Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for March 3, 2024

Former history columnist shares thanks with Marin

I recently made the difficult decision to end my seven-year run writing the Marin History column in the Lifestyle section of the Marin Independent Journal. I would like to begin by giving thanks to IJ Lifestyle Editor Colleen Bidwill and former editor Vicki Larson for working with me over those years.

I am especially indebted to the Marin History Museum Board of Directors for entrusting me with this opportunity and to staff members Heather Powell and Lane Dooling. They supported my research and offered much needed encouragement along the way. Dooling now writes the column for the IJ.

I would also like to thank the many readers who offered praise and thanks through the years, along with additional historical information on my subjects. I am grateful for the emails from local historians and Marin residents who pointed out conflicting facts or errors in my research. I hold no claim to perfection and, in all but a few cases, engaged in friendly and productive online conversations with these readers.

These last seven years have taught me much about our rich, incredible and sometimes troubling history. I am extremely fortunate to have both learned about and visited almost every corner of our county. Today, as I drive, ride or walk the roads and trails of Marin, I often think about the people and events that have shaped and influenced our shared history and feel truly blessed.

— Scott Fletcher, San Anselmo

Dominican’s neighbors put in a difficult position

I have lived in the San Rafael neighborhood adjacent to Dominican University of California for over 30 years. Me and my fellow good neighbors have supported the institution over the years — including after the major convent fire and through several expansions, including the Conlan Center. But, in response, I think the university’s actions regarding the sale of a 19-acre parcel adjacent to the campus have been shameful.

University officials sold it to a developer. It did so seemingly in secret with no apparent attempt to disclose or discuss the plans with its neighbors. I am certain that the neighborhood group would have taken the opportunity to work together to collaborate and raise funds in an effort to purchase the land.

The school’s board and administration seem to be remaining silent, as its neighbors are forced to work through city and state bureaucracies.

We need to scale back the project to a reasonable scope, one which will not harm our wildlife and environment, or to trap residents by congesting our narrow and winding streets in the event of a catastrophe such as wildfire in our designated high-risk area.

This is private land, and the college had every right to sell it, but having a right is not the same as doing right.

— Susan Page-Metcalfe, San Rafael

New transit center needs parking for commuters

After reading the article published Feb. 27 with the headline “Transportation officials weigh in on San Rafael Transit Center,” I have a question. Where does this plan provide for commuter parking?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Caltrans provided free commuter parking in three lots under the freeway. These were heavily used. Post pandemic, after securing a court order to remove homeless encampments from these lots, Caltrans fenced them in so no one can use them. Right now, the only available parking areas promoted by the city cost money and are several blocks away from the Transit Center.

— Jan Gross, San Rafael

Solar policy reform should happen at the state level

I am writing in regard to the recently published article about Assemblymember Damon Connolly’s bill addressing rooftop solar panels (“Connolly bill proposes boost in residential solar incentives,” Feb. 21).

The bill needs to be passed. The current California Public Utilities Commission policy incentivizes batteries while trivializing the amount solar-panel owners are paid (15 cents per kilowatt hour) for their electricity and charging them up to 46 cents at peak hours. Most people, especially those with low incomes, cannot afford a $13,000 power wall to store electricity. This benefits very few.

Current policy allows utilities to corner the solar market. While utilities build grid scale battery storage projects, homeowners with solar suffer and low income folks are left out.

Such CPUC policies that destroy the California solar industry are good for utility shareholders, but bad for all Californians.

— Richard L. Bailey, Novato