When are Modesto leaders going to choose preserving quality soils over urbanization? | Opinion

Environment not development

“Riverbank’s “River Walk” development raises concerns,” (modbee.com, Dec. 24)

When are our elected representatives going to stop the elimination of our highest quality soils in favor of urbanization? At what point do city and county representatives use agricultural quality benchmarks in their planning processes so that they do not eliminate our highest quality soils or hinder water access needed to support our agriculture industry?

Urban proposals that would eliminate our best areas for food production continue to be planned and approved. Why? Where is the plan for agriculture? In order to protect our best soils, our elected officials must use urban limit initiatives.

Denny Jackman

Modesto

Road rage

“CHP arrests Modesto man it suspects of shooting occupied car in Highway 99 road rage incident,” (modbee.com, Jan. 10)

I think I know how we can finally deal with the majority of road rage incidents. If you’re driving in the fast lane and you’re getting tailgated: you’re wrong. If you’re driving in the fast lane and getting passed on the right: you’re wrong.

The fast lane is for passing. If you’re not passing other drivers, you’re doing something wrong.

Why do we see drivers make aggressive maneuvers? Mostly, to get around selfish drivers who are driving too slowly in the fast lane. I’m not advocating that we turn freeways into daily NASCAR tryouts or try to beat our personal best times getting from Point A to Point B. I’m simply saying that the left lane is for passing and it’s not your job to regulate anybody else’s speed. If someone is going too fast, California Highway Patrol will gladly inform them of that.

I guarantee the CHP would rather give a speeding ticket than deal with a multi-car crash caused by someone trying to get around a slow driver in the fast lane.

If you’re driving in the fast lane and are getting tailgated, get out of the way!

Tim de Lorimier

Modesto

No more taxpayer dollars

“Modesto High School is getting a modern makeover. Here’s how the campus will change,” (modbee.com, Oct. 11)

If you are a property owner, take out your tax bill and look at all the bonds already listed that you help fund. Do you want to add more? If not, vote no on upcoming bonds.

Modesto City Schools is again publishing their “wish list” if they just have more money. You probably have a wish list of your own. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had thousands of taxpayers to fund that wish list. Unfortunately, we have to stop adding debt at some point.

Schools in Modesto and Stanislaus Counties need to stop borrowing and pay off some prior debt before coming to property owners for more.

Dolores Cox

Modesto

A legend

“Jack Burke Jr., oldest living Masters champ, dies at 100,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 19)

Jack Burke Jr. was a legend. He staged the greatest comeback ever at the 1956 Masters Golf Tournament. He also won the 1956 PGA Championship and was equally skilled as a teacher, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and built the fabled Championships Golf Club in Houston. He delivered lessons along the way with a dose of homespun wisdom.

We will remember Jack Burke Jr. always and forever.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Federal investigation warranted

“CA PG&E customers see electricity rate increases on bills,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 12)

Now is time for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review the actions of PG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission.

The feds are the checks-and-balance when the governor, state politicians and CPUC fail in their oversight of the PG&E monopoly.

The feds should ask: Why can’t PG&E match Southern California Edison in delivering power in drier conditions, at lower rates and without sparking fires? Why does PG&E funnel our hard-earned money into advertising, lobbyists, political campaigns, fire fines due to 85 deaths, top salaries to executives and awarding some CPUC members with lucrative contracts with PG&E after their terms?

The feds need to make PG&E accountable to the citizens of California instead of to its shareholders on the New York Stock Exchange.

Ask your member of Congress to investigate, and when you see a PG&E line crew, thank them for risking their lives for us.

Curtis Panasuk

Sacramento