Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct. 2, 2022
Start elevated causeway work on Highway 37 now
The headline on the front page of the Marin IJ on Sept. 25 was inspiring: “Caltrans favors elevating Hwy 37 to cut flood risks.” Unfortunately, my hopes were quickly dashed as I read on.
No surprise, the excuses for inaction dominated Caltrans’ agenda. They included the usual drivel about no money and its ongoing proposal to do a multi-million dollar “temporary” fix to add fill and create one additional lane in each direction. The excuses seemed designed to give Caltrans a 20-year breather before actually considering to build the causeway.
I agree with Rep. Jared Huffman’s sensible response: There is money to build the causeway now. Between California’s current surplus and the federal infrastructure bill, there is plenty of money to get the causeway project going. Does it really need to be 30 feet tall? I think a lower elevated roadway would be sufficient and cost less.
Let’s just put the necessary money into a dedicated account, put some competent engineers to work designing the logistics and get this done.
— Elaine Reichert, Santa Venetia
Depot Plaza perfect to display railroad history
I am writing in response to the Marin Voice commentary by John McCauley and Ken Wachtel (“Engine No. 9 plan would ruin Mill Valley’s Depot Plaza,” Sept. 24). I suppose there is nothing like a little controversy to increase dialog. I believe this discussion will help us learn why No. 9 is worthy of the city’s attention.
Most newcomers to Mill Valley are unaware of the good that Mount Tamalpais’ little railroad brought to the region. For starters, it helped with the preservation of Muir Woods. A primary goal of the railroad’s backers was to offer a way for people to visit the mountain, enjoy it and promote the idea of protecting it.
Without Sidney Cushing, president of the line, and his fellow board member, Rep. William Kent, the planned logging and damming of Redwood Valley would likely have happened. Through their Mill Valley and Muir Woods Scenic Railway, they also hoped to create Tamalpais National Park. Eventually, California stepped up and created Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Our railroad was billed as the “greatest one-day trip in America.” More than a million people rode its rails, including Susan B. Anthony, Thomas Edison and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
It would be ludicrous to display the engine unprotected from weather and people. As one of the group restoring No. 9, I know the authors are correct in pointing out that a “keep off” sign would hardly be enough protection. More is needed.
I must mention one point in the commentary that I take exception to: As engines go, No. 9 is not “immense.” Railroaders would place it more in the “cute” category. It is a small fraction of the weight of the biggest locomotives.
Having grown up in Mill Valley and learned of the railroad’s history and legacy, I know No. 9 is a worthy jewel to be honored on Mill Valley’s central plaza.
— Joe Breeze, Fairfax
Depot Plaza is too small for Engine No. 9
Those proposing that a train engine would have historical significance in Mill Valley’s Depot Plaza are right. Those of us who might have had some responsibility for preserving the plaza in the early 1980s are also aware of the railroad’s historical significance.
Back in the ’80s, plaza planners were besieged with many ideas. The brainstorms included plans for a major water feature, chess pieces and chess tables (the chess idea came from famed concert producer Bill Graham). The water feature was a major undertaking with nationwide invitations. Many compared what Mill Valley Plaza could be to towns and cities in Europe and Central America.
Everything was rejected, except Graham’s tables. Now, the train — which is definitely a historical icon — is being considered. It’s certainly something to inspect. However, I think the plaza is too small. The engine should be placed on top of Mount Tamalpais.
The best among us have always thought that less is more. This should guide our decisions today.
— Larry Anderson, Mill Valley