Letters: Nuclear power is a more reliable option than solar

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Nuclear power is more reliable choice

Re: “State must continue to incentivize solar” (Page A8, Sept. 13).

While Rob Hogue and I agree on most things, I must take issue with the idea that rooftop solar reduces the need for grid capacity. The grid must operate 24/7, and the peak demand comes in the evening. Even homes with rooftop solar need to use the grid to cook dinner.

The solution of solar plus storage has its own problems. For example, during the week of Jan. 17, 2024, solar produced much less than what it usually produces. We would need a huge amount of batteries for this entire week, and we all remember the Moss Landing battery fire.

Personally, I believe that nuclear power is the best solution, and that incentives should go there.

Cliff Gold
Fremont

Mike Krukow was half of baseball’s best

Re: “Iconic S.F. Giants broadcaster to leave booth” (Page A1, Aug. 7).

Gumby shoulders. Big time.

That was my reaction when I first heard of Mike Krukow’s muscular condition that limited his mobility.

Big-time Gumby shoulders was also my reaction when I learned of his impending retirement.

Kruk has been a positive part of my life as a Cub, as a Giants player and especially as a Giants announcer. Like many things associated with Philadelphia, I chose to gloss over his time as a Phillie.

Mike Krukow has been one half, exactly one half, of the broadcast team for the San Francisco Giants. Kruk and Kuip are the best team I have heard in my more than 65 years of watching and listening to baseball, better than even Red Barber, Mel Allen, Russ Hodges, Vin Scully, Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray, Jack Buck or anyone else.

A group of “gamer babes” had the right sentiment with their sign for Kruk: “Grab Some Wine, Meat.”

George Licina
Santa Rosa

Voting Democratic is voting for principles

As you grow older, you will find your own voices, form your own beliefs and decide what kind of people you want to be. I hope you know I love you even when we disagree. Never simply believe what I believe. Think, question, listen and choose for yourselves.

I want you to understand why I vote Democratic — not because a political label defines me, but because these values are deeply rooted in who I am. I believe in protecting individual freedom, equality, fairness and opportunity. I believe in strong communities, quality education, accessible health care, protecting our environment and treating every person with dignity and compassion. I believe we can protect our communities and borders without losing sight of our humanity.

Most of all, I hope you become people who lead with courage, kindness and compassion.

Think for yourselves. Love deeply. Stand up for what is right. Never lose your compassion.

Becky Conners
Atherton

Legislation doesn’t go far enough on e-bikes

Do not endanger pedestrians; keep electric vehicles off of our sidewalks.

With AB 2346, California is supposedly trying to make e-bike riding safer. But they have done a terrible job with this bill. It is well known that many e-bike accidents occur in and around sidewalks and crosswalks and involve pedestrians, causing severe and traumatic injuries. But instead of making our sidewalks safer, this proposal will cause more pedestrian injuries. The speed limit they are proposing for e-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks is 10 mph. Originally, it was supposed to be 5 mph, but capitalism won over safety again, and speed was increased to 10 mph per CalBike’s request.

There is no speed with electric vehicles that makes them safe on sidewalks, except walking — that’s what sidewalks are designed for.

Carol Herzog
San Jose

Halt plutocracy with campaign finance reform

America risks drifting toward plutocracy, where wealth provides disproportionate political influence.

Citizens United and subsequent court decisions opened a Pandora’s box, allowing corporations and wealthy individuals to spend unlimited amounts independently to influence elections. Money can also pass through multiple organizations and intermediaries, making its original sources difficult for voters to identify.

We should not restrict anyone’s legitimate freedom of speech, but neither should wealth provide virtually unlimited power to influence who governs us.

An important first step is transparency. Significant political spending should be traceable to its original significant sources, regardless of how many organizations the money passes through. Voters deserve to know who is paying to influence their votes.

Ultimately, a constitutional amendment may be necessary to permit reasonable limits on independent political expenditures while protecting political speech.

Democracy guarantees each citizen an equal vote. Wealth should not translate into virtually unlimited power to influence those votes.

Andrew Ratermann
Santa Clara

Trump’s hits new lows at midterm convention

How low can you go? Donald Trump is now bribing voters with a $5,000 payout if the Republicans maintain the majority in the midterm elections.

Apart from this being against the law and an impossibility as it would cost over a trillion dollars, it’s another example of his approach to all things: use money to get your way whether it’s a bribe or a threat. Ebbing his way even lower, Trump is making himself part of 9/11 with a fabricated story of his rescue by firemen.

His shamelessness and egotism are constantly on display, embarrassing us worldwide and threatening to unravel our republic.

Claudia Parker
San Jose