Riverbank leaders must ensure environmental report of River Walk is accurate | Opinion
Public should make informed decision
“Farmer: “River Walk” proposal does not improve region’s quality of life | Opinion,” (modbee.com, Jan. 14)
Climate projections for California show that, while we will see many more years of severe, prolonged drought, we will also see off-years of extremely wet and warmer winters. These projections were missing from the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the planned River Walk development, a senior housing project to be located on the Stanislaus River just west of Riverbank.
The EIR on this project assumes that an old levee, riddled with gopher and ground squirrel holes, will be sufficient in protecting the future neighborhood from the catastrophic floods of the future. Riparian corridors should be reserved for wild floodplains that recharge our aquifers and protect downstream communities, while development should be focused on higher density, mixed use infill projects within city limits.
The Riverbank City Council should ensure that the EIR addresses these and other risks, educate the public and allow the people to make an informed decision about the project through a vote in 2026.
Gavin Bruce
Modesto
Don’t diminish legislators accomplishments
“Can Katie Porter bring fresh ideas to California politics?” (sacbee.com, Aug. 9)
The assertion that former California Rep. Katie Porter and her mentor, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, are somehow Democrats from the “old guard” is ridiculous. Both have been shaking up Congress with their advocacy of such legislation as consumer and financial protections in the banking and medical industries for regular working people.
While they may not get the publicity enjoyed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders or New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both Porter and Warren are much more effective in their legislative accomplishments.
Joseph Mlakar
Roseville
Fight against Trump administration
“Trump willing to meet with Democrats before shutdown deadline,” (modbee.com, Aug. 13)
Many people have realized that Trump is not a leader, he is a wrecking ball. His is no administration, it is a regime. This is intentional, and if you don’t believe me, just read Project 2025.
If you don’t like what you are seeing, there are groups that are organizing to fight against the destruction of our government and Constitution. Find one and join.
Anita Young
Modesto
Broken political system
“If anyone understands America’s broken political system, it’s Kamala Harris | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 2)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris says that our political system is broken. She is certainly correct.
The system our Founding Fathers created gave immense powers to the president. They made the president both the head of state and the head of government. The checks and balances they built in depended on the courts and Congress restraining presidential overreach.
We now have a coalition of six Federalist Society members on the Supreme Court who gave President Donald Trump virtual immunity, and our MAGA-subservient House and Senate has eliminated any checks or balances on the administration.
In the 2026 election, we will have a chance to elect a Congress that will restrain the White House until the 2028 presidential election.
Terrence Dunn
Roseville