Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for March 24, 2024

Marin must find a way to count votes faster

The final Marin County election results weren’t completed until more than a week after Election Day. I understand that we’re trying to make voting as easy and inclusive as possible, but that’s way too long to wait for final results.

One can imagine the turmoil and uncertainty if important, close races have to wait that long for final resolution. There’s got to be some middle ground that balances ease with timeliness. We are not there now.

— John Meier, San Anselmo

San Anselmo makes public EV chargers too expensive

A recently published letter from a San Anselmo resident congratulated the town on the high adoption rate of electric vehicles by residents. From what I can see, those numbers have nothing to do with town policies, and more to do with the demographic profile of its residents.

Like many jurisdictions in Marin, San Anselmo has installed Level 2 chargers in many of its public parking lots. Unlike those other jurisdictions, San Anselmo charges a very steep rate for that charging.

Novato offers visitors to its chargers free parking and the first hour free; after that it is $1.50 an hour or about 22 cents per kilowatt-hour for most cars. San Rafael offers unlimited free charging, while you pay for parking at a rate that is as low as 75 cents per hour, which comes to about 11 cents. It does not charge at all for parking between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. The county offers dozens of chargers at its facilities and demands $1 per hour, or about 15 cents per kWh (the parking is always free).

San Anselmo’s chargers cost you a steep 45 cents per kWh, roughly three times what the county collects and more than many private, for-profit entities ask of their customers. It also fails to do what many others do — offer cheaper rates for overnight charging when utility prices are low.

Most of us in Marin enjoy the luxury of charging our vehicles in our garages and don’t pay attention to these things, but if we expect apartment dwellers to adopt EVs, we need to offer them reasonably priced charging options. San Anselmo is not doing that. Its leaders should put their money where their values are, and cut the price of those chargers. Then you might see even more of its residents adopting EVs.

— David L. Fiol, Novato

Wildfire agency officials can defend all actions

I am writing in response to Jinesse Reynolds’ recent letter regarding the allocation of funds by the Marin Wildfire Prevention Agency. In my opinion, Reynolds’ assertions overlook critical aspects of wildfire prevention strategy and misrepresent MWPA’s approach.

Unmanaged non-native eucalyptus groves significantly contribute to highly flammable ground and ladder fuels. Plans for selective thinning by removal of trees 10 inches and less in diameter is essential to neighborhood safety. This is hazardous fuel reduction work rather than logging, as I think Reynolds’ letter suggests.

Furthermore, these efforts will enhance biodiversity and nesting opportunities, promote forest health and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

Regarding Garlon 4 herbicide toxicity concerns; according to the Environmental Protection Agency, it is classified as a Class 4 (“least hazardous”) pesticide. Its low toxicity, when applied by trained professionals, minimizes environmental impact.

Garlon 4 is commonly used in integrated pest management strategies. It is critical for managing eucalyptus groves. After selective thinning, resprout prevention will significantly reduce future fuel loads and management costs.

MWPA does extensive birding surveys to ensure sites are not disturbed during nesting season, adhering closely to established guidelines. Protocols are in place to delay activities when active nesting sites are located near a work area.

I hope Reynolds takes us up on offers to engage with the MWPA via interactive stakeholder meetings. All with concerns should join us on instructive onsite field trips.

Allocation and utilization of resources are carefully managed by our capable executive officer and staff, which are overseen by our elected board consisting of 17 individual member towns and agencies, and by our independent citizens oversight committee. These rigorous oversight mechanisms guarantee funds are properly guided by the best available science and latest technologies toward Marin’s safety and protection.

— Larry Minikes, San Rafael