13-07-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: S.F. mystery benches may annoy city, but they're a lifesaver for some people
Regarding 'Mystery benches are appearing on S.F. sidewalks. The city isn't happy about it' (San Francisco, July 7): I timed how long I could stand in place. It was eight minutes. A minute longer, and I'd feel my feet are carrying a load hoisted by an elephant.
Multiple sclerosis has obliterated my physical abilities.
Three years ago, I was an athletic young mom coaching my son's kindergarten team.
Now I'm a disabled mom, always looking for a place to rest my fatigued legs.
It's important for my kids to know that we are still city-loving parents. We will continue exploring this great city of San Francisco. However, it is nearly impossible to find a bench to sit at bus stops (we are avid Muni riders) or in the neighborhoods we visit.
Having more benches is helpful to older people and those in the disabled community.
Guerrilla benches might be inconvenient to city departments, but let us also continue to make this city accessible and inviting to all.
Newsom is MIA
The National Guard is camped out in Los Angeles.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is terrorizing and kidnapping hundreds of innocent, hard-working, tax-paying immigrants in cities throughout California.
The state budget has a huge deficit.
Medicaid cuts from the Great Big and Ugly budget bill could force hospital closures in California.
Where is Gov. Gavin Newsom? Galavanting around and campaigning for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in 2028. Come home and take care of business, governor.
I'm a Democrat who would never vote for a Republican, but it looks like I may have to support one of Newsom's Democratic opponents if he doesn't get his priorities right.
Kerry Gough, Oakland
Good riddance
Regarding 'Controversial S.F. fountain not part of Embarcadero Plaza renovation plans, officials say' (San Francisco, July 9): I was pleased to hear that the sculpture was not part of the renovation plan for Embarcadero Plaza.
Calling it a 'Brutalist fountain' is right on — it's simply brutal to look at. I happen to agree with former Chronicle architect critic Allan Temko, who once described it as 'something deposited by a concrete dog with square intestines.'
Time to say goodbye to an eyesore and hello to a fountain-free park.
Larry Costello, San Francisco
City losing jewel
Regarding 'Controversial S.F. fountain not part of Embarcadero Plaza renovation plans, officials say' (San Francisco, July 9): The amazing Vaillancourt Fountain is well worth the cost of restoration to preserve this magical work of art.
It is worth much more than the Embarcadero Plaza renovation budget. The more treasures like this that San Francisco loses, the more diminished the city becomes. San Francisco is rapidly losing its heart and soul.
