Two Modesto officials seeking re-election voted against safe camping sites for homeless | Opinion

Patients deserve physician-led anesthesia care

“Correcting the record on Central Valley’s anesthesia care,” (modbee.com, July 26)

There has been a lot of attention on recent hospital investigations in Modesto by the California Department of Public Health launched in response to patient complaints and federal mandates. The investigation showed that anesthesia care was being delivered through a nurse-only model without any physician involvement.

This greatly concerns the California Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Anesthesiologists, who staunchly advocate for ensuring the highest level of anesthesia care for all patients: care that is delivered or led by a physician. The “physician-led anesthesia care team model” is the recognized best practice, used by California’s major health care systems, including Stanford, Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.

By providing access to proven, well-designed physician-led anesthesia care — with transparency about the team players and responsible deployment of those professionals in the right roles — we can safeguard patient safety when seconds count and minutes matter.

Antonio Hernandez Conte, former president, California Society of Anesthesiologists

Ronald L. Harter, president, American Society of Anesthesiologists

Candidates’ homeless record

“Modesto CA City Council rejects safe camping for homeless,” (modbee.com, Oct. 20, 2023)

Be aware that Modesto City Councilmembers David Wright and Rosa Escutia-Braaton, both of whom are currently running for re-election, voted against a motion to provide safe camping sites for homeless individuals. Meanwhile, City Councilmember Chris Ricci, also seeking re-election, jointly authored and supported the same motion.

Their voting record tells Modesto residents exactly who cares about the city’s most disadvantaged individuals: Ricci.

What is the city council’s plan to help the homeless? Maximum help is needed right now.

Diane M Kroeze

Modesto

Overhaul Electoral College

“Voting on Election Day? Here’s where to drop off your ballot in Stanislaus County,” (modbee.com, March 5)

Once every four years I feel obligated to joust with the windmill that is the Electoral College. With each state receiving two electors regardless of population, the least populated states have a disproportionate advantage in our current system. For example, an individual’s vote in Wyoming is weighted as having 70 times more of an impact than a vote from California. Plus, approximately six battleground states receive a majority of the attention and visits from the candidates, while the other states are largely disregarded.

The Electoral College is a broken, outdated system in need of overhaul. I am not aware of any other country in the world that implements a similar method of determining who wins an election.

There is a principle called Occam’s razor which holds that the most accurate response to a problem is often the simplest of competing theories. In this case, one person, one vote; whoever gets the most votes wins. Simple as that.

Kent Mitchell

Riverbank

Critical research to find a cure

“New Alzheimer’s Test Shows 90% Accuracy in Diagnosing Early-Stage Dementia—Here’s When to Get It,” (modbee.com, Aug. 21)

This September 14, I’ll participate in Modesto’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s to honor my papa, CJ Pitts, who passed away from this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s affects over 6 million Americans, including nearly 720,000 in California.

My papa, who loved golf, baseball, art and his garden, lost his vibrant spirit to Alzheimer’s, stealing away cherished moments like our mornings picking lemons from his tree. Alzheimer’s robs people of their essence and memories, a truth I’ve seen first-hand in my caregiving work. I remember a resident struggling to recall her daughter’s name, despite her deep love for her.

Recent progress thanks to the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act has been significant, increasing awareness and funding for research. The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act will ensure crucial research funding information remains available to Congress.

I recently discovered I carry a gene linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s. This drives my fight — not just for my memories, but also for my family’s future. I urge Rep. Tom McClintock to support renewing NAPA and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act to advance research and work toward a cure.

Amanda Pitts

Modesto