Fresno County’s low-income residents need more county support | Opinion

County workers needed

“Fresno protects industries in crisis. What about struggling residents? | Opinion,” (fresnobee.com, March 29)

Fresno County’s low-income families rely on food assistance now more than ever; however, many have found that getting the help they need is frustrating. The shortage of county workers available to assist benefits recipients means families are forced to go without much-needed support.

Many benefits recipients must submit an eligibility status report to continue receiving assistance from CalFRESH and CalWORKS. Frequently, when there is an error due to system or human oversight, there is no way for the recipient to prevent a premature termination of benefits.

If Fresno County’s low-income residents have been neglected by a program designed to help them, what does that say about the state of California’s benefits system as a whole? How many low-income children or fixed-income retirees have been forgotten by their counties, with no recourse when the system fails them?

California must ensure that the most vulnerable residents can maintain their basic needs, starting with hiring more county workers.

Amber Salazar

Fresno

Hold McClintock accountable

“Rep. Tom McClintock is failing his constituents, and he doesn’t want to hear about it | Opinion,” (fresnobee.com, Feb. 26, 2025)

Rep. Tom McClintock apparently thinks that if he shows voters he is out in the field, talking to a handful of constituents, he can distance himself from the chaos, cruelty and unconstitutional acts of President Donald Trump and his administration. Sorry, but it is not going to work.

We must hold all Republican elected officials equally accountable for the devastation that has been caused this past year, both domestically and internationally. This nation was not built on hate, autocracy or a Christo-fascist doctrine.

As long as McClintock says nothing, he will continue to lose the respect of his constituents in District 5 — which could be enough to lead to his loss in November.

Jane Huffaker

Mariposa

Help conserve water

“Stop the backsliding on water conservation,” (fresnobee.com, Oct. 9, 2016)

Water is one of the most important resources, but it is also wasted in our everyday habits. It’s important to take water waste into account during daily activities, especially with summer around the corner.

Take small actions, such as fixing leaky faucets. Small drops may seem harmless, but over time they add up to unnecessary water waste that can be avoided. Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth or putting soap on your hands. When doing laundry, put only full loads in your washing machine. Water lawns during the early mornings or late evenings, and avoid overwatering.

By making small changes, we can lower our water bills and help protect our environment.

Evan Zapien

Newman