The naming of César Chávez Boulevard is a great honor for Fresno | Letters to the editor

Great honor

“César Chávez deserves honor of street renaming in Fresno,” (fresnobee.com, July 23)

César Chávez is a widely revered figure not only in our country but throughout the world thanks to his nonviolent struggle for human rights, social justice, dignity and respect for farmworkers and the Latino community. In India, many Gandhians call Chávez the “Gandhi of the grapes” in reference to the successful grape boycott movement he spearheaded.

I am very concerned about this unfortunate and frivolous lawsuit. I have been promoting ethnic and racial relations in Fresno for the last 50-plus years. If this lawsuit is not withdrawn, it is very likely going to affect the ethnic dynamics in our area and will create more animosity in our community.

Everyone in Fresno and the Central Valley should know that César Chávez is a true American hero, and the naming of César Chávez Boulevard is a great honor for Fresno.

Sudarshan Kapoor

Fresno

Rent control now

“Rent control opposed by landlords in Fresno, California,” (fresnobee.com, May 15)

Rent control is a belated but urgent response to soaring housing costs aggravated by the COVID pandemic. Home prices have surged, leaving countless Fresno residents unable to afford housing. Homelessness in Fresno has surged by 15.8% since 2020.

An urgent reaction must outweigh corporate landlords’ profit motives, particularly when visible homelessness underscores the crisis. The roots of homelessness trace back to systemic failures by preceding generations, marked by favoring the affluent. This includes hindrances like NIMBY opposition to affordable housing and zoning laws favoring single-family homes. These missed opportunities divided the city instead of fostering unity and development in older areas.

To rectify these dire circumstances, a thorough reevaluation is imperative. Comprehensive action is needed, setting aside profit-driven interests for the well-being of residents. Tackling the problem entails confronting past errors and creating inclusive housing policies that counter inequality and prioritize community unity. A genuine and thorough reevaluation can only commence once rent control measures are passed in Fresno.

Pedro Navarro Cruz

Fresno

Beware of river conditions

“Fresno California Water News,” (fresnobee.com)

The Kings River Conservancy would like to recognize the conscientious work done by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, Kings River Conservation District, State Water Board, County of Fresno Parks Department and Army Corps of Engineers in an extraordinary high water year.

At the same time, the KRC, dedicated to access, conservation, education and safety on the Kings, would like to warn the public that this high water has brought drastic changes to the river and its watercourses. Traditional channels have shifted, exposing new obstacles. Downed trees are completely blocking access in some places. Heavy branches can entangle boaters and drag them under. This is currently not a river for tubing without a paddle. Even experienced kayakers should take measured precautions.

As KRC board member John Gray says, “The river has changed, so listen to what the sheriff says, leave the booze and children behind, wear a good life jacket and have a strong paddle.” As access points reopen after a long period of anticipation, go slowly. Respect the river and value your life.

Deborah Lapp

Sanger

Reedley officials did good

“FDA says tests from Reedley lab may not be safe or effective,” (fresnobee.com, Aug. 15)

Reedley City Manager Nicole Zieba and her staff should be commended and thanked for their professionalism in working with the FBI and other state and national agencies on getting an illegal lab shut down in Reedley. Complaints hurled at our city manager from uninformed individuals were unfounded.

Reedley has set an example for other cities of how to handle similar situations. Thank you, Reedley officials, for a job well done.

Jim and Annie Compton-Schmidt

Reedley

News literacy

“Trump and 18 allies charged in Georgia election meddling as former president faces 4th criminal case,” (fresnobee.com, Aug. 16)

Why do Republicans continue to believe the “big lie” — that the 2020 election was stolen? In my opinion, it’s because they refuse to consider information from any source other than Fox News or Donald Trump, neither of which wants you to know the truth.

Fox News refused to air the Jan. 6 Committee hearings on the 2020 election. thus denying the public the ability to view a multitude of Trump supporters and former staff giving live testimony about Trump’s attempts to overturn the election.

Fox news aired the lie that Dominion voting machines committed fraud in the 2020 election — a lie that ultimately cost Fox News $800 million as no fraud existed. As for Trump, he continues to make outrageous claims without presenting any credible evidence or proof. He refused to appear before the Jan. 6 Committee because that would require him to tell the truth or suffer the consequences for perjury. In my opinion, we as responsible voters need to get our information from multiple sources.

Brian Johnson

Fresno

“Fresno’s list of mayoral hopefuls has one name: Jerry Dyer,” (fresnobee.com, June 21)

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said recently, “I am not the pastor of this city. I am the mayor.” Christians belong to two kingdoms: one is physical, the other is spiritual. It’s not easy to balance these two very different worlds. God is the lord of the spiritual domain (and all creation). while the physical is lorded over by human beings.

God is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, omnibenevolent; mankind is limited, imperfect, corrupted and self-centered. No wonder these worlds are often in conflict. When Dyer said he was the mayor, he was referring to his role as a civil servant. When he was chief of police, he modeled public service, which was to treat every person with respect and dignity. The Bible tells Christians to do their work “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), which means that the quality of their work should honor their God. They should be the best they can be.

That is what our mayor tries to model. He is not “the exception” of what it means to be a Christian, but the rule. I think our state needs people like him in every public office.

Rod Nidever

Fresno