Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Dec. 30, 2023

Federal group needs to investigate PG&E

I am writing in regard to the article published Dec. 13 with the headline, “Higher utility bills coming — again — after new PG&E rate request.”

This proposed rate increase comes on top of November news that the California Public Utilities Commission will allow another rate increase. I think the CPUC has allowed Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to get out of control.

I worry that PG&E is taking our hard-earned money and giving it to politicians for political favors. It appears to have given our money to retired PG&E executives, possibly to some found to be responsible for decisions that led to faulty equipment starting deadly fires. It uses our money to pay its fines and it uses our money to pay for advertising to cover up its faults.

I think it’s time for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review the actions of the CPUC. The commission will act as a check-and-balance system, since it appears the governor, other state politicians and the CPUC are failing.

I hope an energy commission investigation can stop PG&E from spending our fees on advertising. Commissioners should ask why the Southern California Edison utility provider can deliver power in dryer conditions (such as Los Angeles County) at lower rates than PG&E — without sparking fires.

I want to know exactly how much money PG&E gives to state politicians and the real reason why it gave money to California first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s foundation. Why didn’t her husband, Gov. Gavin Newsom put a stop to the approval of the last PG&E rate hike?

PG&E executives who diverted money from powerline maintenance projects in areas where fatal fires were caused by faulty equipment should not be able to retire comfortably off the profits of those decisions.

— Curtis Panasuk, Sausalito

Traffic-island habitat in Novato should be saved

I am writing in support of the gardens tended by Marcia Basalla and located on the Pacheco Valle traffic islands in Novato. I hope city officials do not allow the removal of the habitat.

As a professional garden designer, I know how much work goes into maintaining a landscape like this one. Basalla has done this free of charge for many years out of a sense of civic responsibility and deep care. Now, Basalla says the city has removed her stewardship rights. That makes no sense at all. From an environmental perspective, it makes even less sense.

Basalla created a thriving habitat area for native California plants and wildlife, supporting many beloved species including the endangered western monarch butterfly. With so many wild spaces being removed and replaced with new construction and human infrastructure, her project should be a template for similar projects in developed areas, demonstrating how we can create homes for the plants and animals to exist beside us.

Places like this one are crucial for maintaining healthy natural ecosystems. In turn, the ecosystems provide people with clean water, fresh air and a sustainable environment. The health of the land and the people are inextricably linked.

Novato officials should be progressive leaders in helping to support citizens to create spaces that allow native California pollinators, the plants that feed them and animals that are part of the web of life to thrive. Abundant natural beauty is one of the reasons that Novato is an attractive place to live. Replacing this gem of a space with yet more conventional, water-consuming and ecologically worthless landscaping would be a huge mistake.

— Michele Spremich, Novato

Marin could reconsider Silveira Ranch housing

State officials have mandated that Marin County build much more affordable housing. This is, in part, so Marin can create housing options that its own labor force can afford. Forcing workers to commute long distances contributes to climate change. Joining the Association of Bay Area Government’s housing bond proposal would help fund this needed housing effort (“Marin could see windfall from regional housing measure,” Nov. 29).

Additionally, I think Marin County officials should reconsider plans for a new, sustainable community of 5,000 people on the land owned by St. Vincent’s School for Boys and Silveira Ranch along Highway 101 just north of San Rafael. It’s right in the area designated as the county’s city-centered corridor for growth.

The award-winning plans were envisioned in San Rafael’s 1995 Architectural Land Use Competition. They provide an important model for our policymakers to counter climate change.

The plan, known as “Dovetail,” (in the spirit of humans dovetailing with nature) explored how one could walk or shuttle within the compact town. The plan would keep the historic train stop and provide a community fleet of vehicles to choose from when needed. Residents could grow their own food, build their own homes, biologically treat waste for irrigation and make much of what is needed in shops, studios and the existing school complex.

I recommend that Marin County develop the Dovetail concept into building plans. The new community would radiate out, in four directions, from the town square. It would include solar-powered homes to the north, the repurposed boys school to the east, farms and orchards across Miller Creek to the south and a downtown retail district to the west, with storefronts on the square.

Marin, having an optimum site and pacesetting solution for housing and beyond, would then be ready. We can then live less stressful and simpler, leaving time for art and discovery.

— Dart Cherk, Mill Valley

Proposed fire department in San Geronimo is wrong

I’m opposed to the possible relocation of a Marin County Fire Department station on the former San Geronimo Golf Course property.

This location is out of place for such a large industrial complex. I feel that San Geronimo Valley has been ruined by the decisions of Supervisor Dennis Rodoni and other county officials. They ruined it by purchasing and closing the beautiful asset that was the profitable golf course.

A fire station on this property would be an eyesore for all living in the valley, as well as for those just passing through. There are other areas within the valley that could handle a new station. County officials should look for those areas instead.

Don’t destroy our valley and waste taxpayer dollars on this boondoggle. I feel that Rodoni’s actions in helping lead the charge to close the golf course have caused irreversible animosity among San Geronimo Valley residents. Choosing to build a fire station on this location will only increase the tension.

I’m not opposed to a new fire station. But the proposal to spend as much as $70 million on a monstrosity at this location is wrong. As my representative, I feel it is Rodoni’s duty to listen to his constituents.

— Rick Seramin, San Geronimo

Golden Gate Bridge walkers should pay a fee

I am writing in regard to the recently published article about possible higher tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge (“Golden Gate Bridge toll increases likely again amid deficits,” Dec. 16).

One item that has not been considered closely enough is to charge tourists and hikers a nominal fee to walk across the span. I have sent emails suggesting this to Assemblymember Damon Connolly.

I am sure some bright software developer can create something on a smartphone to charge and allow paying bridge walkers. I bet they can make it as easy as ordering a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

— R.G. Langenhan, San Rafael