Latest COVID letters: Paso cases; SLO GOP demands reopening; con artists in charge

Paso COVID cases

We have too many COVID-19 cases here in the North County. We are working hard as a city and as a community to reduce them, and not yet having the success we would like.

Please note, however, that the county’s case count for Paso Robles, which you track and report on each day, includes all of the 93446 zip code, not just incorporated Paso Robles. Within city limits, we are trending at somewhere between one-third and 40%of the total cases in the zip code.

That doesn’t in any way excuse the cases we do have.

Tom Frutchey, Paso Robles city manager

End the lockdown!

The Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County (RPSLOC) recently adopted a resolution calling for Gov. Gavin Newsom to end the statewide lock down immediately.

The governor has ordered individuals in California to quarantine themselves in their homes, ordered schools closed and arbitrarily deemed millions of workers and businesses as “non-essential.”

The original objective of “bending the curve” to avoid an overwhelming of our hospital systems has been achieved, and there is now plenty of hospital capacity for anyone who may need it.

The lockdown is causing untold Californians of all ages serious mental harm and tragic increases in suicides, domestic abuse and substance abuse, with the serious risk of life-long trauma; and creating tremendous financial damage to untold individuals, families and businesses so as to not only risk wiping out many of them, but also severely impacting state revenues, as well as other government entities’ revenues.

The RPSLOC believes elected county government officials responsible to voters, and who are consulting with healthcare professionals, businesses and workers, are best equipped to decide what health protocols and precautions are appropriate for their particular regional circumstances, rather than a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach.

Gov. Newsom, end the statewide lock down now!

Randall Jordan, chair, Republican Party of San Luis Obispo Countypen SLO County now

Open SLO County

Is it OK for frightened citizens to expect people like my son to be out there serving them, risking his life to keep food and services available?

What I am hearing is a one-way street. It is OK for others to suffer and you be protected! We always had the choice of protecting ourselves.

Opening up this county makes it a level playing field. It allows all of us to make choices, not be handcuffed by fear.

Many writing have expressed how heartless those of us are who want this county open and I say to each of you look deep into your hearts to see the harm you are inflicting on others and their families’ ability to thrive.

On Mother’s Day I celebrated my son and the sacrifice he is making to serve our community and at the same time I fight to open up this county so he does not have to endure the stress of customers being so nasty due to being caged up at home.

We are smarter than this virus and without freedom to choose we become less than we can be.

Laura Mordaunt, San Luis Obispo

Medical advice

It seems that COVID-19 has invaded the White House. It is hard for me to believe that President Trump and Vice President Pence are submittig to very uncomfortable nasal testing on a daily basis.

I recommend they start taking hydroxychloroquine ASAP. What have they got to lose?

Dr. Robert Harway, San Luis Obispo

Con artists in charge

Donald Trump did not delay the news of the virus, and was right to tell everyone “Don’t panic, and wash your hands.” Unfortunately, he listened to doomsayers who kept saying, “Two million Americans will get the virus and 200,000 will die”, and “We must lock America down to save lives!”

Unfortunately Trump reacted accordingly while Democrats, encouraged by Biden’s “incredible opportunity to fundamentally transform the country,” saw an unprecedented opportunity to push their agenda by violating the Constitution and depriving citizens of their rights.

All the experts have been wrong. In California 1,224 out of 47 million people have died from the virus, which leaves a .03% chance of dying in that state. “Venezuela” Newsom, who did nothing to stop people from urinating and defecating on California streets and sidewalks is now playing hero by chastising people who go to the beach. The Democrats’ mission is to gain control by spreading disinformation and keeping the fear factor going. And these are the heroes who’ll save you from Trump, the coronavirus and going back to work?

America used to be a nation that fought battles and wars for human dignity and freedom. Now it’s becoming a nation of progressive fools, con artists and charlatans who want total power and control– which is a national disgrace.

Larry Bargenquast, Paso Robles

Missing the point

In his recent letter, Larry Bargenquast missed the whole point of shutting down America until the imminent danger of terrible illness or death can be controlled. He put down the “doomsayers who kept saying two million Americans would get the virus and 200,000 would die.”

He forgot to connect the dots between isolating people to stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the lower numbers of the disease and death rate we are seeing. Even President Trump has said that more than 100,000 could die. We need to stop the partisan talking points to celebrate those lives that have been saved up to date and those we could save in the future We need to celebrate the people who were willing to make the sacrifices that are protecting our country.

I personally appreciate everyone who wears a mask, social distances and washes their hands. My immune compromised granddaughter may even get to leave her house someday if we listen to the scientists and not the politicians, if we search for the real facts and not the rumors, and if we view them with compassion and not anger.

Barbara Jackson, Atascadero

Contact tracing goes too far

I grew up in a very Democratic, liberal thinking family and try to be open-minded but, really, contact tracing? (“Know who came in contact with you lately? That’s key to beating COVID,” May 6)

Is that what we are now going to be subjected to? How about equipping us with mandatory tracking devices as they are doing in China? Or instead, how about isolating very ill people and building immunity in the general populace and letting people get back to feeding their families? Fear is a very insidious enemy and it contradicts how we have learned to live as free and independent citizens in a democratic society.

Initially, stay-at-home mandates were to free up healthcare for the seriously sick. Aside from the “hot spots,”(millions in population, instead of thousands) the last time I checked at Johns Hopkins and the WHO, 280,000 have died world wide from COVID-19. Last year 650,000 died from the common flu. I don’t believe we locked down the world for that. Let’s please return to some semblance of sanity.

Victoria Grostick, San Luis Obispoestore medical care

Restore medical care

John, a 48-year-old from Pismo Beach, has suffered from chronic asthma since its onset in his twenties. John’s asthma ranges from mildly disruptive to needing Prednisone.

In March of 2020, navigating a stressful time in his career while adjusting to California’s COVID-19 shelter-at-home orders and the economic shutdown, John came down with pattern shingles. They subsided with medical care, but the asthma resurfaced and Prednisone didn’t help. John’s concerns mounted over the vulnerability of his respiratory system. His ear, nose and throat specialist wrote him an urgent referral to see a pulmonologist. John headed to office to schedule an appointment, only to be waved away. Laboring to breathe, he gestured to the staff to speak with him.

Reluctantly, a woman strapped on her mask, cracked open the door and asked, “Why are you here?”John was not allowed to make an appointment. It’s been three weeks and John has received returned phone calls from neither the pulmonolosgist nor his ear, nose and throat specialist. Apparently treating debilitating asthma is not considered essential.

One of the unexpected consequences of COVID-19 has been the denial of medical services to those who need them; if our medical system doesn’t open immediately more lives will be lost.

Joy Erb, Pismo Beach

Who’s buying?

