Kudos to Modesto City Schools for ratifying new sex education, wellness curriculum | Opinion

Kudos to Modesto City Schools

“Modesto City Schools approves fifth-grade sex ed curriculum,” (modbee.com, June 24)

Kudos to Modesto City Schools for ratifying a new sex education and wellness curriculum, despite opposition from Trustees Jolene Daly and Cindy Marks, who voted against the motion, and from Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil.

It’s becoming more apparent that Alvarado-Gil is another politician with questionable values: A supporter of giant oil corporations who puts environmental contamination ahead of contemporary education of Stanislaus children, where one in five children develop serious respiratory illnesses.

Timothy Buchanan

Modesto

Thank goodness for grand juries

“Stanislaus CA transportation board puts director on leave,” (modbee.com, July 1)

Thank goodness for civil grand juries in our society. Our public officials do not have the interest in making one of their own accountable because of politics and their own self interests. Meanwhile, our tax dollars get squandered by greedy public officials.

We will always need good, objective, informed citizenry looking out for the rest of us.

Daniel J Bruce

Modesto

A lot of money for unnecessary bridge

“New 7th Street Bridge in Modesto gets final funding. The schedule, some history,” (modbee.com, June 30)

Why do we need $134 million for a replacement bridge over the Tuolumne River? There’s a good bridge already on 9th Street, at Pecos, which could funnel traffic to 7th Street and Crows Landing Road, to the areas served by the old bridge.

Better uses for that cash abound.

Steve Ringhoff

Modesto

We won’t be ruled by fear

“No Kings Protest draws thousands in Modesto CA march,” (modbee.com, June 14)

On Saturday, June 14, over 4,000 people gathered in Modesto for the “No Kings” protest, organized by Indivisible Stanislaus. It was a peaceful, patriotic stand against the authoritarian tactics now threatening our democracy. Veterans, students, parents and immigrants joined together to demand due process, transparency and accountability.

The Central Valley is not staying silent. The protest responded to the rise of plainclothes federal agents in unmarked vehicles detaining people without uniforms, badges, warrants or agency identification. Some detainees have been legal residents — or even U.S. citizens — taken without due process. That is fear-based control.

We also condemned Trump’s attempt to deploy Marines and rationalize the National Guard in California without the governor’s consent. His administration ignored court rulings — including on immigration — defying the checks and balances that protect us all.

Even kings once faced limits. Authoritarian rulers demand blind obedience through secrecy and threats, just like we’ve seen here.

The protest’s message was clear: We will not be ruled by fear. No one is above the law.

John and Mary Smith

Modesto

Why I turned to activism

“Trump’s troop deployment to Los Angeles faces legal test,” (modbee.com, June 12)

Violence and revenge are raining down on American citizens. In the last several weeks, the Trump administration arrested or forcefully detained judges and elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla and New York City Comptroller Brad Landers.

It was these evil and unlawful acts — plus many others — that led me to activism. I was a retiree with nothing to do except watch the news and cry. Then, I actually got off the couch. I was so mad that I went to my first protest and was hooked. I joined Indivisible Stanislaus and my world changed.

The group’s kind and caring members helped me channel my angst into activism. This culminated in the “No Kings” event on June 14, where I found over 4,000 others who’ve had enough, too.

All of this begs the question: Is this kind of activism worth it? Thank goodness we have people like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Martin Luther King Jr. who have shown that peaceful protest can create a shift in public opinion, making for a more kind and just world.

Drusilla Clough

Modesto

Turlock mayor’s priorities

“City council denies funding, puts Turlock shelter at risk,” (modbee.com, May 12)

Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak has ignored the interests of her constituents in the business community and all of us who shop and play here. Main Street, Geer Road, Country Side Drive by Fulkerth and the Monte Vista Crossings area are all impacted by residents, including the homeless. Turlock deserves a responsible mayor who is focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety and economic growth for all residents.

How does closing the We Care facility help maintain the quality of life here in Turlock? How does not helping everyone here in Turlock enhance the quality of life here? How does not offering a clean toilet 365 days a year for our homeless neighbors help prioritize the health and safety of our community?

Lynn G Sarraille

Turlock