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San Francisco Chronicle
23-06-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: Forget the laptops and AI, schools need to go back to the basics
We congratulate the schools that are eliminating phones from classrooms. However, phones are only half the problem. Kindergarteners do not need iPads. We need to get technology and artificial intelligence out of the classrooms. Everyone tells me we need to prepare our kids for the future workplace, that technology is inevitable. Research shows that putting kids behind Chromebooks may not help them learn. Global test scores show that we are falling behind. All this screen time filled with unfocused distractions is not neurologically appropriate for proper brain development, studies show. The scrolling, swiping and gaming are not teaching our children the skills they will need to succeed when they graduate from high school. Administrators like the tidy workflow that tech provides them. But at what expense to our future generations? We need to prioritize printed textbooks, handwritten note-taking and hands-on assignments. We should return to the old proven methods of learning. Patti Fletcher, Roseville, Placer County Take care of pets Regarding 'San Francisco is euthanizing more stray dogs. Here's why' (San Francisco, June 20): It hurt to read about the 'easy-going and friendly' pit-mastiff mix with no medical issues, 'but after a short time in the facility, the dog became so anxious that he had to be put down.' At least the words 'put down' were a welcome reality check in what is too often a sea of euphemism. Every definition of 'euthanize' notes the intent to relieve pain and suffering, yet we misuse the term to make ourselves feel better about killing healthy animals that we have failed to find homes for. Would we use 'put down' if we were killing humans under similar circumstances? Let's abandon language designed to alleviate the shame of our sins and work on doing better by the animals over whom we have claimed dominion. Karen Dawn, Santa Barbara Mask bill misdirected Regarding 'Can California make officers show their faces during protests? Experts appear doubtful' (Politics, June 16): State Sen. Scott Wiener's proposal to ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks is political grandstanding and an effort to appease his base. It would be more productive to ban masks from the demonstrators who destroy Waymo vehicles, deface buildings and create a lawless atmosphere. I am sure they choose to wear masks to hide themselves from law enforcement, their families and employers. John McGurk, San Francisco Applause for theaters Regarding 'End of an era nears as San Francisco movie theater owners seek buyers for historic venues' (Arts & Entertainment, June 16): Thank you to Frank and Lida Lee for bringing interesting foreign and independent films to the Presidio, 4 Star and Parkside theaters over the years. As a movie fan who prefers the quirky, unique stories that have traveled the film festival route rather than the Hollywood production formula, it has been great to have the Lee's theaters showing quality films. I hope there is a buyer out there who can continue this tradition of excellence. Charlotte Seekamp, San Francisco Keep the peace When I visited my son in the Peace Corps, his wife met me, and as we walked down a main street, a tank came rolling down, with military men and guns, and I grabbed my camera. But before I lifted the camera to take the photo, my daughter-in-law pushed my hand down and said, 'No!' quite firmly. Not safe. Not a democracy. Different rules here. I took many pictures on that trip, but of nature — gigantic birds, forests, monkeys running through tree-tops. But not the tanks with guns pointed at us. That was also breathtaking, but not worth the risk. Different country, different culture, different life. It made coming home to the U.S. with no tanks pointed at citizens truly grand. Hopefully, with luck, we can keep it our way.
San Francisco Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: There's been an annual Grateful Dead tribute for decades. Why is S.F. upstaging it?
Regarding 'San Francisco approves Grateful Dead 60th anniversary concerts at Golden Gate Park' (Arts & Entertainment, May 15): Mayor Daniel Lurie is pleased that Dead and Company will play Golden Gate Park from Aug. 1-3. Tickets will be sold, stimulating the San Francisco economy. What's wrong with this picture? For the past 22 years, people have flocked to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park for Jerry Day on the first weekend in August. Folks from the Excelsior — Garcia's boyhood neighborhood — produce other local events, in addition to the all-day free concert. Why do business people want to upstage this beloved tradition on Aug. 2? Those who experienced the magic of original Dead concerts know that it was not about making money. For years, the original band sold modestly priced paper tickets by mail order. Garcia himself was loved not just for his musical genius, but because of his kindness and humility. Roadies tell of how, in his final years, he was clearly not well, but he kept touring so that his friends would have work. Amelia Marshall, Oakland Stop urban sprawl Regarding 'This rich beachfront city is trying to launch an anti-housing insurgency in California' (Opinion, May 17): I lived in San Diego for 15 years, so I'm familiar with the region. Encinitas is located in northern San Diego County, and any housing built in North County is technically urban sprawl. The result: more cars on local streets, clogged freeways, increased pollution, water shortages and greater fire risk. It's bad planning. The state should be discouraging — not mandating — new housing in Encinitas and North County. Thank you to the local leaders who are pushing back. The real story is that Gov. Gavin Newsom is bypassing the state Legislature with even more draconian housing legislation on top of the dozens of laws he has already signed. How does that differ from President Donald Trump's numerous executive orders? With his legislative bullying, MAGA-curious podcast and anti-transgender comments, Newsom is no better than Trump these days. Richard Kurylo, San Francisco Tax Big Tech for housing Ultimately, the housing crisis is due to an unhealthy imbalance between jobs and housing. It is the high-paced creation of high-paying jobs, mostly in Big Tech, that is especially responsible for the affordable housing crisis. UC Berkeley economist Enrico Moretti has pointed out that for each high-paying job created, five new service jobs are generated, two professional and three low-paying. High-paying jobs should be taxed with a payroll tax for companies above a certain size to create the badly needed funding for low-income housing. Nico Calavita, Berkeley Support clean energy Regarding 'This California county has the highest death rate for climate change-driven wildfire smoke' (Climate, May 13): Wildfire smoke, fueled by climate change, has caused thousands of deaths across the state in recent years, with rural areas hit hardest. Congress is debating the future of America's clean energy tax credits, which reduce carbon pollution and support clean energy jobs. Unfortunately, current House proposals phase out these critical investments in clean electricity and end tax credits for home electrification. The result would be high household energy costs, stifled energy innovation and increased pollution. Representatives from the most affected districts should prioritize their constituents' health by defending clean energy investments. Thank you to Rep. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, and Rep. David Valadao, R-Bakersfield, for supporting clean energy tax credits. I urge other lawmakers in wildfire-impacted districts, including Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Chico; Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin (Placer County); Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Modesto; and Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Hesperia (San Bernardino County); to join them in advancing clean energy in America and protecting the lives of Californians.
