Letters to the Editor

You should be aware that the state-of-the-art for charcoal filters, even catalytic carbon filters, will not take out the ammonia molecules at a 100 percent level to protect human health. Also, from the research, the nitrogen from the ammonia molecule will not be taken out by boiling the water.

Winn Parker

Millbrae

Arnold the environmentalist?

Editor,

I would like to see more coverage of our new governor's progress toward keeping his campaign promises regarding the environment.

While campaigning for office, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pledged to clean up our state's smog problem by cutting air pollution in half by 2010. Since taking office he has gotten off to a great start in this effort by filling key administration slots with environmentally sound appointees, but he still has a long way to go to meet his ambitious goal.

To keep his promise, our governor must sponsor legislation like "The Solar Homes Bill" which would eliminate the need for more power plants and cut smog pollution by 500,000 pounds. He also will need to use his position of influence to affect national policy and convince President Bush that his flawed "Clear Skies" initiative is bad for California and the rest of the country.

I'm confident that our new governor can remain strong despite heavy pressure from industrial lobbyists, but he also needs to know that his constituents still remember and care about the promises that he made months ago that will require comprehensive media coverage.

Ethan Bergerson

Santa Cruz

Marijuana laws

Editor,

As a resident of San Mateo for more than 30 years, I must admit I am very discouraged at the response our local government officials and representatives have taken toward California's Senate Bill 420 and Proposition 215.

I know of more than 20 local patients that must travel as far away as Oakland, San Francisco and even Marin and Mendocino counties only to get their safe and legal cannabis. Why does our county have to be one of the most disrespectful to our voters and laws? Is it safe for our citizens to drive more than 50 miles just to get their medication? Why has San Mateo County remained to this day one of the only California counties to justify its minimum limits for personal medical cannabis growth? I ask you all to know your rights and be informed. This local Web site www.canorml.org provides as much information as there is available.

I hope our voices can be heard.

Rabbi Eleazar Nathan

San Mateo