Letters to the editor

Editor,

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger used his line-item veto power to eliminate $150 million in tax rebates to low-income elderly and disabled renters. This was the governor’s single biggest line-item veto in the budget, eliminating all funding for the Senior Citizens Renters Tax Assistance program.

The program, in effect for decades, makes senior and disabled renters who earn less than $44,096 eligible for up to $347.50 as a tax rebate.

I am outraged by the governor’s choice to take away funds from those who need them most. Low income seniors and disabled tenants rely on this money for medicine, food, rent and other basic necessities. How could the governor do this?

The governor should restore these funds right away. If he won’t, the Legislature should force him to do it.

Judy Golden

San Francisco

Michelle Durand’s courageous column

Editor,

I wanted to let you know that as a regular reader of the Daily Journal, I have often looked forward to reading Ms. Durand’s twice weekly column, "Off the Beat.” To be honest, I look forward to the column sort of the same way as I looked forward to my daily dose of Dilbert. I always appreciate Ms. Durand’s quirky, "off-beat” sense of humor toward the everyday issues affecting all of us living on the Peninsula for its non-threatening brand of enlightening humor.

However, I must say that Ms. Durand’s column in the Nov. 6 issue, "Eat, drink, and don’t be married,” caught me off guard. Actually, it more than caught me off guard. It compelled me to write this first time letter to you. Yes, the same quirkiness and off-beat humor was there, but this time, her writing had moved effortlessly into a whole other level imbued with both irony and poignancy, resulting in that rare piece of writing that is simultaneously insightful and most importantly, persuasive.

I want to thank Ms. Durand for courageously sharing with readers the brief, but moving, images from her own personal life and to let her know that her words today were the best of the post Prop. 8 writings and will undoubtedly contribute to the continuing effort for civil rights for all in this country.

Larry Wang

San Carlos

A Veterans Day wish

Editor,

As we celebrate Veterans Day today (Tuesday, Nov. 11) and see the Stars and Stripes flying proudly, may we take a moment to say a prayer for our newly elected president. And may we also remember all the good Americans who have gone before us who worked, studied, taught and sacrificed to encourage and inspire the hopes and dreams of future generations.

Michael Traynor

Burlingame

Texting while driving

Editor,

I was quite surprised to see Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law making it illegal to read or send text messages. I am surprised because they passed a law on cell phones first. In my opinion, it would have made more sense to take texting away before passing the law about no cell phones while driving. Another idea would have been to pass both at the same time. I just think teens and young adults are the most inexperienced drivers and they are the ones who text and talk a lot. Also, I think talking on the phone is easier than texting, because when you’re on the phone, you can still drive and look at the road. If you are texting, you look down and your eyes are not on the road. Better late than never!

Brittany Ratcliffe

San Mateo

High schools have the best sporting events

Editor,

From Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in the major leagues to Barack Obama, an African-American running for the presidency.

My father took me to see Jackie Robinson play ball at Ebbets Field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. I was 7 years old. In 61 years, we have come a long way, baby.

I have been a dedicated sports fan for 61 years. From the pro to the sandlots. However, I no longer go to sporting events because as you get older, things change. You go to bed earlier, you live on a fixed income, you hate traffic.

I have found a new passion for sporting events and I want to share it with the hometown fan. High school sports is where its happening for me. I go to a football game each week. I attend games at San Mateo, Aragon, Hillsdale and Serra High.

The games are great because the kids play for the love of the game. In my opinion, San Mateo Bearcats have the best fans, Aragon Dons have the most beautiful cheerleaders, Hillsdale Knights have the best band and the Serra Padres have the best overall program.

The price is $4 for seniors and the parking is free. I love when they play the national anthem before the game. We all stand up and pay respect to our flag, country and then we play the game.

The Daily Journal has the best coverage for local sports. Hope to see you at the game.

Mike Moloney

Foster City

San Mateo leadership deserves praise on housing

Editor,

For several years I was involved in the efforts of the Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA) to advocate for an increase in the Below-Market-Rate ordinance in San Mateo.

When I read the article in the Daily Journal about the decision of the San Mateo City Council to raise the BMR requirement from 10 percent to 15 percent, I couldn’t have been more pleased. Over the past few years, I have seen the rents in our community rise at a rapid rate, as much as 20 percent in two years alone. This has put many people in the terrible position of having to choose between paying rent or buying medication or food.

I appreciate the interest of our City Council in expanding the BMR as a way of relieving the pressure on these families and making our community a more humane place.

Carole Setzer

San Mateo