A recent letter to the editor suggested that elderly people or people with health problems could just quarantine and let everyone else go back to work. That would be about one-third of the consumers on the Central Coast.

Consumers aren’t going to restaurants, beauty shops or retailers. In our sixties, we have decided at this time not to get a new air conditioner or have new windows installed as that would require workman in the house.

Our neighbors in their forties have canceled a large remodeling project. Shopping for appliances, cabinets etc. at many stores and then having installation workers in their home with their 7-year-old daughter with asthma was just too dangerous. A friend has taken his house off the market to avoid people coming through the house. Can’t sell without that.

People who think social distancing or wearing face masks doesn’t matter might consider that employers need to have consumers who buy things and feel comfortable doing so. Reducing the virus will do that. They might want to help in that effort.

Julie Goossen, Morro Bay

Sacred cow?

News of COVID-19 infection in the meat industry is adding to shoppers’ concerns. As many as 50% of workers tested are positive. At least 20 deaths were reported last week and companies have had to close when workers were too sick to work.CDC and OSHA urged rearranging the workspace to create distancing and tightening sanitizing protocols. Such “suggestions” were soon followed by a presidential order mandating processors to remain operational and threatening to invoke the National Production Act.

In Colorado, COVID testing at the JBS Meat Packing plant was abandoned after positives headed into the 40% to 80% range. At least seven workers at JBS have died, and workers have been ordered back to work.

Painful suffering has become daily fare, revealing ugly realities we would rather not know. The meat industry is no exception. Many workers are immigrants and people of color with scant options.

Meanwhile, we wonder how we can help. I have a suggestion. Don’t buy meat. Not only will we survive from lack of meat, the earth will thank you. Meat production is a known cause of global warming.

This pandemic offers us all a chance to re-examine priorities... Is meat consumption really a sacred cow?

Susan Pyburn, San Luis Obispo

Misinformation a threat

SLO County Public Health is considering loosening social distancing restrictions, and is savvy enough to include provisions to evaluate its ability to “convey physical distancing recommendations that change behavior in most residents” in determining whether to loosen or tighten restrictions.

SLO County will find it difficult to change behavior unless it eliminates, or at least mitigates, the negative impacts of misinformation.

One misinformation source (Fox News) has consistently provided misleading and dangerous information to its followers. In the interest of public health, mitigating the negative effects of this (and other) sources of misinformation must be considered when developing a strategy to survive this pandemic.

SLO Public Health should take the following actions regarding sources of misinformation:

<bullet>Restrict access

<bullet>Place warning labels or other notices

<bullet>Collect data to track the correlation between misinformation consumption and unsafe behaviors.

Consider: Is Fox News misinformation one reason why Paso Robles, with a population only three times larger than Morro Bay, has an infection rate 10 times higher?

Malcolm McEwen, Morro Bay

Beauty salons aren’t shoe shops

I am a local and licensed cosmetologist of 10+ years. I disagree with the county’s decision to allow salons and barbershops to reopen with other “personal services” in Phase 1 of the START plan. As science, government guidelines and common sense dictate, the best and most effective way to ensure myself and my client’s safety right now would be to maintain physical distance from them, meaning I should not be performing my services.

Being self-employed, I have not yet received unemployment or government assistance. I don’t know how I’m going to pay my bills. That doesn’t change my opinion, because I don’t believe that my right to work should precede anyone’s right to safety.

Right now salon services are lumped in the same category as other personal services, as defined by the county’s zoning regulations. The type of work I do is not the same as things like photocopying and shoe repair. My work requires prolonged physical contact with my clients and isn’t really comparable to a laundromat or travel agency. Please discourage the county from allowing salons and barbershops to open in Phase 1 of our START plan.

Priscilla Pineda, San Luis Obispo

Therapists ready to help

Sequestering at home with entire families together can bring on stress and anxiety. For those without a family or a means of ready communication, it can mean loneliness and depression. If someone in the family has tested positive for COVID-19, is hospitalized or in remission, the anticipation for recovery can strain the limits of endurance.

Many community agencies already provide basic and essential needs in the form of food, hope and kindness. One of these is the Community Counseling Center (CCC). For over 50 years, The CCC has offered low-cost, sliding scale and MediCal-supported professional therapists. With the COVID outbreak and social distancing, the CCC can still provide private (HIPAA compliant) mental health counseling options via telephone and video conferencing. Our physical doors may be closed but our hearts and ears are still open to those in need who can’t afford quality counseling.

We are available by phone at (805) 543-7969. Our website is cccslo.org.

Board President Tina Bailey, Community Counseling Center

Media misleads

One person. That is one person in the entire county. And that one person had pre-existing conditions that were a factor in his death. We are completely overreacting to this. Most of the deaths in the country have been elderly people with pre-existing conditions.

How about we quarantine those who are in the greatest risk groups, and let the rest of us get back to work? It’s pitiful how the media has hyped this up. Here is just one example: The media calls out a death of a former Minor League player, Miguel Marte of the Oakland A’s circa 2008-2012. The photo they chose to use is his rookie picture, where he is young and fit. Not the picture from last Christmas where he appears to be pushing 350 pounds.

Clearly they are trying to make it look like it struck this young man down in his prime. Why would they do this? I guess to stoke the “fear fire.” We are not that dumb.

Check the science. History will not be kind to those attempted to fool the American people for their political gain.

Timothy D. Townley, San Luis Obispo

Newsom is no tyrant

As a senior, I breathed a sigh of relief when our governor issued the stay-at-home mandate. Now people are calling him a “tyrant” because he closed some beaches. Do you really believe Gavin Newsom wants to be cruel? Is he tyrannically depriving you of your necessary liberties, your life and pursuit of happiness? Really? And some want to recall him for this!

Seriously, folks, if Newsom focused on your neediness instead of important data regarding this threat to the lives of Californians, then he would indeed be a tyrant. But he isn’t focused on your needs right now. He’s focused on data, and thank God for that.

Yes, beaches are safe places to visit when people socially distance, but that’s not what might happen when the weather changes and we get droves of visitors escaping the heat. I want to go back to work, and I desperately want my financially struggling family to get back to their jobs soon. But reopening needs to happen intelligently, with scientific data based on epidemiology at the helm. The enemy is not Newsom, it’s a highly contagious virus.

Mary Donnelly, San Luis Obispo

Thanks to Cunningham

Thank you Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham, John Peschong, Debbie Arnold, Caren Ray Russom, Heather Moreno, Jeff Lee, Steve Martin, Ed Waage, Heidi Harmon and John Headding for contributing to the letter sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom on behalf of a “science-based, phased reopening of the local economy.”

San Luis Obispo County has done a commendable job of flattening our curve and now we need to apply equal effort into jumpstarting local businesses, one of which I own. The majority of them have been hard hit during this lockdown and can only tread water for so long before they drown. The unintended but all too real consequences of mandated unemployment are of equal relevance to public health as the constantly shifting projection models of COVID-19- related fatalities.

