Pacific Gas and Electric is not just a monopoly — it runs like a criminal enterprise | Opinion
PG&E is a criminal enterprise
Please explain why consumers are responsible for the upkeep of modules and gas meters? Every month consumers open their billing statement only to find another rate increase. Enough is enough.
PG&E generates millions of dollars in profits from the inflated sale of energy. Yet, it seems consumers are responsible for every aspect of running PG&E’s business model. Consumers pay everything — from administrative (employees’ salaries) to maintenance and replacement of equipment.
Not only is PG&E a monopoly, I believe it’s a criminal enterprise. If we had an honest Department of Justice, PG&E would be investigated by the FBI and prosecuted under the RICO Act. But unfortunately, we don’t. Instead, we have a corrupt governor who appointed his “gang of good old boys” to promote his policy of carbon free CA.
Meanwhile, his friends in the alternative energy community are skimming millions off the top.
Robert Havay, Clovis
Newsom and California’s deficit
From a $100 billion surplus in 2022 to a projected $73 billion projected budget deficit in 2024, (Gov.) Newsom and the Democrats are “liberalizing” California into the sewer.
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs 29:2
Earl Barnett, Visalia
Climate change hurts kids
Climate change poses a dire threat to pediatric health in California, evident in worsening air quality from frequent wildfires and rising temperatures leading to heat-related illnesses.
Studies in pediatrics link wildfire smoke exposure to a 14% increase in asthma-related emergency visits among children. Heat waves, projected to increase without action, could spike heat-related emergency visits by 40% by century’s end (Environmental Health Perspectives).
Food and water insecurities also jeopardize children’s health. Droughts disrupt food access, hitting low-income families hardest per the California Department of Public Health.
Opinion
Extreme weather heightens water contamination, leading to more gastrointestinal illnesses in children (Environmental Science & Technology).
To combat these threats, robust climate policies are imperative. Transitioning to renewable energy and sustainable land practices is crucial for reducing emissions and curbing climate impacts. Climate-resilient infrastructure, like heat-safe housing and green spaces, shields children from heat stress. Strengthening public health systems for climate monitoring and education campaigns fosters resilience and sustainable practices.
Addressing climate change’s impact on pediatric health is urgent. Integrated efforts can ensure a healthier future for California’s children amidst this evolving crisis.
Dr. New Sang, Fresno
Visalia’s air quality is horrible
Visalia comes in first and second. Much credit goes to Visalia Planning Commission, and Visalia City Council.
Visalia followed Bakersfield as the worst city for particulate pollution for five years in a row. Not to be undone, Visalia was able to beat out Bakersfield and Fresno for the worst ozone pollution in the United States.
Now if you have health problems, the American Lung Association can show you why in its recent “State of the Air” report. We should be asking what is our city doing about this. Have they launched a regulatory approach to reduce pollution?
And while asking that question, one has to ask the next: Why are we becoming the hub for increased diesel fueled traffic, and Visalia the “hub” for obscenely huge warehouses? Even the Amazon project in the Visalia Industrial Park will look small after the newly approved 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse is finished.
Perhaps, we need to review Kennedy’s quote again: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” I say this because our city leadership seems remiss in this area and our population too docile to the increased health and traffic problems.
Bill Osak, Visalia
Hmong soldiers deserve recognition
I am a child of the ‘50s — a time of peace, prosperity and patriotism. Our troops who fought and died for our country were welcomed home as heroes, were celebrated and awarded special privileges.
Then came Vietnam and everything changed. Our soldiers came home to a country that seemed to hate them as much as they did the war. We tried to forget about this terrible time in our history. And in forgetting, as Professor Yang Sao Xiong of Fresno State explained at his Fresno Art Museum presentation, we failed to recognize a group that fought fearlessly and valiantly for the United States in our Secret War in Laos — the Hmong soldiers.
They have never been accorded the status of veteran. How is this possible? How can we walk away from those who trusted us to do the right thing? Where is the country I believed in and held as a beacon of truth and justice? How can we deny those who fought and died for us the honor and benefits that come with their sacrifice?
It is time to make this right and award the Hmong soldiers the status of veterans of war.
Lesa Schwartz, Fresno
