Here’s why Prop. 50 is necessary to protect California, save democracy | Opinion
Fighting fire with fire
“Stanislaus County prepares for special election on Prop. 50,” (modbee.com, Sept. 29)
As an opponent of gerrymandering, I welcomed the 2008 decision to have an Independent Commission draw California’s districts. But now, with President Donald Trump calling on Texas to redistrict mid-decade to give him five extra Congressional seats, blue states cannot continue to do business as usual.
Enter Gov. Gavin Newsom’s response in the form of Proposition 50, which I support. Newsom rightfully calls this an “in case of emergency, break glass” situation.” A recent McClatchy California editorial correctly states that “California has been backed into a corner and has the right to defend itself against authoritarianism.” To do nothing practically guarantees the “Republicans will continue to control Congress and subvert the system of checks and balances the founders envisioned.”
Someday, hopefully, a better Congress will pass legislation banning gerrymandering and each state will have an Independent Commission drawing up election boundaries. But until that day, Californians need to fight fire with fire.
Kent Mitchell
Riverbank
Don’t pave over critical farmland
“Riverbank residents oppose River Walk development plan,” (modbee.com, Aug. 24)
During a River Walk presentation to the Riverbank City Council, a project consultant addressed the farmland issue, stating that housing often requires losing farmland.
In Stanislaus County, there are 88,000 acres already identified to be developed. Developers often choose to put residential projects on farmland for the view, despite the fact that non-productive land is available. In the case of Riverbank’s proposed River Walk, the setting was chosen because of its setting (alongside a river with a lovely view). When a county has 88,000 acres of secured land, there is simply no reason to ask for another 1,500 acres of important farmland that produces food, replenishes the aquifer, cleans the air and maintains an important buffer between the communities of Riverbank and Modesto.
The riverfront land is some of the most important water recharge land in the county. It should never be paved over.
Martha Simonton
Riverbank
Health care costs
“Health insurance premiums may spike in CA without action,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 8)
Our Republican-controlled Congress is about to inflict immense harm on middle-class citizens such as ourselves. Here is a real-life example: We are currently paying $880.83 per month for a family of two for our insurance. We have received a notice from Covered California that this will increase to $2,441.83 per month starting in January 2026 — very nearly tripling what we pay now.
We are too old to simply cancel our health insurance, but we may have no choice. Is it any wonder why people like us are actively working to unseat Rep. Kevin Kiley and his cohorts?
John Shiurba and Val Esway
Fair Oaks
Prop. 50 is all about Trump
“Prop. 50 isn’t about Donald Trump. It’s about protecting fair elections | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 19)
The Texas Legislature looked at this redistricting scheme a few years ago and decided not to pursue it because it was too risky. Now, President Donald Trump explicitly instructed them to do so. When they were in the discussion phase, Gov. Gavin Newsom brought up the idea of Prop. 50, but told them that if they dropped this questionably legal gerrymander, he would drop the proposition. However, Texas went ahead and passed it.
Prop. 50 is obviously in response to Trump’s attempt to rig the 2026 midterms.
Henrik Hansen, DDS
Fairfield
Stop blaming meds
“Trump blames Tylenol for autism, dismaying experts,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 22)
Autism was formally identified in 1911. Tylenol wasn’t invented until 1955.
The spike in diagnoses? That’s from expanded diagnostic criteria and awareness; no Big Pharma boogeymen.
Stop blaming meds. Start reading history.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.