Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for July 28, 2024

Ranchers, farmers need to spread the good word

I was happy to see the recently published letter from Carol Dolcini in response to Marin Municipal Water District discussions about expanding Soulejule Reservoir in West Marin. Dolcini is right, we should keep it at the same elevation and electrify the pump station there. That simple fix will increase water storage without raising the height of the water and incurring loss of homes, ranches and wildlife habitat.

We must remember to value farms in West Marin. I read many letters containing negative comments about our Marin agriculture, and the record needs to be set straight. Public awareness is key to keeping the reservoir at its present height and the surrounding ranches intact. Ranchers and farmers need to speak up.

Tell us all the good things that our farms do for our environment and our economy. We need to hear how turning pastures into fallow land will create opportunities for fires and invasive plants. Research shows that carefully managed grazing actually helps our native wildflowers and shrubs to not be overwhelmed by aggressive exotic plants as well as maintaining the sweeping views we all treasure.

Milk and cheese are the backbone of the local economy and contribute to our area’s fabulous cuisine that we all enjoy. Tout all the ways that farmers try to sequester their carbon and improve their grazing fields. Farmers and ranchers can and do work hand in hand with environmentalists as stewards of our wonderful outdoor lands.

I fear that without all of our local farms, West Marin will be covered in scotch broom and eucalyptus; our cheese will come from Wisconsin, our beef from Kansas and our milk from someplace else, far away. More people need to present the righteous case of the farms, ranches and the people who live on them.

— Hilde Simon, Corte Madera

Marin’s funded, forgotten plans seem to float away

Have you noticed all the hot-air balloons floating over Northern California? These dirigibles vary in size: some large, some moderately sized and some huge. Colors vary from bright to dull. I think they help tell a story.

I imagine that each one is fueled by burning previously proposed plans. The heat from these well-intentioned solutions rises into the balloons and moves them slowly across the sky. In the baskets suspended below the canopy are consultants, planners, committees, lawyers and regulatory bodies. The ballast bags hanging off the sides are filled with millions and millions of dollars. When the occupants of the basket run out of plans to burn, they simply reach into a bag and burn a wad of cash.

It’s very sad. Every problem in Marin County could be solved if sound plans were implemented. For example, flooding at the entrance to Marin City (“Marin City area flood board mulls stormwater survey,” July 11). Engineers have crafted a fix, but it’s stymied by regulatory procedures. There’s a long list of similar possible solutions mired in bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, the balloons keep drifting by.

— Elaine Reichert, Santa Venetia

Challenging Marin to step up while honoring Mandela

In honor of his recent birthday, I would like to celebrate Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa. He was an anti-apartheid statesman, activist and politician who focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation. His notion of government tried to throw out racism, poverty and inequality. He tried to improve racial understanding in South Africa.

He was arrested and imprisoned 27 years for his efforts. Critics on the right denounced him as a communist terrorist, yet he went on to receive more than 250 honors — including the Nobel Peace Prize. He is best described as a hero and he gave thousands of people hope. He is viewed as a national liberator and savior.

Hats off to the Marin County Office of Equity that recognizes the many races, cultures, faiths and religions that exist in our wonderfully progressive community. Many positive things have occurred here in this regard, but there is so much more to be done.

Unfortunately, some among us feel threatened and believe that even discussing racial problems is troublesome. Some think it best to be silent about them. Nevertheless, it is vital and necessary to appeal to White people everywhere to witness their “whiteness” for what it truly is and to seize every opportunity to make things better immediately.

— Dennis Kostecki, Sausalito