As a Los Altos Hills homeowner who treasures the open space that surrounds my neighborhood, I applaud the efforts of the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council to seek a grant to set up a South Bay Prescribed Burn Association.
Prescribed burns reduce fuels, leading to less intense wildfires, along with other proven benefits, such as promoting the resilience of forest habitats. Carefully managed prescribed burns are a vital component in our efforts to combat the threat of wildfire, which increases with the intensification of climate change and the growing proximity of human populations to wildlands.
This initiative helps not only property owners but also anyone who values public lands and the cleaner air that comes with a reduction in wildfire intensity.
Shaun Kelley Jahshan Los Altos Hills
AI threatens creativity
and critical thinking
When was the last time anyone did any thinking of their own?
All I hear nowadays is people saying, “Let’s ask (insert any generative AI platform).” No one is concerned about learning anymore. Does anyone even want to try to use critical thinking when it comes to school or work or life in general?
It concerns me deeply that instead of people using their own creativity and minds to brainstorm or form an idea, they resort to a generative tool. This is only the beginning of the downfall of any creative outlet. Don’t even get me started on what it will do to people’s jobs. No more, that’s what.
The world is not prepared to have a whole generation of kids unable to think for themselves and who have to rely on using ChatGPT to do anything. No one’s thinking about the consequences.
Sara Barney San Jose
Prop. 50 one step
to foster institutions
As a communications professional for almost 35 years, it is frustrating to see, every day, how democracy is being destroyed, and with it, our near-future economy.
American business has thrived through American institutions. Free markets cannot survive without the support of the kind of capable, accountable government that a democracy provides, creating and sustaining laws that keep markets genuinely free and fair.
Taxes are a price to pay for investment and a thriving private sector. In a few weeks, you can stand up for the freedom of the United States by voting yes on Proposition 50. I know you know the proposition is much bigger than our state. We need a balanced Congress that will protect business now. Your partners and customers need your yes on Proposition 50 vote, so stand up and speak out in favor of democracy.
The informative chart in the Oct. 7 edition, highlighting party disaffection this year compared to last year, deserves a follow-up.
I am interested in knowing how many Republicans who voted for Donald Trump are now willing to come forward and openly acknowledge that they have made a mistake. We all know these individuals — they are neighbors and friends from whom we have grown distant.
A forum for reconciliation could support many others in openly sharing their regrets.
Rita Norton Los Gatos
No need to wait
to cast your vote
In most elections, many voters are hesitant to cast their ballots early because they worry something will happen with the candidates after they vote. In this election, there are few candidates involved, so people can be less reluctant to submit their votes early.
There are advantages to voting early. Those ballots are counted first, and campaigns may stop mailing campaign materials to those who already voted. In addition, the election results will be quicker.
Whether you choose to vote by mail, by drop-box or at vote centers, there’s no reason to wait to vote in November’s special election.
I urge you to continue documenting and sharing stories like Miguel Lopez’s, the father in Livermore who was deported to Mexico. These detentions and deportations are life-altering. They are changing the landscape of American communities.
While these detentions are common, do not let them be normalized. The public should be outraged. Normalcy leads to tyranny. They thrive in our silence. There’s a reason their operations are conducted in a matter of minutes. There’s a reason they do not reveal their identity. They’re hoping for our hopelessness. But remember, ICE melts under pressure.
