Letters: State should protect science with reliable funding

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State’s science students
need dedicated funding

Re: “Student loan cancellation program could become Trump retribution tool, some advocates fear” (June 7).

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program has incentivised careers in the public sector, including work in hospitals, schools, local governments and nonprofits. These cuts are coming at a time when there is a dire need for increased financial aid, as more students graduate with debt, not more obstacles to a liveable wage.

These actions are under a facade of safety, but in reality, they are part of a larger pattern of political attacks on health care and basic human services. Low- and middle-income students cannot afford to follow career paths without support like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

To protect California students from these political attacks, we need to reform Proposition 13. Doing so could generate as much as $12 billion yearly for public schools, simply by charging higher rates for commercial property.

Instead of acting like we are helpless against federal attacks, we need to create sustainable revenue that does not depend on who controls the White House.

Lynda Otero
San Francisco

State must let cities
plan neighborhoods

Re: “Officials move to preserve commercial space” (Page B1, July 7).

I was dismayed to read that all seven Village Centers in Sunnyvale, including the one on East Duane Avenue, will likely be replaced with housing, all because of the inflexible and wholly impractical state laws that limit local control over development.

This state law is harming Sunnyvale residents, not helping them. These harsh requirements may increase housing, but in many cases, it is at the expense of preserving neighborhoods where people can easily walk or bike to businesses, rather than use a car. Shopping centers within residential neighborhoods improve the economy, provide employment, reduce car traffic and create a greater sense of community between residents in the neighborhood.

The state housing laws are blindly imposing their will on cities without regard to the unique variables and needs of each city. State lawmakers must amend these laws to preserve needed neighborhood shopping centers.

Nick Dellaporta
Santa Clara

S.J. homeless policy
brings a clear trail

I’d like to thank San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan for his efforts in finally clearing the encampments that have plagued the Los Gatos Creek Trail for years.

The trail, stretching from Lexington Reservoir to downtown San Jose, had once been a clean, safe, scenic pathway for biking, walking and running before becoming overrun with filth and squalor. It had reached the point where only the bravest or most oblivious souls would hazard a journey along the trail.

And now, for the first time I’ve ever seen in San Jose, “No Encampment/No Trespassing” signs are posted. Hopefully, this will set a precedent. I’ve always found it ludicrous that our tax dollars are spent to tear down encampments, only to see them rebuilt because no deterrence was in place.

Dave Salle
San Jose

Social Security email
is for audience of one

The July 3 email from the Social Security Administration, which took a “victory lap” after the passage of the Big Bill, was clearly intended for an audience of one.

Consistent with the communication plan for the administration, the missive is filled with propaganda and misinformation. While focusing on tax relief for SSA recipients, it conveniently overlooks the fact that the bill accelerates the exhaustion of the SSA trust fund. This email epitomizes misuse of public funds and constitutes waste, fraud and abuse. In addition, it violates the Hatch Act of 1939 by engaging in partisan political activity. The law ensures that the government operates in a nonpartisan manner.

It seems to me that the SSA is committed to helping MAGA more than it is committed to helping me.

Joel Hayflick
Palo Alto

Strength of free speech
constantly being tested

Re: “Trump’s choice of centuries-old trope angers Jewish leaders” (Page A4, July 5).

Freedom of speech, once a cherished pillar of society, now trembles under the weight of censorship, cancel culture and fear. In today’s world, speaking the truth can lead to isolation, mockery or even punishment.

Yet we are called to speak the truth, not retreat into silence. While governments and platforms may limit voices, true freedom, as mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, is an inalienable right from our creator, not men. Though free speech may seem dead in culture, it lives wherever believers speak boldly, guided by the notion of our founders that “all men are created equal.”

We must not be silent; we must reject tyranny. In truth, freedom of speech isn’t dead; it’s being tested.

Akeem Mostamandy
San Jose