Rising unemployment causes higher death rates, as Yale research shows (news.yale.edu/2002/05/23/rising-unemployment-causes-higher-death-rates-new-study-yale-researcher-shows.)

Travis Semmes, Atascadero

Housing costs

I have bad news for those who are hoping this will lower California’s high home prices. Costs may dip, as is typical during a recession, but that will only benefit those with steady incomes.

With more than 20,000 SLO County residents filing for unemployment thus far, you can bet that incomes are dropping far faster than home prices. If we continue to refuse to build at the scale and pace that is needed to meet demand, the next recovery period will look just like the last one. Rising incomes will again be eaten up by skyrocketing home costs, and workers will have to choose between a crippling monthly rent or losing hours out of the week to traffic.

In the midst of the COVID-19 fog, we must not lose sight of what continues to be California’s most pressing economic, environmental, and humanitarian crisis. Though COVID has taken center stage for the moment, our housing woes will continue to fester, unless and until we start treating them with the seriousness they deserve. Just as businesses, governments and schools have adapted and come together to address this outbreak, we should approach our housing shortage with the same urgency, resourcefulness, and teamwork.

Krista Jeffries, Grover Beach

Do we need the National Guard?

Thank you for your timely editorial on beach crowding. It is like spring break. To get to the water, one must walk through large groups of people. Some are diverse groups, some are families. None are wearing masks or practicing social distancing. In any case, they are from out of town.

Cities like Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and Grover Beach have their own police departments to enforce the distancing and stay home orders. Avila Beach is fortunate enough to have the Port San Luis Harbor District. Unincorporated areas like Cayucos have only San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputies. They do not enforce any of the stay-at home-measures and do not issue citations.

Property management companies are renting out vacation rentals. One of the hotels has a parking lot full of cars from out of the area and out of state. Just check out the license plates.

The community of Cayucos has followed Gov. Newsom’s guidelines to protect our fellow citizens. We have a lot of people in the at-risk age group.

In a perfect world, your ideas were reasonable. However, as long as we have only the Sheriff’s Department for our “enforcement and protection,” nothing will change. The problem is only going to grow, along with the county’s daily increases in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Perhaps the best solution of all would be to call in the California National Guard. Maybe then we could get some enforcement. After all, we pay tax to the state, too. Might as well get our money’s worth.

Christine Ramirez, Cayucos

Reopen now? Bad idea

SARS-CoV-2 is a “novel” virus: Medical science has no experience with it. Even counting the early warningsfrom the state of Washington that were ignored by our dysfunctional national government, we have had just over four months to collect data on this virus and the disease it causes.

In terms of human biology — YouTube and Oval Office quacks notwithstanding — this is not nearly enough time to allow us to make meaningful decisions about the thing; we’re all still just guessing.

Yes, I find not having a household income a strain, and sure, I miss going to classes and playing guitar with my friends. But a doctor acquaintance said it well: “I don’t fear this virus, but I intend to give it all the respect it requires.”

As with rock climbing, bomb defusing, and first-date sex, we should take no chances. The stakes are too high. With the possible exception of trying to land a hydrogen filled airship in an electrical storm, re-opening the country before we really understand what we’re up against is the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard.

Jeff Rininger, Cayucos

Don’t miss doctor visits

The news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, both nationally and in SLO County, has been excellent, but one aspect of staying at home has not been mentioned: people missing doctors’ appointments and tests.

Some doctors’ offices are closed, which is disappointing as safety precautions can be taken and are being made at many physicians’ offices and urgent care centers. But even when those clinics and offices are open, people are canceling or not making appointments. This is of particular concern in the case of older people who have been told they are among the most vulnerable and to remain at home. However, we (myself included) are often the people who most need those appointments. Failure to make or show up at an appointment may prove to be more detrimental to health and well being than going.

I hope that our Public Health Department can address this issue at an upcoming briefing and get the word out about the potential risks of not getting necessary dental and medical treatment.

Judith Bernstein, Arroyo Grande

“Astonished” by Mayor Harmon

We read with astonishment about Mayor Heidi Harmon’s support for lifting restrictions on the Gov. Gavin Newsom’s shelter-in-place order. We will know very little about the magnitude of this pandemic until there is sufficient testing. Medical experts around the world are warning that no decisions should be made relative to COVID-19, a virus that the world knows so little about. Costs that could arise from premature loosening of the state’s shelter-in-place order would probably be astronomical, not to mention the many lives lost. This rush to remove controls is arbitrary and dangerous and should be reconsidered.

Under these circumstances we believe that, because of your certainty that this action of yours will not a cause a flareup in local COVID-19 cases, you would therefore be willing to sign an agreement where you would personally cover the medical costs of any new cases that would undoubtedly arise subsequent to, and as a result of, the lifting of this shelter-in-place order.

Elisabeth and Dr. Joseph Abrahams

Stephen J. and Gail Lafferty Orco

Gail Lafferty Orco

Ellen Notermann

David L. Brodie

Allan Cooper, San Luis Obispo

Burning up over beach

I just returned from a car ride to Avila Beach. No intention of leaving my car, just a change of scenery from my living room. I was appalled at the amount of people on the beach, in the water, everywhere!

I suppose we should be watching for a new outbreak in around 10 days? Why do people have to be policed with this pandemic? I saw pregnant women and young children playing in the sand. At this rate, we will never flatten the curve. I am disappointed with what I witnessed. What is wrong with people, do they think they are invincible?

T. Keene, San Luis Obispo

Where are donations going?

As a healthcare worker in this county, I am so annoyed by the things I see done in the name of charity. The good people trying to help their community never know if their donations reach the intended recipients.

I can tell you first-hand — masks, donated meals, money, flowers — we rarely, if ever, see any of that. One local restaurant was collecting money and meals to send to Santa Maria, that’s not even SLO county!

I thank people for their goodwill and caring during these tough times, but it’s sad to see that all their hard work is not getting to the people who need it most.

Rebecca Hartnell, San Luis Obispo

Ralph Bush rebuttal

In his letter of April 21, “How dare they?” Ralph Bush excoriates politicians for their Covid-19 restrictions. He might just as well have said “How dare they try to save lives?”

With his references to the Bill of Rights, Mr. Bush seems to want to represent himself as a patriot. Instead, he comes off as insensitive to what has become both a world and American tragedy.

He seems to put the blame squarely on the shoulders of Democratic governors, but the Republican governors of Maryland and Ohio have been just as pro-active. Restrictive policies such as those of Gov. Gavin Newsom have been successful and highly praised by experts in the field of pandemics.

