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We must co-exist
with mountain lions
Re: “Possible mountain lion spotted near residence” (Page B4, July 24).
As the East Bay’s residents face the thrill — and perhaps a dash of terror — of a mountain lion wandering into their neighborhood, it’s worth reflecting on who the real intruders are: us. We humans have encroached upon these majestic creatures’ habitats, disregarding their right to roam freely while we burden our planet with pollution.
While it’s important to exercise caution around wild animals, let’s not forget that it’s our expansion that has driven wildlife to the fringes. Rather than merely advising neighbors to stay alert for wandering lions, we should be educating ourselves on how to coexist with them, and that begins by reevaluating our relationship with nature.
Let’s step back, respect nature and embrace a lifestyle that champions coexistence.
Ben Williamson
Executive director, Animal Outlook
Torrance
Dave Parker’s kindness
made a fan’s day
I miss Dave Parker, a joy to watch and hear, and central to one of my very best A’s memories.
I brought my little brother David, holding his Special Olympics autograph book, to a game. We sat front row, over the door to the clubhouse.
Before gametime, David (with Down’s Syndrome) got autographs from the players. When the game started, Stan Javier lingered. I asked him if he would sign. He placed his fingers to his lips and nodded yes. As he passed the book back up, Parker kinda bulled past him, saying, “Hey, Stan, you shouldn’t do that.“ David and I sat back in the glow of a very good day.
Minutes passed, and out of nowhere, a bat stood up in front of us. “David, get the bat.” It’s signed by Parker. Minutes later, Parker appears, smiling wide. It made our day.
I miss Dave Parker, and I miss my little Bro David.
Lary Heath
Oakland
Dark, ugly reality of
the Big, Beautiful Bill
News reports continue to talk about the $3.4 trillion or so of federal debt that will be added over the next 10 years because of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” but what about the continuing annual deficit that has already been running at about $1.8 trillion per year?
In fact, we are now on course to add at least $23 trillion to the federal debt over the next 10 years, not $3.4 trillion. That would take us up to about $60 trillion by 2035.
The Trump administration is now on course to roar through another $5 trillion, probably within the next 18 months, due to the increased debt ceiling. Supply siders will say that “growth” will compensate for the projections of increased debt, but I would not bet a nickel on that.
George Fulmore
Emeryville
House closure chips
away at democracy
Re: “House ending session early as Republicans clash over Epstein vote” (Page A4, July 23).
In 1838 before ascending to the office of president, Abe Lincoln issued a prescient warning.
“If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.” Lincoln foretold that if our democracy failed, it would not fail at the hands of a foreign adversary but of our own doing by our own choices.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s closure of the “People’s House” this week in an attempt to avoid releasing information that may be harmful to the president is the latest example of democracy being eroded from within.
Barry Gardin
Hayward
Trump’s tax bill will
cause millions to suffer
It is shameful that the Republican-led Congress passed and President Trump signed a bill that will cut billions of dollars for Medicare in favor of billionaires.
Trump and the majority of other Republicans claim that the cuts in Medicare are necessary in order to stop waste and fraud. They also add a work requirement for people who want to remain on Medicare. It is insane because if a person gets sick, he or she does not perform well, and the economy goes bad.
I do not think Trump and other Republicans in Washington ever thought about it. They are so blinded by their political ideology orchestrated by Project 2025 that millions of Americans will suffer because of their action.
Billy Trice Jr.
Oakland
Volunteers can offer
caregivers a break
Re: “A loved one was diagnosed with dementia. Now what?” (Page A2, July 23).
Caring for a loved one with dementia is an exhausting 24/7 labor of love. The article gives some insight into the difficulties.
Caregivers need some time to themselves to prevent burnout. Adult day care can help provide meaningful activities for seniors with dementia while giving caregivers that much-needed break. Unfortunately, there are very few adult day care programs, and there is little to no state or federal support for adult day care.
ValleyOakRespite.org in Danville offers day care for seniors with dementia, but we need the support of our community through volunteer efforts. If you have a heart to help seniors with dementia, please come give us a hand.
Gary Peer
Danville