Stop wasting time, build desalination plant

I am writing in regard to a Marin Voice commentary by Monty Schmitt of the Marin Municipal Water District board (“Water district board member lays out plan to build 3-year supply,” Jan. 17). He focused on creating a resolution, establishing a committee and informing the public. To me, it all just represents procrastination.

Residents are informed: Marin does not have a reliable water supply. We really do not need a resolution, what we need is a permanent water supply solution.

Not long after Schmitt’s commentary appeared, the water board dropped use penalties, but not other restrictions. Board members and some public attendees of the meeting raised concern about sending a mixed message on the need for continued conservation. It was mentioned that the days of washing my car are over.

Do we live in a desert community? There is a whole ocean on our coast, should we really stop washing our cars?

A desalination plant provides a permanent solution to any future water problems. A pipeline to another jurisdiction is not a solution since it is having a drought too. We don’t need more studies and reports. Marin was going to build a desalination plant 20 years ago. We could build such a plant and continue to wash our bodies and our cars. Just do it.

— Bernie Cookson, Mill Valley

Residents’ bold plan builds on legacy of social justice

Residents of public housing have historically suffered worse health outcomes due to mold and rodent infestations, poor indoor air quality and unsafe temperatures.

This is unfortunately also true for residents of Golden Gate Village under the management of the Marin Housing Authority. In the midst of Marin County’s affluence, these residents suffer higher levels of chronic illness and lower life expectancy.

The Golden Gate Village Resident Council’s “deep green” renovation plan will address these unhealthful conditions through the rehabilitation and decarbonization of these historic structures. Replacing outdated cooking and heating appliances will vastly improve indoor air quality. The rehabilitation will also address the chronic pest issues that have plagued Golden Gate Village for years.

In addition to improving community health, the council’s revitalization plan will reduce the comparative construction cost of the project. The council’s recent presentation to the housing board also demonstrated that it will significantly reduce water, gas, electric and other operating expenses. These operational savings will partially offset the construction costs over the life of the project.

Current conditions at Golden Gate Village are not legally or morally acceptable. Golden Gate Village residents deserve to live in conditions that protect their health and respect their dignity. The plan provides a path to accomplish both of these goals. Adopting it will strengthen a historic community and the legacy of civic engagement and social justice which built it.

While I am an elected member of the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors, this letter is an expression of my personal opinion and not that of the board or MMWD.

— Larry Bragman, Fairfax

Schools must do more to address diversity issues

I appreciate the well-written “How It Is” commentary recently published in the IJ (“A student’s plea for more diversity in Marin schools,” Jan. 25). I think the author, Redwood High School student Jasmine Estreba, could be on her way to becoming an excellent journalist, should she choose.

Estreba gave suggestions on how to improve the glaring lack of diversity in our local schools, while improving the students’ real-world education. Reading it made me think of the recent controversy in San Anselmo, in which the renaming of Sir Francis Drake High School was opposed by many in the community who saw it as largely symbolic.

The name change was pushed through and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The money was gathered through fundraising and donations. Nevertheless, that money could have been better spent on some concrete actions to improve diversity at the school now known as Archie Williams High (a name I support). The money could have been used to hire key staff members, as suggested by Estreba.

I would be very interested to know what real-life steps are being taken at the school to address the racial and diversity issues that have long been experienced by people of color there.

— Dave Troup, San Anselmo

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Originally Appeared Here