01-06-2025
Presidents Clinton, Obama and Biden did tariffs, deportations as well
Clinton did it, Obama did it and Biden did it, and not one Democrat complained or filed a lawsuit to overturn a tariff or the deportations — not one. It was because their guy did it and it fit their narrative.
But when Trump did basically the same thing, OMG, the outrage from the left.
We all know that our governor has blamed all of California's budget issues on Trump; it could not have been the last six years of total mismanagement by our left-leaning politicians. It was that first 100 days, the terrible 100 days; instead of admitting there are problems, let's deflect to the easy target —Trump — as it will get him on TV and get clicks to satisfy his ego.
Spend more time governing and less time campaigning. Let's concentrate on balancing the budget and less time on filing numerous lawsuits that the possibility winning are slim. The most important outcome is him advancing his campaign for higher office. Just how many of those lawsuits will we win I doubt we will ever know; that would lead to showing just how frivolous they truly are.
Be like your constituents and live within your spendable tax income.
Duane Opie, Fresno
Fresno's planned southeast expansion, aka SEDA, will happen — maybe it should. But not right now.
At Every Neighborhood Partnership, we've spent years working in the neighborhoods left behind during Fresno's last big growth wave. Back then, all growth was seen as good. But we've learned that unchecked expansion without reinvestment leads to lasting harm.
We need smarter growth — expansion that strengthens our core while building on the edges. Think of SEDA like hitting the gym and only working your biceps. Outward growth — new homes, shiny roads — looks great. But if we ignore our core, we risk collapse. That's what Fresno has experienced.
The current SEDA plan is another big bicep. But we need to finish what's already on the table — and repair what's been ignored.
We're asking for:
1. A realistic cost analysis for SEDA — not just a map.
2. Completion of long-delayed specific plans.
3. A structure that prioritizes infill and reinvestment in Fresno's core.
SEDA must not drain resources from neighborhoods that have already waited too long. Growth isn't bad — but unbalanced growth is. Let's not repeat our past. Let's grow wiser.
Andrew Feil, executive director, Every Neighborhood Partnership, Fresno
It's a simple question: How has Mr. Trump increased his personal fortune by $3 billion from the time he took office to benefit the country?
Daniel Lea, Fresno
PG&E insists it has turned a corner, but recent developments suggest otherwise.
We now know that Teresa Alvarado, a top executive at PG&E, was involved in campaign activities supporting a San José City Council candidate, according to emails obtained by San Jose Spotlight. At the same time, Alvarado played a central role in negotiations aimed at preventing the city of San José from creating its own public utility.
Alvarado's actions paint a troubling picture of a utility company deeply entangled in political maneuvering — fighting to protect its monopoly, even if it means undermining local self-determination.
This should serve as a wake-up call for Fresno. A few years ago, Fresno leaders considered studying the feasibility of forming a municipal utility — an idea that quickly lost traction, in part due to PG&E's political sway and lobbying. If the city had moved forward, it could have gained more control over rates, reliability, and clean energy investments. Instead, PG&E continues to dominate the energy landscape with little accountability and even less transparency.
Let's be clear: these are not isolated incidents. They reflect a pattern of behavior — using back-channel influence to suppress competition and maintain control.
John Williams, Fresno
Congressman Fong claims the GOP budget will benefit congressional District 20, but the district's demographics tell a different story.
His talking points may be technically accurate, but they reflect the priorities of wealthy donors and national party leadership, not working families in the Central Valley.
Most households in CA-20 earn under $88,000, with over 30% relying on Medicaid or SNAP. Yet this bill trades modest tax cuts for deep cuts to health care, food assistance and school funding. Many families will lose more in services than they gain in tax relief.
Estate tax changes and business deductions benefit the ultra-wealthy, not the small farms, sole proprietors and local laborers that drive our economy. Agricultural and trade investments sound promising, but specialty crop growers in CA-20 rarely see these federal dollars, and tariff hikes will make exporting even harder.
Massive spending on defense and border enforcement may appeal to donors, but it won't fix our roads, schools, or clinics. Taxing EVs and expanding 529 plans helps the affluent, not working families trying to get ahead.
We need targeted investment, strong infrastructure, public health funding, and fair immigration policy, not symbolic tax breaks. Mr. Fong's vote reflects party politics, not local needs.
Rebecca B. Camarena, Lemoore
The federal Clean Water Act became law more than 50 years ago with the goal of making sure all public waters are safe for people and wildlife. This law was needed because water pollution had become a widespread problem that was threatening public health and natural areas.
Every living creature needs clean water to survive. Protecting water from pollution is common sense. The only way to make sure our water stays clean in an industrialized world is to regulate it, plain and simple.
The bad news is that decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and President Trump have weakened these protections in recent years. The good news is that California has a chance to pass the Right to Clean Water Act (SB 601), which would restore essential clean water regulations for our state.
Please join me in sending a clear message to Sen. (Anna) Caballero. We are counting on our state leaders to right this wrong.
Jahari Garcia, Sanger