For Mr. Bush and the protesters so anxious to return to normal, I can only say that you may have the right to die, but you shouldn’t have the right to infect and cause the deaths of others with your reckless behavior. If real patriots were willing to sacrifice years of their lives to fight in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, we ought to be willing to sacrifice a few months by staying in the safety of our own homes.

Tom Bauer, Morro Bay

We’re not ready to reopen

Our politicians are talking about slowly opening the country so we can get back to normal. But are they prepared? President Trump gives erroneous information every day like he thinks everything will just go back to normal. It will be beautiful, he says.

People are not following stay-at-home orders. They are not social distancing, some are not wearing masks.Wonder why when you can’t buy masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and thermometers.

People across the country are still dying. I don’t think we should be going to nail salons, tattoo parlors, bowling alleys, sports events, restaurants while people are still dying.

People, get over yourselves and what you want. Go visit a morgue if you don’t think this is real!

Thank you to all the people on the frontlines who are keeping us safe and putting their lives on the line to protect us. And the people who are staying home and keeping us all safe. Do the right thing for all of us.

Sara Medzyk, Arroyo Grande

Pets but not people?

I notice that pet grooming businesses have reopened. That’s great.

However, I’m wondering why we haven’t opened up grooming establishments for humans, like beauty salons, barber shops and manicurists. Most of these shops are small and could easily implement the 6-foot separation policy. I also feel that dermatologists, dentists and other doctors could open their doors. It’s time we start opening a lot of doors. Let’s get people back to work.

Gerry Johnson, San Luis Obispo

Reckless reopening

That local officials pre-emptively, and without notice, took the decision to phase in reopening SLO County businesses is outrageous and reckless.

Just how gullible do Wade Horton and John Peshong think SLO County residents are?

Newsom is permitting the lifting of local restrictions, but only if jurisdictions do not conflict with California’s stay-at-home restrictions. Physical distancing and stay-at-home orders are still in effect and will be the “new normal” for the foreseeable future, for good reason.

Case numbers are slowing, but are still on the rise. SLO County remains below sufficient capacity to test ill patients and asymptomatic carriers in order to contact trace and quarantine, much less determine there are four new cases a week. Barring a vaccine, physical distancing is the best mitigation technique.

Gov. Newsom cautioned that physical distancing has kept case numbers growing at a slower pace, but “if we pull back too quickly, those numbers will go through the roof.” This is the sobering reality crucial to phasing in reopening businesses. Our leaders must promote and enforce this.

Annet Dragavon. Paso Robles

Practice social sanity

The current virus came and it will go, soon to be forgotten. The government, however, will never forget how easy it was to take control of your entire life, to take control of every roadway, airline, sporting event, public gathering, classroom, restaurant, church pew, doctors office, grocery store, and park bench.

It’s a hoax, folks, a gigantic dose of fear porn endlessly regurgitated by the media to test your level of subjugation and compliance. You failed miserably. Mass hypnotized hordes of gullible fools are now sporting useless face masks and dutifully genuflecting from one six-foot marker to another. Thank you for destroying our constitutional liberties, our economy, and the very social fabric of our nation over a bug. May the chains of tyranny hang comfortably around your ankles as you enjoy your 100 rolls of toilet paper.

End the madness, defuse the hoax, just say no.

August Salemi, Atascadero

Do better, news media

I think both The Tribune and KSBY could serve us better.

For example, Thursday night on the 6 p.m. KSBY news I saw these stories: Each night how a local restaurant is staying open (tip 100% or more on take-out if you can). The challenges of tutors who charge $30-40 an hour to transition to online. The stress family dogs (cats are asleep all the time) are having. The beautiful pictures submitted each day to Dave Hovde. And the cute pictures of families playing sports and exercising at home.

What you don’t show, or at least enough, is how we can help monetarily or otherwise. Are there lines at the food bank as we have seen across the country? How are CAPSLO, Transitions Mental Health, 40 Prado Road, Community Counseling Center and others faring as they try to reach the vulnerable in this challenging time?

What about families trying to work from home as their children are trying to connect to virtual education? These are local issues!

If we are all in this together, let’s together see how we can help all of our community. The Tribune and KSBY can give information and guidance.

Phil Bailey, San Luis Obispo

Closures go too far

The closures of roads and trails in the Big Sur area have gone too far! You take away everything except the outdoors and now you take away that, too?

This is getting absolutely ridiculous. Closing trails and roads such as Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is completely assinine. All based on a couple of rangers who decided too many people were in one spot?

The excuse that some of the areas were too close to residences is unacceptable. We aren’t stupid enough to believe that. Folks, once they’ve started down this road there is no stopping them. I would be very concerned if I were you.

Jody Langford, Templeton

Where are those “other” cases?

As someone who lives in one of the “other areas” referenced in your articles, it is not acceptable to me to read, day after day, that “11 people in other areas” have tested positive for the virus (April 13, Tribune).

Additionally, it is also unacceptable that the county does not know how many people have been tested due to the number of private labs conducting testing. Please tell Dr. Penny Borenstein she needs to do more: Require reporting of numbers from all the private labs in the county, and reveal each community that has cases. It’s merely logical and prudent that we have this information.

Rebecca Adams, Cayucos

All in

The media use of the phrase, “We are all in this together” could not be more appropriate as the world deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

Americans, terrified by this virus, a collapsing economy and unknown futures, look to our leaders for guidance and hope. Yet a number of our leaders with their hatred of President Trump have clouded visions of the incredible crisis at hand. Presidential candidate Joe Biden criticized the president as “xenophobic” at the time Trump closed travel to China in January; New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio denied the administration pandemic warning and suggested people go to the movies as late as March 1; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer hampered the passing of the critical relief bill for weeks with various non-virus earmark proposals such as $25 million for the Kennedy Center.

These examples of attacks on our Commander-in Chief sadly show a number of our political leaders are not all in!Those who want to use the coronavirus as a means to demean the efforts of President Trump and his administration should step aside and let the rest of us persist in achieving the eventual victory, all in and together.

Allan MacKinnon, Cambria

Rent “forgiveness” unconstitutional

This letter is in response to the recent article on rent forgiveness. I am a 66-year- old construction worker. I have worked hard my entire life. I have put all my earnings into real estate that I rent out. I rent two rentals for below market value as I respect my tenants and am not the “greedy” landlord often portrayed by the media. I rarely, if ever, raise rents as I am just trying to cover the costs of the houses and a small income, plus my Social Security. I am now retired as I am physically incapable of continuing the hard work construction demands.

This “forgiveness” of rent will take food off my table. I am not a wealthy corporation. I have a very modest income and am well below the median income for California.

Your proposal would put a huge financial burden on me. You are proposing to seize my assets and take over my contracts. I am working with my tenant who is affected by this, as I know this is a universal problem that affects us all.

