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Homeless law is
unnecessary, unwise

Re: “San Jose, county clash over arrests” (Page B1, May 19).

As long as San Jose lacks a sufficient number of shelters for the number of unhoused persons, wouldn’t it make more sense to offer the available spaces to people who want them rather than penalize those who don’t? And if a particular unhoused person is causing difficulties through disorderly conduct or endangering themselves or others, aren’t there already laws on the books to address these situations?

If a group is camping in a spot that is not workable for the city and they must be evicted from that spot, couldn’t the city offer them another location as an alternative to a shelter bed, since beds are in short supply? Sometimes, the “hardest-to-help” must be forced into treatment against their will, but we have laws that dictate whether or not a person fits that category. Adding refused-a-shelter-bed-three-times as a reason for thus categorizing someone seems unwise.

Kathleen Early
San Jose

Housing, support for
unhoused is inadequate

Sleeping in cars, living on riverbanks and lying on sidewalks — while these don’t seem like fitting living conditions, they’re unfortunately the reality for many.

Most cities experience homelessness. Many people, however, view it negatively and choose to blame those experiencing it. Nevertheless, homelessness is not just a housing issue, but a human hardship. People can become homeless for a variety of reasons, including trauma, substance abuse and mental problems. Housing is a basic need, and no one should be forced into unsafe conditions because they can’t afford it.

Solving homelessness isn’t just about giving people temporary shelters, but providing them with adequate support systems and resources to improve their futures. Spreading awareness of this issue is vital, as people’s judgment of homeless individuals causes negligence when it comes to helping. Providing long-term solutions such as permanent housing and support systems will positively impact their lives and communities.

Camila Martinez
San Jose

Government spending
is the cause of inflation

Re: “Menu prices getting harder to swallow” (Page A1, May 21).

This article tracked food price increases since 2015. However, paragraph one mentions the worry about the effect of President Trump’s tariff policies on future increases, rather than explaining that most of the inflation that caused the increase in food prices took place under President Biden.

The rampant government spending during the pandemic caused runaway inflation. Furthermore, the minimum wage increase exceeded the inflation rate, but this fact was buried toward the end of the article. Many economists who were against the minimum wage increases were right: prices would rise, and employment would fall as businesses struggled to remain profitable.

Charles Margiotta
Roseville

Waymo’s creators will
be liable for accidents

Re: “Waymo is coming to streets of San Jose” (Page B1, May 21).

Those pushing these vehicles, which aren’t needed, are playing a game. “Hey look at me and what I can do.” They should also be held criminally responsible for injury or death. There’s no one driving those cars, so the creators are at fault. Hopefully it never happens.

Paul Barrier
San Francisco

Noem is out of her
depth and should resign

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, arguably one of the most powerful cabinet members, incorrectly defined the precept of habeas corpus, one of our most basic legal principles requiring the government to provide a public explanation for detaining imprisoned people. Noem defined it as a presidential right to suspend rights and deport people. Her definition was not even close.

Noem is blindly enforcing laws and disregarding laws without understanding the law. Her position is all about the law, and applying the law in accordance with the Constitution. Her response is one of dangerous incompetence, placing the American people at risk.

The position of homeland secretary is not a learn-as-you-go proposition. There is no apprenticeship. There are no trial-and-error opportunities. The position requires split-second responses to horrific situations, and by God, it must be right. I have no confidence in the secretary. Noem must resign or be removed.

Mark Grzan
Morgan Hill

Ukraine, Russia should
trade war for commerce

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Re: “Trump calls Putin, says Ukraine ceasefire talks will begin ‘immediately’” (Page A4, May 20).

My idea to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Split the rare earth minerals deal three ways, between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine. Peace through commerce.

Let’s all go into business together. Everyone benefits.

Ron Knapp
Saratoga