Letters to the editor | Sunday, May 1, 2022: Be careful what you don’t wish for
Riverbank neighbors short-sighted
Re “A classic case of cowardly NIMBY paralysis in Riverbank” (Page 1C, Apr. 24): Your editorial was brilliant and insightful. Beyond the snobbish and selfish motives of the nearby neighborhood, opposition to the senior citizen housing project appears ill-advised. In the rush to judgment, the surrounding neighborhood overlooked the obvious benefit of the senior complex. A well-landscaped project would enhance the appearance of the area. The senior complex would be quieter than the existing neighborhood. Importantly, the senior housing project guarantees that the land is not used for purposes less desirable to the adjacent neighborhood.
Under the Stanislaus County right-to-farm ordinance, what does the neighborhood do if the two-acre parcel is converted to a smelly goat ranch? Or, what if dusty row crops crops are planted? What if the two-acre parcel becomes an unofficial off-road motorcycle park on Sunday afternoons? Or, what if the property is used as a storage yard?
If the Riverbank City Council turns the project down, the opponents may end up getting what they really deserve.
Bruce R. Frohman, Modesto
`Not In My Back Yard’
“Fierce protests” from residents near a Riverbank proposal for 40 senior apartments just convinced their Planning Commission to recommend denial.
We have a very powerful local political party that almost always wins, everywhere it goes. The NIMBY Party.
Richard Anderson, Modesto
Self is selfless
You and I will soon get an election ballot in the mailbox. When you see Jessica Self for California State Assembly District 22, look no further.
This lady’s day job is a public defender and she defends those without (many) resources. That’s us. Our day-to-day living needs the driving force she practices. The position of California State Assembly is just an extension of what Jessica is already doing — looking out for people, giving them a better path forward and making sure they and we are heard.
Jessica Self is a force to be reckoned with, whether it’s housing, health care, jobs, education or the fires of California. She doesn’t believe in “it can’t be done, but “let’s find a way.” I’ve seen her in action. Her determination to get things done for you and me is rarely seen in our political system. She is on the people’s side. A vote for Jessica Self is a guarantee your voice will be heard and honored.
Diane M. Kroeze, Modesto
Condit knows water
Chad Condit is my pick for Assembly District 22. Chad’s experience in Sacramento will help our district. Chad’s ability to work across the aisle will help get things done for us here. A lifelong member of Assembly District 22, Chad knows and lives the issues of the Central Valley. Chad knows that water is the biggest issue facing everyone here. Farmer or residential homeowner, we all must have water. Less crops grown with an ever-growing population will just add to the hunger epidemic worldwide. Chad can and will be our leader in keeping water and creating new ways to add to our water issue.
Robert Hodges, Denair
Time for Feinstein to go
Re “This is why Dianne Feinstein has been good for California” (Page A5, Apr. 22): Columnist Joe Mathews agrees that Dianne Feinstein has diminished capacity, yet thinks she will somehow make a good senator until she is 94 to represent her demographic. Only in government and apparently editorials would this be a good idea. Look no further than Joe Biden at the top of Feinstein’s party. No business could operate successfully with a diminished leader waiting for her “good days.”
Mathews takes in ill-informed stab at fixes to California’s aging population, whining that younger people are leaving and saying Californians should just have more children. He misses the fact that Feinstein’s Democratic (policies)here and at the federal level result in people fleeing states like California to raise their children elsewhere. Feinstein and her party have promoted weak border control; wasteful regulation that has led to the high cost of income tax, sales tax, real estate and fuel; and of course the unconscionable killing of babies in the womb that would have been our next generation.
The best thing for Dianne Feinstein to do on her next good day is have the grace to retire.
Mark A. Kleiderlein, Modesto