California ballot measure would send more people to jail without actually reducing theft | Opinion
Resist fear tactics
“California spends billions on homelessness without knowing the results. A bill could change that,” (sacbee.com, April 22)
The Californians for Safer Communities’ ballot measure aims to send more people to prison without addressing the root causes that drive theft: poverty. This response to a systemic economic problem is a costly mistake we’ve seen play out before, with each person we place in a prison cell costing taxpayers $132,860 per year.
There is a more cost-effective solution to the one proposed: invest in people over punitive punishment and build pathways to livable wage careers; and invest in apprenticeship programs and fair chance hiring initiatives to ensure the 8 million Californians saddled with an arrest record have access to living wage employment and economic mobility. These are investments that have a proven return on investment and are effective at reducing rates of recidivism.
California voters made the right decision in approving Proposition 47. Let’s hope voters see through the smoke screens and resist the invitation of fear tactic politics.
Ken Oliver
Oakland
Unfair conclusion
“Sacramento pain doctor sues medical board over probation. ‘Putting my reputation in danger’,” (sacbee.com, April 17)
This article reveals the Medical Board of California’s scrutiny of a physician’s conduct. The review extended back a decade, examining 20 patient charts, with minor deviations found in two cases. The audit followed an administrative settlement, focusing on complex cases involving methadone. Patients cooperated with investigators at the physician’s encouragement.
The Medical Board concluded that most cases were well-managed, with two identified departures: inconsistent documentation of counseling and a failure to order a repeat electrocardiogram for a patient on methadone. Despite substantial evidence and expert input supporting the decisions, the Medical Board proposed three years of probation, citing the physician as a risk to patients. The physician expressed concern over the process and the potential implications for the medical field.
Despite the prosecutor’s predetermined stance, the physician remains committed to patient care and professional integrity, seeking fairness in evaluations.
Kayvan Haddadan
Davis
Opinion
Give motorists a break
“California gasoline prices keep soaring. Is there any end in sight?” (sacbee.com, April 11)
It’s time to phase out California’s expensive “summer blend” of gasoline. When first mandated, there were still hundreds of thousands of older cars (from the ’60s and ’70s) on our roads. Today, those cars are gone and those remaining are owned by hobbyists and collectors and are driven sparingly.
Over time, new vehicle emissions have become cleaner, and the ever-increasing numbers of hybrids and electric vehicles on our roads are contributing to a lessened need for this special formulation of gasoline.
By the way, we should also rescind the special California-only catalytic converters for the same reason. California motorists pay two to four times the price for replacement catalytic converters than what drivers in other states pay. Let’s get California in step with the rest of the nation and give our income-stressed working families a break at the gas pump and at the repair shop.
Mark Carbonaro
Monterey
Remembering a great quarterback
“Roman Gabriel, star quarterback of the 1960s and ’70s, dies at 83,” (sacbee.com, April 20)
Roman Gabriel was one of the greatest quarterbacks of the 1960s. He played at North Carolina State University from 1959 to 1961. In 1962, he was the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. He joined the Rams, a decision that paid major dividends for the franchise.
Gabriel played with the Rams for 11 seasons, and he was NFL MVP in 1969. In 1973, he joined the Eagles and played five seasons with the team.
He also starred in movies such as The Undefeated, alongside John Wayne. We will remember Gabriel as a legendary quarterback.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.