Please know both sides of a problem before ruling or proposing a solution. This will tie up my life’s work and savings for a proposed six months, with no income and all the association dues, insurances and property taxes will still need to be paid. I will not be able to sell the properties in order to get my money out of them to live on. This seems hugely unconstitutional. My tenants are good people I have respect, but what you are proposing is aid for one citizen at the cost of another.

Stan Laird, San Luis Obispo

Why double fines?

After reading the SLO Tribune article, “City doubles fines for noise, gatherings, to avert virus” in the April 9 edition, I felt I should respond.

I would bet my last roll of toilet paper, there’s already been a reduction of noise complaints, unruly gatherings and public drunkenness. All activity on our streets has come to a halt. Residents are staying home and a vast majority of students have left the area to live with family.

The only justification I see for doubling the fines for now less-prevalent behavior is that the reduction in crime has led to less revenue from fines. When there’s less crime to enforce, staff should be furloughed. Last I checked, arresting people and issuing citations doesn’t comply with social distancing.

Jack Sistek, San Luis Obispo

Let’s not go back to ‘normal’

The impacts COVID-19 has made on our normal routines are instructional as we look toward the disruptions climate change will certainly bring in the near future. The economic devastation around the world is real, but historically economies rebound after times of crisis.

The conversation we should be having is, what kind of economy do we want when times allow us to return to more normal activity? What changes now will lead us to a more sustainable, and hopefully, livable future?

Around the world we’ve seen drops in air pollution with fewer cars on the road and less air travel. Some jobs are now being done from home. An increase in technological support for more efficient remote work can replace the costs of building and maintaining office space.

Many jobs will continue to require people to work outside the home. People will gather and recreate. Let’s build for the future with an emphasize on sustainable clean energy, infrastructure, health care and enhanced educational systems.

It would be a mistake to go back to doing all the things we’ve always done in the same way we’ve always done them. If we make brave choices now, our children and grandchildren will thank us.

Christine Mulholland, San Luis Obispo

Regular TV, please

OK, we have all heard about the virus, PLEASE can we go back to regular TV programs? Since we’re all staying home, we are constantly hearing more of the same news for how many months? Can Santa Barbara news quit taking up my soap opera time? Can we watch TV and listen to the 5o’clock news, and get it all then? Why all day? Watch CNN PLEASE!

Doris Hail, San Luis Obispo

Thanks to first responders

I want to thank first responders. As a retired nurse I know how hard they work and it must be especially hard in these times. There is a company of first responders I would like to thank in person once we are out of lockdown.

On March 31 at around 11 p.m. they responded to a call on Oak Park Boulevard and revived a woman who was not breathing. Thanks to them my oldest daughter is alive and well. She was on a ventilator for 24 hours, in the hospital for two days.

She is home now, doing well. She works at a hospital so everyone assumed it was COVID-19. In reality it was a severe asthma attack. She tested negative for COVID-19. Thanks to all people in the medical field for all the work they do.

JoAnn Bennett, Pismo Beach

Kids need heroes

Disruptions to school, work and everyday life have impacted us all, but it has also brought out the best in our community. I have been particularly impressed with school administrators, teachers, counselors and support staff who are working tirelessly to transition students quickly and effectively from classroom to in-home learning.

Unfortunately, financial hardship, stress from the inability to work, a lack of technology for online learning, and parents who must keep working because they provide essential services to our community have significantly impacted our most vulnerable youth. Educators need our help. Even in ordinary circumstances schools serve as a safety net for children who require specialized education services or cannot count on basics like food security and safe shelter.

In recent days law enforcement officials have reported an increase in domestic violence and educators (who serve as mandated child abuse reporters) are scrambling to find new ways to prevent kids from falling through the deep cracks created by this unprecedented crisis. To help San Luis Coastal Unified School District reach and support the 7,500 students it serves, including those especially at-risk, San Luis Coastal Education Foundation has established the School Closure Impact Fund.

Our educators are working heroically, but you can be a hero for kids too by visiting slcef.org/school-closures. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it has taught us that we are in this together, that our individual actions have impact far beyond ourselves, and that our collective response matters.

Erica Flores Baltodano, board member

San Luis Coastal Education Foundation

Let’s ring some bells!

For the first time in recent history, every person on this planet shares one single enemy: a voracious illness from which any one of us could suffer and die. This might be a good time to reflect on how you will be remembered if you are one of the casualties of this surreal war. If you’re at all worried about that, I have some good news for you. All of us have been handed a second chance. Emerging from this crisis stonger than ever is not a given; but we can make that happen.

On March 25 a letter written by Linda Groover suggested we adopt a tradition that began in Europe: ringing bells all around town at a certain time in the evening. The bells communicate gratitude to health care workers and all those who keep our lives as safe and normal as possible in the face of danger to themselves and their loved ones. The bells also help us communicate to each other that we share more than an enemy. We share our community. So let the bells ring, not just one but every night, say 8 p.m.? Have something else on your calendar?

Ellen Morrison, San Luis Obispo

Please help

I am writing as a concerned citizen who is trying to raise awareness of our businesses that, through no fault of their own, are forced to shut down or have take-out service only. For all the patrons of Jimmy Bumps and Mi Casita in Baywood/Los Osos, please keep your support of these important parts of our community alive. Remember that the people who serve you live mostly on gratuities so try to be generous in that respect.

Another organization close to my heart is the Noor Foundation that has all volunteer doctors, nurses and aides. They donate their time and talent giving aid to our less fortunate population throughout the county and are extremely taxed at this time of pandemic. If you are able to give financial support to this needy organization it will ease their burden and allow them to keep up with the medical concerns of our needy. This crisis is taxing all of us in numerous ways and the least we can do is reach out and lift up people who are down.

Mikie Povero, Los Osos

Concerns about masks

For the last week I’ve been sharing my concern about universal cloth mask wearing with anyone who would listen. Of course universal mask wearing makes sense in high-density hot spots like New York City and New Orleans.

My concern is in low density, not very hot spots like Morro Bay, we will get sloppy about social distancing. Sure enough, the day the CDC recommended universal mask wearing, I witness this in an uncrowded Spencer’s Fresh Market in Morro Bay. I had finished my purchase and was standing there waiting for my receipt. The woman behind me was wearing a bandanna and standing at a safe distance by the very end of the conveyor belt. A man, also wearing a mask, came up behind her and leaned over her to put the few items he was buying onto the conveyor belt. It was so shocking that the checkout clerk very sternly said “Sir! Please keep your distance!”

The masks can unconsciously give us a false sense of security. So if we are going to wear masks, we need to redouble our efforts to keep the proper distancing and hand washing.

