Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for April 2, 2024

Protect state’s coast from too much housing

After reading the recently published article by CalMatters in the IJ (“California pro-housing bills clash with coastal protections — again,” March 26), I suspect that many members of the state Legislature are too young to remember (or were not even born) when the California Coastal Zone Act was passed almost 50 years ago.

It has protected our coast over the decades. Compare California to coastal states on the Atlantic Ocean. You can see the difference.

The numerous proposals to modify the act have me concerned. These days, any attempt (no matter how limited) to make revisions to environmental laws can have unintended consequences. Doing so could lead to larger changes that can undo the intent of the law itself.

Right now, there are processes within the act that allow for some discretion. But, while the need for housing in the state is very real, it is not clear that most of the proposed housing in the coastal zone will be affordable. There are many other places surrounding major metro areas that should be the focus of affordable housing before we put our coast at risk.

— Steve Ziman, San Rafael

Big problems doomed Measure A for Tam District

I am writing in response to the recently published article on the failure of Measure A (“Ross Valley voters might have sunk Tam Union bond plan,” March 24). It’s insulting that some Measure A proponents think voters weren’t educated enough to vote for the doomed proposal. Self-interested people and agencies spin plausible rationales to promote their agendas.

It is certainly true that Archie Williams High School was slated to get less funding for projects than the other two large high schools in the district. Proponents have given explanations, but I worry the real reason was that dropping enrollment for schools in the district might trigger a campus closure in the next several years.

What’s most disturbing about the effort to pass Measure A is the heavy campaign contributions by special interests (private consultants and construction companies). This speaks volumes about how deep-pocket special interests were motivated to fund the election in hopes of juicy profits from large public works contracts.

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers, Marin’s all-volunteer watchdog and taxpayer advocacy organization, defeated Measure A with much less money. COST might have supported Measure A if the district had listened to COST’s advocacy for fairness and affordability. Instead, district leaders leaned into its questionable polling numbers, paid for with taxpayer dollars, to justify putting unpopular Measure A on the ballot.

If Tam District leaders think higher campaign spending to better “educate” voters will result in passing a similar bond measure on November’s tax-crowded ballot, they missed the memo.

— Pascal Sisich, San Anselmo

‘Praise break’ in Marin City draws support of group

I am writing on behalf of the Marin City organization “Stop 825 Drake Ave.” We invite all to a “praise break” celebration on April 13. We will honor resilient Marin City residents alongside faithful donors and volunteers who have supported Marin City residents the last four years through opposition to the development of the offensive housing complex.

Our group began when we formally opposed the Marin County Board of Supervisors and its approval of the unjust housing project comprising 73 units and 23 parking spaces. I have attended supervisors meetings, toured the Golden Gate Village public housing community and attended weekly meetings in Marin City. Doing so led me to the “Save Our City” organization and its opposition to the new housing plan.

I’ve gotten to know many wonderful people. I only wish I’d done so sooner.

I’m involved here because I want to right historical wrongs. During the 1940s war effort, Marin City helped build 95 naval ships. Yet, following the war, some Black people who came to Marin for that effort were prevented from becoming Marin County homeowners.

Please join for “praise break,” an African American tradition celebrating, dancing and joyously trusting that good news will come to those who trust in the Lord and universe. Come celebrate our neighbors in Marin City on April 13 at First Missionary Baptist Church, 501 Drake Ave. from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

— Marguerite Moriarty, San Rafael