiday. Please learn why this day should stay the same.
I hope that every veteran who reads this will stay home on the 13th to say we will not accept these decisions or at least not take part.
Nancy and John Carvalho, Modesto
Thank you, Modesto, for your service
Re “Modesto woman concerned about city’s tree hazard backlog” (Page 3A, Nov. 1): The city’s forestry crew came out this morning to remove an old decaying city tree that was in my yard. I must say they did a good job! I no longer live in fear of the tree falling on my house during winter storms.
Thank you Modesto Bee for putting in the article to spearhead this project. Thank you Chris Ricci for watching over our area trees. Thank you city crew for bringing the tree down safely. Now with the increased budget, may we continue to be known as the city of trees.
Linda Beck, Modesto
A thank you from Whiteside family
We would like to thank the many people who helped put together and participated in the celebration of our mother and former Modesto Mayor Carol Whiteside on Oct. 17 at Graceada Park.
We especially appreciated the support of the city of Modesto, The Modesto Bee and Modesto City Schools for their assistance. It’s not easy to bring people together in the time of COVID, but the spirit of the event and the comments from scheduled speakers and those in attendance did a lot to highlight Mom’s career and commitment to the region.
Mayor Zwahlen and Stanislaus County Supervisor Grewal both presented proclamations at the event, which were an honor to receive. Mom really loved marching bands, so a special thanks goes to the Johansen High School Marching Band who gave up one of their Sundays to participate.
A final thank you to Mom’s close friends in Modesto who worked so hard to plan and execute the event. We literally couldn’t have done it without you!
The people of our hometown Modesto have given our family many fond and meaningful memories over the years. Our mother’s celebration of life is one that we will always treasure.
Derek and Brian Whiteside, Albany, Ore.
Critical attention needed
From the reaction to the concept of “critical race theory,” perhaps it should be taught in high school.
Steve Ringhoff, Modesto
Hooray for Dads
Re “Curbing violence in a high school – one dad joke at a time” (Page 6A, Nov. 1): Kudos to the 40 dads (conservatives and liberals, likely) on the high school campus bringing positive dad energy to the learning environment and ameliorating negative student conflicts.
Taking responsibility and being a part of the community, by being part of something bigger than oneself, is what makes the USA a wonderful place to live. Division in this country comes by way of taking a side and proclaiming that one political philosophy has an exclusive market on a concept like responsibility, as proud conservative Lynn Schmidt touts.
The media can be a good part of bringing positive stories to our attention without the foolishness of immature cheerleading for a political side.
Daniel J. Bruce, Modesto
Season of giving is here
Local charities are asking folks to look in their closets for usable coats and jackets that could be given to the homeless to help keep them warm this winter.
Simple ideas can go a long way. In this season of giving, it makes people feel good to give to those in need. I encourage those who can to donate items or cash to local charities. Local nonprofits like Second Harvest Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Modesto Gospel Mission and Church in the Park all have websites where you can donate.
No amount will be refused. Maybe you afford to spread it around a bit. Trust me, your charity will be welcomed. It’s also easy to write a check and drop it in the mail for those who do not have access to the internet. Food banks and pantries use cash donations to help give a few extras during the holiday season.
Food and warmth is most welcomed by the homeless and others in need. Food insecurity is common to the elderly and children on the low-income threshold. So, any bit you can contribute is wanted and appreciated. Donations made here stay here to benefit friends and neighbors.
Daniel Marsh, Modesto
Let’s check on senators
Kyrsten Sinema gives 12 weeks paid family leave to her staff. How does she pay for that? She must be using tax dollars from her constituents yet doesn’t want them to have the same benefit. I’m sure she finds the money because she knows that if she wants hard working, devoted staff, they should be supported.
I don’t know about Joe Manchin, but I am going to call his Washington office and ask. My suggestion is that, if you want family leave, call these senators and ask them about the family leave for their own staff.
Anita Bruce, Modesto
This story was originally published November 7, 2021 at 6:00 AM.