R.T. Donnell, Morro Bay

Think about next steps

The Tribune reported two new cases of Covid-19 over the weekend, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 93. It certainly seems the curve has flattened after almost three weeks of shelter in place policies and great societal sacrifice. It is time to think about next steps. Please listen to the interview with Dr. David Katz,www.wgbh.org/news/lifestyle/2020/03/30/dr-david-katz-on-a-targeted-response-to-coronavirus-pandemic.

The genie is out of the bottle and we can’t put him back in. If we are to manage Covid-19 until a vaccine is available, the idea that we could use risk profiles to let the majority of the healthy population get back to work and begin to restore normal economic activity has merit. SLO County has an opportunity to help find a path forward. The healthy population could be circulating to build a herd immunity for the at-risk population. We should expand testing to identify those who have been exposed and recovered. The at-risk population should continue to isolate and use protective measures. If we do not do this, we potentially face major repeat outbreaks. The costs of staying at home and isolating indefinitely are too high. We need to discuss alternatives.

Terri Main, Pismo Beach

We need N95 masks

The solution for this coronavirus-induced recession, or possibly soon-to-be depression, is not fiscal or monetary policy, or vaccine, or isolation. The solution is N95 masks.

Fiscal and monetary policy is not going to get people to go out to restaurants, or stay in hotels or fly on planes. The only way to get employees to go to work, to get people comfortable out spending is for them to wear an N95 mask. The virus simply cannot get through a N95 mask.

Wearing a mask will stop the spread of the virus, and that is what is most important. If we don’t wear masks the virus will only get worse, and the economy will only get worse. We can all sit in isolation while GDP drops more than in the 1929 depression and unemployment rises to more than in the depression.

I know these masks are hard to come by right now, and we need a billion/week or two. It would cost less than 1/1000 of what is currently being spent on fiscal and monetary policy.

William Lindsay, Arroyo Grande

Check with vets

With the shortage of ventilators in SLO County and the recent news that our county’s order for them has been indefinitely delayed there is another source immediately available in and for our county.

As a physician and anesthesiologist who has practiced for more than a few decades in this county I have been privileged to serve in not only many of our hospitals but veterinary clinics as well. In most, their equipment is on par with our human operating rooms. It should be noted that almost every anesthesia machine by definition is also a ventilator. I know many of the veterinarians, who if asked, would loan their equipment to the county in this time of dire need.

Dr. Stephen Ripple, Paso Robles

Camp San Luis

I read that the powers-that-be have decided to tent the SLO homeless population at Chorro Park, while right across the highway and a bit down is a place with toilets, showers, rooms with beds, etc. and lots of places to park RVs and other vehicles. It’s called Camp San Luis. Where are the goveror and SLO County officials?

Barbara Nordin, Morro Bay

Close encounter

To the “gentleman” at Von’s who screamed at me, “Six feet ma’am!! Six feet ma’am!!” when I inadvertently stepped into his space, I sincerely hope you are having a better day. Even as I quickly realized my mistake and started walking away, you followed up with “Keep moving!! Keep moving!!” It was embarrassing and hurtful ... as if I were some sort of insensitive ogre. I am not. If I offended you, or you felt threatened, all you had to do was say so.

It must feel awful to have so much pent-up rage. It’s a new world we’re living in, and most of us are just trying to do our best to learn how to deal with it. I am forever grateful my husband wasn’t with me or things could have gotten ugly(ier).

Shaye Yarnell, Arroyo Grande

Put health first

It’s reckless to insist that the nation return to “normal” — economically and socially — when these are not normal times. Keeping people healthy and treating those who are ill should be our first priority. Providing support for those suffering economic hardship should be our second. And only when those two are in place and stable should we attempt to get the economy back to “normal.”

You can’t have an economy if you don’t have people; and you can’t have a healthy economy if you don’t have healthy people. Trying to “rev up the economy” and relaxing social distancing before we significantly slow down the rate of infection is putting us all at risk for an even bigger health disaster and consequently an even bigger economic disaster. We desperately need leaders who have patience, who have an attention span longer than an instant, and who respect the advice of health experts and science.

Donald Archer, Cambria

Dog grooming is essential

Recently I read dog grooming is not an essential business. Whoever decided that must not own a dog. Grooming your dog is essential. Just ask the dog that has experienced a ruptured anal gland, not to mention chronic ear infections and skin problems.

How about the dog’s nails that are too long, which can affect their ability to walk comfortably. Nails can grow into the pads as well as deform their feet and can even break toes when jumping onto a hard surface.

For those of you that are not aware, pet groomers are frequently the first to spot health issues owners miss. Groomers look over every inch of their clients’ pets and are familiar with health problems less than obvious to the uniformed. Dog grooming is a medical issue and essential to the health and well being of your fur baby.

Susan Wright, Grover Beach

Why wait in line?

First off, let me say I love Trader Joe’s, been going there for close to 20 years (down south before they came to SLO). And I am appreciative that they are monitoring how many patrons are entering and exiting to ensure the social distancing. They are also doing this in the line up outside.

I just can’t for the life of me understand what can be so important and needed to stand up to 25-30 persons in line when you can go to other stores that don’t have this problem? I personally am going to wait for this to virus to pass, which it will, to return to my favorite store, Trader Joe’s. Even with social distancing, you are not going to catch me standing in any line, not when we have so many options.

T. Keene, San Luis Obispo

Dystopian panic

While reading the San Luis Obispo Tribune, I came across the article, “SLO County to ‘Step Up Enforcement’ for Businesses, Residents Who Violate Shelter Order,” by Monica Vaughan.

To read about the “shelter-at-home” order wasn’t what I found to be disturbing. In fact, I’ve expected this turn of events for a while now. The part that bothers me about this order is the threat of more “aggressive” approaches to violations that are treated as misdemeanors.

I understand the gravity of the situation completely, but the thought of receiving a fine up to $1000, and/or possibly a six-month imprisonment for going on non-essential outings was appalling to me. It was particularly surprising to read that people are actually calling the authorities because they witness two people riding their bicycles too closely.

I’ve read enough dystopian novels to recognize how destructive the panic can become. Of course, staying home isn’t a difficult task when it’s for the protection of people over the age of 65 who are dying from this virus. However, I feel that the precautions that are being put into operation are using fear as a tactic to secure people in place.

Layla Loew, Nipomo

Keep parks open

To city and county elected officials: Please don’t shut down the parks and golf courses. Yes, we need to curb close contact between people to stop the spread of the virus, but we also need to have space for people to take walks and exercise.

I have been in several parks around the county and have found everyone to be quite distance conscious and doing a very good job of being social and respectful at a distance. People need to, and will, get out and walk and exercise.

If you close parks and golf courses, both of which can be used easily at a safe personal distance, you are not ridding the county of a virus, you are simply herding people into smaller and smaller available spaces in which to walk and exercise.

Bob Conover, Arroyo Grande

A ringing proposition

Dear fellow citizens,

Here is a true story for you.

