Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Dec. 9, 2023

Electric leaf blower systems powerful enough

I was interested to read Mark Hall’s letter published Nov. 29 about Novato workers who disregard local ordinances by using gas-powered leaf blowers. We have the same problem in Tiburon, despite Ordinance 518 banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers since February 2010.

I must disagree that electric leaf blowers lack enough power to clean a whole yard. Modern battery-powered leaf blowers are both powerful enough and hold a charge long enough for commercial purposes. I know because our gardeners use them at both our primary and secondary residences. Portable fast chargers, combined with two or more batteries, provide ample coverage throughout the day.

As for the upfront cost to make the transition, there is a simple solution. Gardeners could charge clients a modest surcharge for the cost of the equipment. Our local gardener invested $1,600 in a kit comprising a blower, two batteries and a fast charger. Given that he serves around 45 clients, the surcharge per client is a mere $36.

Considering that the ability to afford a gardener implies financial capacity, this one-time surcharge should be within reasonable means.

With today’s battery powered tools, there is no longer any justification for disregarding bans on gas-powered leaf blowers. Local authorities shouldn’t be shy about enforcing their ordinances. Embracing battery-powered alternatives promotes cleaner air and contributes to quieter and more peaceful neighborhoods.

— Eric Clothier, Tiburon

Do what it takes to save Deer Park children’s spot

I urge the Ross Valley School District trustees to uphold their decadeslong commitment to the Fairfax-San Anselmo Children’s Center by doing whatever is necessary to facilitate the sale of the Deer Park property to the center (“Children’s center, Ross Valley schools at impasse over Fairfax property,”Nov. 2).

As a founding teacher and former administrator at the center, as well as an alumni parent, I am gratified that it has continued to provide exceptional early child educational services and family support for over 50 years. Thanks to the integrity, grit and dedication of the center’s original director and founder, Ethel Seiderman, its programs have been replicated nationally. Having FSACC at the Deer Park site has provided a beautiful and nurturing location for the care of generations of our children — as well as preserved the buildings and improved the grounds.

Seiderman was an outspoken and wonderfully articulate advocate for the early socialization and education of young children and for family supportive child care. She would consistently remind those who questioned the value of financially supporting early childhood programs that these programs are for “all our children.” The school district trustees who volunteer their time and energy undoubtedly agree.

Hopefully, the trustees will continue to work collaboratively with center representatives in order to arrange the sale of the Deer Park property to the Fairfax-San Anselmo Children’s Center. As I am sure they are aware, value is not only measured in money. In fact, transferring ownership of the property to the center, even for a nominal fee, would benefit us all.

This is an opportunity for the Ross Valley School District to fulfill its mission and embrace the unlimited possibilities in our community.

— Ken Levin, Point Reyes Station

More female leadership will improve our society

Having once called Hawaii home, I learned about Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, who is known as the creator of the Hawaiian Islands in cultural native stories. I think evidence of a return of “the goddess principle” is happening everywhere. Considering substantial evidence that patriarchal systems only serve the patriarchs, I believe it’s not a moment too soon.

I have read that, when observing children at play, sociologists say boys, when using toys, tend to push their playthings around. Girls tend to embrace the objects. To me, that’s a good indication of who should be taking leadership positions.

The American Psychological Association shows that when more women become empowered to lead, we all reap the benefits. Decades of empirical studies prove women leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organizational dedication and improve fair-mindedness.

Disappointingly, the proportion of male and female leaders remains far from equal. Thankfully, efforts around the globe are being made to empower women to lead and the future of female leaders shows much promise.

— Dennis Kostecki, Sausalito

San Rafael Transit Center important for businesses

I am writing in regard to the recent unveiling of the San Rafael Transit Center preliminary design (“San Rafael Transit Center preliminary design unveiled,” Dec. 3). Reading this article sent off alarms inside of my mind.

The projected design looks wonderful, yet is this really a necessary way to spend public funding that could possibly be used in other areas? I want to know more about how this will impact San Rafael residents and the downtown area.

I go to San Rafael to shop at local businesses that cannot be found elsewhere in Marin. Accessibility and parking near downtown businesses could be an issue.

On the positive side, the plan really does sound like it will improve the efficiency of public transportation for Marin County.

— Jade Leong, Mill Valley

Novato needs to update road rules, maintenance

After reading the recent report about grades for Marin roads (“Larkspur stands out in Bay Area pavement report,” Nov. 24), I am writing to call out problems with some roads in Novato.

The failure to properly maintain roads and place proper traffic stop signs is a calamity waiting to happen. It is a decadeslong maintenance of visual blight and an offense to residents who pay exorbitant property taxes. For many years, city officials have not remedied long segments of either main thoroughfares. In my opinion, stretches of Novato Boulevard, Olive Avenue and many other residential roads still need work. I see potholes, wide cracks and slovenly patchwork.

Additionally, Novato officials need to come up with a fix for the parking lot exit into Center Road. Having it so close to Center’s intersection with Novato Boulevard makes it unsafe.

I am also concerned about the intersection of Scott Court and Grant Avenue behind the Whole Foods grocery store. I think it should be a three-way stop with clear signs.

Lastly, I think Novato officials need to limit the impact of delivery trucks to improve safety and convenience. To do so, they should provide free parking of delivery trucks in the parking lot behind the CVS pharmacy on Seventh Street.

— Suzanne Gorenfeld, Novato

Not right to compare Israel to U.S. post Sept. 11

I am writing in response to the Another View commentary by Frank C. Srasburger (”Israel should take different route than US did following 9/11,” Dec. 5). I think Strasburger means well, but his advice is more applicable to leadership in the United States than Israel.

Israel has uneasy relationships with neighbors in Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan and Iran. Israel is still at risk and its war against the Hamas terrorists is for the very survival of Israel.

Moral high ground by Strasburger is nice, but survival is more basic. Imagine what the U.S. would do if Mexico or Canada committed an attack inside our country similar to that of Hamas on Oct. 7.

In World War II, the U.S. demanded unconditional surrender from opponents and I think it resulted in a good outcome afterward. It is frightening to think what would have happened if there had been an armistice leaving the Nazis and Japan to continue their atrocities.

— Norman G. Licht, Palo Alto