Don’t dam Del Puerto Canyon, keep it natural, says Modesto resident | Opinion

Keep Del Puerto Canyon natural

“Stanislaus County approves new road to bypass proposed reservoir. Court decision reversed,” (modbee.com, Feb. 5)

We do not need to dam Del Puerto Canyon to create a water reservoir for use by a few farmers to irrigate more almond orchards. This beautiful canyon is not only a recreational area for valley residents, it is also a unique wildlife area where rare native plants grow, where dozens of bird species nest, including a large population of golden eagles, and where many vulnerable animal species — like the California red-legged frog — find safe habitat.

The canyon is used by various groups to study and/or observe wildlife, such as the Audubon Society, Sierra Club and Native Plant Society, and by biology instructors at CSU Stanislaus. It is a scenic route for bike riders and residents looking for a connection to nature.

Development has already eliminated most of our valley habitat, so the canyon and hills on our western county border are a necessary place for wildlife to find sanctuary. Del Puerto Canyon is part of the Diablo Range, which should be preserved as a natural wildlife corridor, where animals are free to roam.

Let’s keep Del Puerto Canyon natural — not just for today’s residents, but for the future to protect our dwindling natural spaces and wildlife habitats.

Rhonda Allen

Modesto

Modesto leads on homelessness

“Modesto celebrates opening of housing project aimed at combating homelessness,” (modbee.com, June 1)

I have read several stories recently describing how the City of Modesto is providing shelter for our homeless population by renovating old motels to serve as temporary housing. And I know creating secure campsites is another effort by the city.

Bravo! With other cities in California following the governor’s directive to clear out homeless camps, Modesto is a shining example of how to treat our less fortunate brothers and sisters: with dignity and humanity.

Anita Young

Modesto

Fireworks activate PTSD

“Fires, missing fingers, $10k fines. Stanislaus residents warned on fireworks,” (modbee.com, June 26)

I understand why people want to celebrate Independence Day with modest fireworks with their children. But in Turlock, Markley Park went to the absolute extreme, with very loud explosions and whooshes until 11:30 p.m.

As a U.S. Army veteran, the individuals responsible for these fireworks activated my post-traumatic stress disorder. My poor dog and I had to cuddle all night with the TV turned up.

If you had experienced these sounds for real, you wouldn’t be doing this.

Michael Carl Andersen

Turlock

Don’t punish charter schools

“California charter school funding cuts spark criticism,” (modbee.com, May 28)

Assembly Bill 84 unfairly targets charter schools and families like mine who rely on them. We chose a charter because it offered the flexibility and personal support our child needed to thrive. Everything from the school’s budget to test scores is public, meaning charter schools are already transparent.

Meanwhile, traditional districts that experienced massive fraud — like Magnolia, where $16.7 million was stolen, or Mt. Diablo, where $3.3 million disappeared — faced no state crackdown. So why punish charter schools that are doing things right?

Charters serve many students who need something different, including those with learning disabilities, anxiety, health conditions or challenges in traditional classrooms. AB 84 would strip those families of choice, replacing it with red tape and funding cuts.

Rather than pass AB 84, our lawmakers should support Senate Bill 414, a more balanced approach that strengthens oversight without dismantling educational options. Accountability should be systemwide, not selective.

Shelly Thompson

Los Angeles

Masked ICE agents

“Commentary: ICE officers should not be allowed to wear masks,” (modbee.com, June 17)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents wearing masks while carrying out their activities tells you everything you need to know about President Donald Trump’s America. Not even Hitler’s henchmen wore masks, yet here we are seeing them used by law enforcement in America.

The Ku Klux Klan wore masks to carry out their terrorist activities. Wearing a mask hides one’s real identity and psychologically allows the wearer to assume a much more malevolent personality.

Kimball Shinkoskey

Woods Cross, Utah