Congressman McClintock, restore staff and services at Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of California's most valuable public assets economically, ecologically, and culturally. Recent executive decisions have led to significant staff layoffs and service reductions, disrupting park operations and putting local communities at risk.
These cuts impact more than just tourism. They affect jobs, small businesses, and regional stability, particularly in areas that rely on visitor traffic and park accessibility. In light of this, the lack of timely, proactive engagement from Congressman Tom McClintock is concerning.
Strong leadership is critical when national resources and local economies are both on the line. It is the duty of elected officials to safeguard public lands and ensure they remain supported, accessible, and well-maintained for future generations.
Constituents and concerned Californians should contact Rep. McClintock at (202) 225-2511 to demand swift, concrete action to restore staffing and services at Yosemite.
Lauren Gonzalez-Perez, Lynwood
Clovis residents need to question the actions lately taken by the Clovis City Council because of the main issues its members seem to fight for, like LGBTQ books at the Clovis Library, sanctuary and immigration laws, teenage trans athletes and other issues. Many Clovis resident seem to not know what is transpiring or not care. We see this when it is time to vote.
I think the cty of Clovis has more pressing problems, like housing, school lunches, utility prices, Marjorie Center, overcrowding and the list goes on.
What should the role of the City Council be? What concerns most Clovis residents? Are our streets safe for children walking or riding their bikes to school every day?
There is no doubt Clovis a is one of the most desirable cities in California, but I think residents need to decide what kind of city they want and are the most important issues facing it today.
Steven Trevino Jr., Clovis
I'm not so old that I have forgotten the halcyon days when public officials, appointed and elected, at every level of government took their bribes behind closed doors in smoke-filled rooms.
Now, it is perfectly acceptable to solicit and receive bribes in the open, in front of everyone. And no one seems to care.
What a country.
Jim Doyle, Fresno
Did you know there are hundreds of clean energy projects slated to happen in the Central Valley from IRA investments? But if the Senate passes the reconciliation Bill without the clean energy tax credits, we stand to lose thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in the Valley alone.
The investments spurred by clean energy tax credits will go a long way toward improving our air, controlling electricity rates and stabilizing our climate chaos. Cuts will hurt many of us if they become law.
A rollback of tax credits for home upgrades like rooftop solar would also be a blow to all of us who've been using these tools to cut energy bills. Incentives have made it easier for homeowners to install solar panels, save money, and even help stabilize America's power grid. But those benefits — and the local businesses that depend on them — are in jeopardy if Congress moves forward with these cuts.
Throughout the country, Republican-led districts are especially benefiting from investments in manufacturing, solar, wind, hydrogen fuel and battery storage projects. But there is pressure to vote along party lines. Call or email your senators. Ask them to work harder across the aisle to help constituents.
Andrea Farber De Zubiria. Fresno
Now I have to say I'm confused: Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her used artificial intelligence to make up some accusations against others. Is this a new skill FUSD will be teaching our children — how to use the plagiarism-generation machine to create fake documentation of crimes that never happened?
How can we expect this woman to lead our children in their education when she cannot even follow the most basic instructions for writing in FUSD, which are 'Cite Your Sources' and 'Don't Plagiarize'?
Why would we want to send our children to schools where the administration are purposefully and maliciously being defiant against the teachers they love and trust to teach them?
Washington, D.C. may be a circus right now, it doesn't mean we have to follow suit. Shape up, FUSD — the parents and future teachers are watching you.
Kathleen Osle Eugene. Fresno
The longer and warmer days bring more traveling. Freedom comes with following laws.
When I was 16 in 1992, I was hit by a drunken driver. Medical care and therapy in the Bay Area and Central Valley made up half of my teenage life. After three decades, I communicate with a deep tone, read lips, cannot drive and I walk unsteadily.
Look at the results of the Independence Day weekend maximum enforcement period for 2023 and 2024: CHP made 1,224 DUI arrests in 2023 and 1,336 DUI arrests in 2024. Drivers, please make DUI arrests come down this year.
Anyone's independence can be ruined if you drive drunk. Many holidays are coming. Memories of a crash, injuries or even death caused from drunken driving will haunt your future.
Foods and drinks are part of the fun. Taking Highway 33 to head home from a festivity? Planning to drink? Go ahead, but don't forget to have a sober person drive you if you become drunk. This certainly shows your pride for freedom and people will admire your safety. Freedom and safety go hand in hand.
Lori Martin, Tracy
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