Editor,

"The ABC’s of Homelessness" guest perspective by Jackie Speier was a lesson in empathy, compassion and understanding of the needs of unhoused people in San Mateo County. While we think of our county as rich and prosperous, Jackie reminds us of another side of the county we should not ignore. She recently slept in a bunk at a shelter as she had done nearly a dozen years earlier and listened to what some of the folks had to say. They work hard, like we do; they have hopes and dreams, like we do; they suffered hardships, like we do; but are still trying to work out. She reminds us that they need help — mental health services, job training and a means to bridge family rifts. Jackie brings 40 years of experience back to our county — and walks the walk and talks the talk — she wants us to join her. Thank you, Jackie Speier.  

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(2) comments

D Gilbrech

Thank you Ms. Nishimura for your letter.

Jackie Spier has been working to make everyone in our County have a better life.

There are some who only see negative. They would be the first to condemn any proposal if it would mean Tax payor participation. We are all blessed to have her as one of our elected Representative.

Terence Y

Thank you, Ms. Nishimura, for your letter. I’m assuming that when you say Ms. Speier “walks the walk” that Ms. Speier is only walking the walk in staying at a shelter. There’s no evidence of Ms. Speier walking the walk to decrease the number of unhoused people in San Mateo. Although I doubt it, I could be wrong. Perhaps you could inform us on how many unhoused people in San Mateo County existed nearly a dozen years earlier to our current situation, and what Ms. Speier has done to decrease this number, if at all. Because if this number hasn’t dropped, which is most likely, I’d assert that Ms. Speier isn’t “walking the walk” at all.

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