Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 7, 2022

RxSafe tackling fentanyl overdoses in Marin County

As members of RxSafe Marin, we want to share information about fentanyl, a synthetic opioid known for its high potency and low cost. It’s killing people in Marin and all over the world. When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs to make counterfeit Xanax or other pills, it increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose.

With the rise of fentanyl-involved overdoses in the Bay Area and across the nation, often involving unsuspecting teens, it’s important to know how to prevent fatalities. This is where RxSafe Marin comes in. It is a community coalition dedicated to reducing harm from prescription and other drug use and saving lives. Established in 2014, RxSafe was an emergency response to overdoses that jarred the Marin community. Stakeholders, including mourning parents, convened to help end opioid-related tragedies.

One tactic used to combat the rise of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids is educating the community about naloxone. Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication.

RxSafe partner Chris Brown of the Spahr Center in Corte Madera is an expert in harm reduction. He advises that we assume fentanyl is in any and all non-pharmaceutical drugs (especially pills and powders). We should practice harm reduction techniques: Test the substances using fentanyl test strips, go very slowly, never use alone and have Narcan handy.

The website rxsafemarin.org/naloxone highlights where to get free Narcan nasal spray, including the address of an outdoor vending machine. If your organization would like a training on opioids or how to use Narcan, email info@rxsafemarin.org. We’re here to help.

— Anita Renzetti and Lauren Kershenbaum, RxSafe Marin

Moratorium needed until water plan exists

I have a question regarding all the headlines in the Marin IJ about new housing proposals and a state mandate to build more units in Marin County. Someone must be benefiting financially from this. Who is it?

Where is there a mandate to build in a county that can’t even guarantee enough water for the current residents of Marin? We’ve been under a water-use reduction mandate, in case our leaders in Sacramento missed it. This mandate is irresponsible.

Until such time as the water districts get our supply guaranteed, there should be a moratorium on any new houses being built.

— Maureen Keating, Novato

Construction would add to water supply problem

We’ve just been through another extremely dry year. I have to wonder why we haven’t stopped new water connections until Marin districts can fix problems with supply. This is my 90th year living in Marin County. I can report these issues have been going on for at least 50 years, maybe more.

I think builders and Realtors see empty land and want to build and sell. Let’s stop adding to the problem and figure out a true solution.

— Treva Kean Strauss, San Rafael

Accused insurgents relying on Constitution

Last year on Jan. 6, thousands of people attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to deprive the people of their right to choose a president by the means described in the Constitution, as well as to deprive Joe Biden of his constitutional right to assume the office to which he had been lawfully elected.

Since that time, some of the participants have been arrested. Facing charges, they now take full advantage of their legal rights, which are protected by the document whose legitimacy they refused to recognize last year.

— Charles Kelly, Fairfax

What led to trustee’s alleged comments?

I read the article regarding Michele Crncich Hodge and the accusation that she characterized her fellow Mill Valley School District trustees as idiots (“Mill Valley schools trustee accused of calling colleagues ‘idiots’,” Jan. 29).

As a parent, I take great interest in the work of the trustees. I am also aware of how hard the trustees work, particularly in these trying times. Crncich Hodge reported that she does not recall making the comment. But if she did, I would like to know the context or motivation behind it. Was it made based upon some justifiable frustration? Was it made because she feels alienated or is angry rightfully or wrongfully?

Surely, a report in 1775 that Paul Revere was yelling “the British are coming” would have also reported the more important story, which is the foundation and motivation behind the proclamation.

To allege that Crncich Hodge made the statement without knowing the backstory is really just gossip.

— Rob Phillips, Mill Valley