My very young grandson in Geneva, Switzerland, got up after being tucked in by his mother and told her he could not get to sleep due to noise outside. His mom (my daughter) wrapped him in a blanket and took him outside on their seventh-floor terrace to hear the bells ring and horns blow.

It was 9 p.m. This is being done every night, all over their city and many other cities, to show their thanks to first responders, firefighters, medical teams, police , and to say “We are in this together!”

So, how about it residents of SLO? Let’s be the California city of bells!

How about 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, to start? Then, every night until this is over! Maybe church bells could ring also?

Step out on your porch, patio, balcony or open a window and ring a bell, blow a whistle or hit a pan with a spoon.

Let our solidarity be heard!

We are in this together

Linda Groover, San Luis Obispo

Sacrifice the old?

I am an individual who happens to be in the high-risk population for the COVID virus. I recently heard President Trump’s remarks about reopening the economy by loosening requirements for social distance and self quarantine.

A Fox News analyst even suggested that grandparents may have to die so that their children and grandchildren can continue to live in a vibrant economy. Bluntly put, the older generation should take one for the team so that others can buy RVs, burn oil and continue to visit Disneyland.

I guess the line “Hope I die before I get old,” from The Who song “My Generation” is coming to pass. Maybe the line should read “Hope I die before I get in your way.”

Paul Wineberg, Arroyo Grande

Let’s share those squares

Just went to Costco in SLO this morning. Would have liked to get some TP, but as in the last three trips, they run out quickly. Now I see people leaving with 60 rolls of TP and I think, why can’t Costco break those packets open and sell the six rolls and spread the wealth?

If this would have happened from the beginning there would not have been such shortage. I’m just saying that we need to be reasonable. Sixty rolls for the few and zero for everyone else.

Rob Rall, Atascadero

New slogan for Poly

In this era of forced online instruction, will Cal Poly’s motto have to change from “Learn By Doing” to “Learn by Watching”?

Jan William Simek, San Luis Obispo

Grateful shopper

Thanks to all the people working in stores that sell essentials — stockers and checkers and the people behind the scenes shoppers never see — who have been working hard to keep up with the unexpected surge in demand in the past several days.

The SLO Trader Joe’s was crazy busy on a recent Friday afternoon, with long check-out lines and some empty shelves, but the staff was working calmly to restock and move items to the front of shelves where people could reach them and the checker was pleasant and efficient, as usual. I found the same in Vons, Ace Hardware and other stores. Bravo!

Linda Beck, Nipomo

Lesson from “Being There”

Do you remember the Peter Sellars’ movie “Being There”? Sellars played a simple-minded gardener who made observations about nature aloud. Some influential people interpreted his simple statements as brilliant bon mots on the problems of the world. Others saw ways to use him to enrich themselves, so they moved him into a position of great power. Sellars’ character never changed ... he was totally incompetent but his enthralled followers could not see that. So of course, catastrophe followed.

The president’s “press conference” Sunday reminded me of that old movie. God help us.

Mary Ross, Cambria

Local tax relief, please

Despite the flood of media coverage of the evolving coronavirus crisis, two questions have been met with silence:

1. Both parties are working on a federal plan to mitigate the huge economic impact on workers and families through tax postponement and a stimulus package, but why are state and local governments refusing to take steps known to help workers and families? A reduction/moratorium in property and gas taxes and a temporary moratorium on sales taxes are just some effective steps that could be taken to keep workers’ jobs and small businesses alive through this crisis. With so many out of work, isn’t it reasonable that Monterey Street and Sacramento share equally with citizens in this time of pain?

2. As officials plan their response to control COVID-19, taking a hard look at China’s supposed success in controlling the virus’ spread, the media needs to tell us why they accept at face value the narrative coming from China’s Communist party-controlled state media. Most reasonable people would say that Chinese media’s sudden, unsupported claim of no new domestic Coronavirus cases shreds credibility, especially with China’s dismal human rights record and lack of transparency.

Bruce Curtis, Los Osos

Do you have enough deodorant?

By now you probably have your stash of toilet paper — enough to last while you shelter in place. But are you sure you have enough deodorant? It is important to recognize the importance of deodorant for those confined with others for a long period at close quarters. Relationships with partners and family members can easily become frayed, and maintaining a convivial environment is facilitated by observing the highest standards of personal hygiene.

So, check your bathroom and consider buying a good supply of deodorant the next time you venture out to the grocery store or pharmacy. On the other hand, if you are sheltering alone, you might want to consider donating your deodorant to a friend or neighbor. This act of generosity should have the additional benefit of helping to maintain the recommended social distance when you leave your shelter.

Jim Brown, Morro Bay

How ‘bout a bidet?

The news about shortage of toilet paper and empty store shelves where toilet paper used to be stacked, has made many people anxious. It is understandable. However, this may be an opportunity to learn a lesson.

A product is used in most of the world, including third world countries. The product is called bidet. Using a bidet is far more hygienic than toilet paper, according to the researchers. Maybe we can at least learn this one lesson despite the misery inflicted by coronavirus.

Zaf Iqbal, San Luis Obispo

Stay home!

We are under a shelter at home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On my daily walks I cross Los Osos Valley Road and you’d never know it by the traffic out there. Five of our children are essential workers in healthcare/social services and another has had to close her small business indefinitely.

I worry about all of them and their families every day so please stay home. To Cal Poly students: If you absolutely cannot go home, remember this is not an extended spring break in SLO, abide by the shelter at home order.

If you must go out for a medical appointment, to pick up a prescription, get gas or groceries, please consider stopping at a local restaurant to support them by take-out or curbside pick up. Please everyone think of our most vulnerable citizens, our health care workers, small businesses and schools, the sooner this passes the better off our community will be so go out for a walk, hike or bike ride then please stay home.

Susan Rains, San Luis Obispo

Lack of preparedness

I have been watching the daily COVID-19 updates from county authorities and am concerned about the lack of preparedness we are facing regarding our public safety issues. I do not blame Public Health for the lack of supplies and support from state and federal governments, but Dr. Penny Borenstein has misstated, been uninformed or unclear about how the public should respond if they experience coronavirus symptoms.

She keeps repeating the mantra of no one will be tested unless they experience fever, coughing and body aches, etc., yet the latest research states nearly half of patients who test positive present with gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, these cases are more likely to require hospitalization than respiratory cases.

Also, one day last week Dr. Borenstein announced the county would now only be testing people hospitalized and advised everyone else to get tested through their provider. The next day she appeared outraged local doctors were turning away people with COVID-19 symptoms. Finally, on day three, Dr. Borenstein stated she has discovered the doctors and clinics weren’t seeing or testing patients with COVID-19 symptoms because they didn’t have the necessary protective gear or sample kits. Why wasn’t everyone on board a month ago? As a public health official, shouldn’t she know local doctors and clinics don’t have the supplies they need?

