Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Aug. 25, 2024

Thanks to Corte Madera mother and daughter

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to a kind woman and her daughter from Corte Madera who likely saved my life in Walnut Creek on Aug. 3. It was an extremely hot day, and after walking a considerable distance from a restaurant to my car, I became very disoriented and had trouble locating my vehicle. Once I found it, I attempted to drive away but was clearly unwell.

The woman noticed me standing by my car and approached to check on me. When I tried to get back into the car, she insisted it was too hot and helped me cross the street to a restaurant that was cool. Her daughter brought me some water, and the woman kindly moved my car, which I had parked illegally. When I didn’t recover from the heat, she called an ambulance. She stayed with me, conversing with me and the ambulance staff, and ensured I got to the hospital.

I spent about five hours in the emergency room rehydrating.

I cannot thank this woman enough. I think she said her name was Jill. I would thank her in person if I could find her.

— Patricia Poinsett, Vallejo

Experiencing nature comes with some risk

I am writing in response to Jim Wood’s recently published letter to the editor. He called the ascent of Half Dome an “attractive nuisance” that requires additional safety measures.

I have had the pleasure of ascending Half Dome five times with family and friends, including my daughter when she was 9 years old and my son when he was 10. Yes, it’s a long and difficult hike with a challenging last stretch up the cables, but thousands of people complete the hike safely every year and treasure the memory of their ascent.

Sadly, people have died climbing Half Dome, but the number is quite small. There are only 25 confirmed deaths in over 100 years. Most were due to people caught in Sierra thunderstorms, some of whom knowingly ignored signs of such storms (as detailed in the book “Shattered Air”).

Comparatively, Yosemite National Park averages 12 to 15 deaths per year and at least three people have died climbing Mount Whitney this year (another very popular hike).

Being active and in the outdoors has some degree of risk, but it’s an assumed risk that participants accept for the benefits they receive. There are many outdoor activities that are likely far more dangerous such as parachuting, river rafting and scuba diving. Are these also “attractive nuisances” that need regulation?

I am glad that we all have the opportunity to choose activities that have a degree of risk appropriate for ourselves. Sure, the outdoors isn’t as safe as being at home — there are storms, animals, steep mountains and other things that could harm you.

If these aren’t for you, don’t go into the mountains or hike up Half Dome. But please don’t interfere with those of us who want to experience the awesomeness of nature and accept the risks it brings.

— Bruce Brugler, Greenbrae

Restorative justice plan fell short in San Rafael

I read with some interest (and much disappointment) the recently published Marin Voice by Frank Lindh (“San Rafael parishioner extols restorative justice process,” Aug. 19). I’d like to share a different perspective.

While Lindh is certainly entitled to his opinion, he does not speak for all Catholics. Some may agree with him. I do not.

The individuals involved in this incident violated a statue that holds religious meaning for many. Junipero Serra was a defender of the rights of the indigenous peoples in the mission territories; despite what an unnamed “historian” may have said during the “restorative justice” process.

Nothing could excuse the premeditated vandalism perpetrated against the private property on the grounds of a Catholic church. They came bearing the instruments of their crime. They were caught on tape. They never apologized to those actually impacted (the owners of the statue and the parish).

It appears to me that the “learnings” from the “process” amounted to a reinforcement of the fact that prejudice against those who profess the Catholic faith is acceptable in America.

I hope Lindh finds peace in his position. I find his apologetic tone in recounting the vandals’ statements to be sad. I hope he asked why they wrote to the court, and not to the parish upon whom they trespassed and against whom they committed the crime of vandalism.

Just because everyone is feeling good vibes doesn’t mean this crime can be set aside. Thanks, and God bless.

— Deacon Chip Jones, Memphis (Tennessee)