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Newsom must answer
for CPUC makeup

Re: “State needs revolt against utilities panel” (Page A6, April 29).

I agree that the CPUC is colluding with rather than regulating our utilities. Who is to blame?

The governor appoints each of its members for staggered six-year terms. Gov. Newsom says he is unhappy with utility rates, but he shaped the CPUC.

Newsom has some explaining to do.

Barbara Morita
El Cerrito

Measure T will keep
Acalanes district strong

Re: “Voters should stop Acalanes’ latest tax hike” (Page A6, March 25).

The East Bay Times recommends a no vote on Measure T, an Acalanes District parcel tax, arguing that property owners in the Acalanes Union High School District already pay many special taxes to supplement education.

Isn’t your reasoning completely backwards? The Acalanes Union High School District receives a lower percentage of local property taxes back from the state than almost any other school district in California. If local residents are willing to maintain academic standards and a rich program of extra-curricular activities by voluntarily making up for the state shortfall, shouldn’t their civic foresight be praised rather than discouraged?

A more helpful editorial from the East Bay Times would outline research-validated strategies designed to raise average California high school standards closer to those in the Acalanes District, rather than oppose Measure T, whose passage is needed to keep Acalanes District achievement standards high.

Ramsay Thomas
Lafayette

Don’t let DOGE take
ax to Peace Corps

DOGE eliminated USAID, the U.S. Institute of Peace and AmeriCorps. Members of Congress should stand up for volunteerism and fully support a strong budget for the Peace Corps, which currently has volunteers in 60 different nations.

The Peace Corps mission, as established by President John Kennedy, is meeting the invitation of interested countries for trained men and women, promoting a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served and enabling a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Even Republican President Reagan spoke highly of the Peace Corps in April 1983 by saying, “By the example of these Peace Corps volunteers, people throughout the world can understand that America’s heart is strong, and her heart is good.”

Don’t let DOGE destroy the work of 240,000 Americans whose energy and efforts since 1961 have benefitted us at home and the world abroad.

Frank Price
Berkeley

Legal immigrants are
welcome in the U.S.

Re: “Truly Christian nation embraces immigrants” (Page A6, April 30).

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I am sure that the vast majority of Americans support immigrants coming to our country.

I am also sure that the vast majority of Americans do not support immigrants illegally entering our country.

Immigrants come by following the law. Illegal immigrants come by breaking the law.

Glen Walls
Antioch