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Reform must come
to Hercules police
The Hercules Police Department has a vision emphasizing compassion and professionalism. Those qualities were nowhere to be seen on April 1, 2024, when they were sent on a medical 911 call for 21-year-old Hercules resident Jack Bruce.
Bruce had a seizure as he drove, and his car crashed. He was unhurt until HPD officers arrived and proceeded to attack him, punching him twice and tasing him multiple times.
Police body cameras show that Bruce was not combative. He was recovering from his seizure when officers yelled profanity at him and tased him to get him out of the car.
One officer who didn’t turn on his body camera admitted to punching Bruce twice in the face.
HPD must do better. Actions speak louder than words. Accountability is needed in order for our community to feel safe again.
Sarah Creeley
Hercules
Measure T deserves
your yes vote
I am supporting Measure T on the May 6 ballot that will directly benefit Acalanes, Campolindo, Las Lomas and Miramonte high schools. Let me explain why.
Despite generous support from our community, the district’s per-pupil funding remains below the state average. Compounding this issue, voter-approved parcel tax funding has not increased in 15 years, while the costs have steadily risen.
Measure T is a local solution to these funding challenges, reducing reliance on state and federal governments.
Measure T includes strict accountability protections, ensuring funds are spent as promised. Senior citizens are eligible for an exemption.
Strong local schools set our students up for success, enhance property values and strengthen our communities. I urge you to support Measure T to continue our tradition of quality education.
Steve Glazer
Former state senator
Orinda
Taxpayers on hook
for student detentions
Re: “Turkish student detained by HSS agents” (Page A4, March 27).
The horrific story about the Tufts student highlights more than the administration’s careless disrespect for due process. It also showcases their flagrant disregard for taxpayer funds.
Five agents were flown in to arrest and relocate her 2,000 miles across the country where now the American taxpayer, in addition to paying for the cost of her abduction, is responsible for her jail cell, her daily care, and any subsequent attorney and courtroom hours needed to justify this travesty.
America is assuming responsibility for the air travel and detention of people we dislike at the very same time that the geniuses of DOGE are determining that we can no longer afford indulgences like national parks, weather reports, cancer research, veterans care or grandparents.
We are going out of our way to pick up the tab for doing the wrong thing. Does this make sense to anyone?
Heidi Perryman
Martinez
Vote for Taylor to right
Oakland’s listing ship
Re: “Elect Lee for Oakland mayor, Wang for council” (Page A8, March 23).
The paper’s endorsement for Oakland mayor was disappointing and inconsistent.
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Thankfully, you endorsed Charlene Wang for not being “a favorite of the city’s powerful public employee labor unions representing workers outside the police and fire departments,” but endorsed the candidate for mayor who is fully supported by those same unions and who also opposed the recall of our disgraced ex-mayor.
Using your logic, there is only one candidate we should vote for as Oakland mayor: Loren Taylor. If Oakland has any chance of balancing the city budget, reducing crime, repaving the streets, humanely relocating the unhoused population and supporting the business community, we must vote for Loren Taylor for mayor of Oakland.
James Mousalimas
Oakland
