Immigrant detention centers are not only cruel, they are costly | Opinion

Important question

“Central Valley organization steps up to aid immigrant families amid mass deportation fears,” (modbee.com, Jan. 15)

Has anyone been able to calculate the cost to taxpayers for keeping immigrants in detention centers versus allowing those with jobs to continue working and paying taxes? Just wondering…

Elizabeth Brown

Ripon

Double standard

“California cities begin scrubbing Cesar Chavez’s name from streets after abuse allegations,” (modbee.com, March 20)

Americans can be proud of the mature, near-unanimous response to the news of Cesar Chavez’s alleged crimes. In light of this response, surely we will apply the same standard to other prominent persons in the event of any similar crimes.

Imagine there were a person who, like Chavez, many Americans admired, but who, also like Chavez, multiple women credibly accused of sexual assault. Imagine further that this person was caught on tape bragging about committing some of these assaults and that, following a fair trial, a jury found that this person in fact did sexually assault a woman.

That person’s name would surely be removed from the multiple sites named for him. Right?

Greg deGiere

Sacramento

Recognizing Huerta

“California cities begin scrubbing Cesar Chavez’s name from streets after abuse allegations,” (modbee.com, March 20)

There is a rush to rename the many public spaces honoring Cesar Chavez. I suggest an obvious and appropriate solution: replace Cesar Chavez with Dolores Huerta wherever he appears.

She co-founded the United Farm Workers union, coined their slogan, no doubt matched his work and sacrifice and suffered his abuse. And it is Women’s History Month.

Give her the recognition that she is due.

Jane Pearce

Santa Rosa

Give to the Red Cross

“Donations sought as Red Cross laments ‘severe’ blood shortage,” (modbee.com, Jan. 20)

Every March, we observe Red Cross Month to honor the people who deliver support when help can’t wait. In my role as board chair for the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter, I get to witness our lifesaving mission in action: From volunteers comforting a family after a home fire, to a neighbor donating what they can to deliver hope in someone’s darkest hours.

Collectively, the impact is extraordinary. Last year, Red Cross volunteers helped 947 people displaced by 220 home fires, showing just how quickly crises can unfold close to home. Every one of these families needed help immediately, and thanks to generous donors, we were able to provide comfort and care.

That’s why, ahead of the next disaster, we’re asking our community to donate now to help ensure we can stock warehouses with relief supplies, train volunteers and open shelters at a moment’s notice.

Jordan Scott

Board chair, Central Valley Chapter