San Mateo and hundreds of thousands of Bay Area residents are trapped in a never-ending noise nightmare. For nearly two years since Caltrain launched its electric trains, our community has been subjected to relentless horn blasts starting at 5:30 a.m. and shattering the peace until 2 a.m. during the World Cup. In January 2025, more than 65 sleep-deprived San Mateo residents confronted Caltrain to demand immediate relief. Nothing has changed. Weeks of sudden quiet prove that Caltrain can control this noise pollution, yet the 104.1 dB blasting always returns, along with horns blowing in areas where they never did before. This relentless acoustic assault destroys sleep, ruins health and tanks property values. Voters must hold Caltrain accountable at the ballot box. I urge everyone to vote no on the proposed tax increase allowed through Senate Bill 63. Rejecting it will shield all of us, including seniors on fixed incomes, the unemployed and low-income neighbors, from hundreds of dollars in additional yearly sales taxes, while penalizing Caltrain for its total disregard of our quality of life.
Thanks for your letter, Ms. Rosenfeld, and if train noise results in a NO vote, I’m all for it. For those who aren’t bothered by train noise, I’d remind them that most, if not all, the money from this tax increase will be transferred to paying ever-increasing transit union salaries, pensions, and benefits. Many of whom are retired. Remember, these transit companies operated at 100% capacity when there is 50% or less ridership, consciously padding their salaries and pensions. Vote NO on any and all tax increases.
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Thanks for your letter, Ms. Rosenfeld, and if train noise results in a NO vote, I’m all for it. For those who aren’t bothered by train noise, I’d remind them that most, if not all, the money from this tax increase will be transferred to paying ever-increasing transit union salaries, pensions, and benefits. Many of whom are retired. Remember, these transit companies operated at 100% capacity when there is 50% or less ridership, consciously padding their salaries and pensions. Vote NO on any and all tax increases.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.