Dr. Borenstein and her colleagues should have been conferencing and preparing our local medical community way before last week instead of ratcheting communication up now when we’re in crisis mode.

Jill Stegman, Grover Beach

Thanks to front-line workers

I would like to offer my sincere and ongoing thanks to those really on the front lines right now — cashiers, checkers, clerks, counterpeople, couriers, letter carriers, servers, sorters, tellers, etc. Those who face a grave risk every moment they are on the job, without the great recognition or compensation afforded others.

Thank you for digging in and doing what you do, for hours at a time. We recognize your contribution to society right now. You are our newfound heroes.

Matthew D. Herrera

Support your local business

It was recently brought to my attention that a way to help our local businesses (coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) during the “Shelter at Home” guidelines, would be to purchase gift cards now, that could then be used later, after life returns to normal.

This would give these businesses an influx of cash, to hold them over during the slowdown in their business. There is a very real possibility that many of our local businesses could fail during this crisis, without help. We can all do our part to help ensure these businesses survive. Many have a vehicle on their websites or Facebook page that allows customers to purchase gift cards. I would encourage all of us to invest in our local future by doing so.

Steve Himmelrich, Atascadero

Shelter only works if we all do it

Shelter in place seems like a decent start to fight the pandemic we face today. Hopefully the folks still lining up to hoard toilet paper didn’t have the virus already.

And hopefully none of the people forced by government mandate to wait in lines shoulder-to-shoulder at airports to get back to the U.S. didn’t have it. In the 1960s, didn’t we learn to duck & cover to protect against an atom bomb, while the military was building up stock piles of warheads? Call me a pessimist, but didn’t we make laws against drunk driving years ago? Too bad some people ignore that one, too. Sheltering in place will only work if every one adheres to it.

D. Reed, Templeton

Gift card idea

Here’s a thought for bar and restaurant owners in the county. Start advertising and selling lots and lots of gift cards at a reasonable discount. Maybe $75 for a $100 card.

Many of us are already trying to buy gift cards for some of our favorite restaurants but it’s a risky proposition when those same restaurants say they’ll be bankrupt if closed for a month. Let’s see if we can start a virtuous cycle of helping restaurants through this mess while giving us patrons something to look forward to using.

Michael Zigelman, Arroyo Grande

Stimulus plan

In addition to the forthcoming $1,000 (?) stimulus check, perhaps a more simple/effective “real money” stimulus for people with mortgage debt would be a 90-day reprieve from mortgage payments. This is not a grant or anything of the sort. Simply move these three-month debtor obligations to the end of the mortgage term. This would provide some “real money” to help us all in these uncertain times.As a 46-year self-employed contractor living in one of the least affordable places in the country (San Luis Obispo County) please let me make a suggestion.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s shelter-in-place mandate practically forbids any work/sales/negotiating to take place. The “big banks” are allowed to borrow at the “window” for virtually zero interest. That “window” is not open for the average citizen like me. We taxpayers saved the banks in the Great Recession/Depression in 2008. Do you remember? Just a reasonable easy and quick suggestion.

Michael Tutt, Los Osos

Why hygiene is important

Why is everyone so concerned about social distancing and hand washing and cleaning countertops?

Here’s why in three quickie examples. Let’s first assume there are 100 infected people in our community, and they don’t know it.

1. These 100 infected people are VERY VERY CAREFUL, and don’t infect anyone else in the community. Result: the epidemic dies out after about three weeks, after the disease has run its course with these 100 people.
2. These 100 infected people are only semi-careful, and each one infects one other person during their illness. Then these 100 newly infected people each infects one person, etc. Result: the epidemic goes on forever.
3. Each of the 100 infected people is careless and infects two other people during their illness. Result: after about 3 weeks there are 200 infected people, and after 6 weeks there are 400 infected people, and well, you get the picture.

We can’t depend on a cure (there isn’t one) and we can’t depend on a vaccine (there isn’t one) and there aren’t enough beds/masks/ doctors/nurses. Our only weapon against this thing is DISCIPLINE: wash your hands, keep your distance, and let’s drive the transmission rate to 0.

James Breese, Avila Beach

How do you explain Trump?

Several years ago our president eliminated many national security positions staffed by people tasked with helping to prevent global pandemics. More recently he submitted a budget containing substantial funding cuts for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Can local Trump supporters please explain to the rest of us why these policy decisions are consistent with protecting the health of our nation, and how he can be trusted to do that.

Here is Mr. Trump’s own incoherent explanation for disbanding the pandemic team: “I just think this is something, Peter, that you can never really think is going to happen. You know, who — I’ve heard all about, ‘This could be...’ — you know, ‘This could be a big deal,’ from before it happened. You know, this — something like this could happen.... Who would have thought? Look, how long ago is it? Six, seven, eight weeks ago — who would have thought we would even be having the subject? ... You never really know when something like this is going to strike and what it’s going to be.”

Regrettably, he has used similar rationale to justify emasculating the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other government entities (but not the military) that serve as firewalls against disaster.

Jay Devore, Los Osos

Thanks, Trib

I live in a remote, rural area of northern California and I rely on The Tribune for my coronavirus news. I appreciate receiving excellent coverage on the unfolding of the coronavirus pandemic.

Although coverage often refers to San Luis Obispo County, it is always relevant to what has just happened or is about to happen to all of us. Your county is doing an excellent job responding to the crisis and is helpful to all of us living in small cities and towns around the state.

All reporting has been timely and to the point, yet the editorial style is readable and friendly. I definitely prefer to read your coverage above any other digital or hard copy news.

Marianne Locke, McCloud

Transit drivers need masks

During this pandemic the community must come together to provide the safest outcomes possible. It is unfortunate that Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is not taking such steps.

RTA provides public transportation on buses in our county, as well as a paratransit service for elderly and disabled people. My husband drives for the paratransit service.

He has repeatedly requested a N95 mask to attempt to prevent/reduce transmission of this virus that is proving very deadly to elderly and people with underlying health conditions. His request has been denied.

Drivers are not required to wear masks, and cannot obtain a mask from RTA if requested. This is shameful. As we now know, asymptomatic people can pass this virus on to others. Drivers should be required to wear masks during this time to protect the public and themselves the best they can.

Allison Kokonas, Paso Robles

Church closings

While we appreciate the concern the SLO County Health officials have for our safety and the containment of COVID-19, we are grieved that they do not recognize the vital function that churches provide in times of crisis like this.

Even at the height of the 1918 Spanish Flu, churches were only closed for three to four weeks, not months.

This edict is not only detrimental to the spiritual well-being of the public, but also its emotional stability in this time of need. One man noted in 1918 that when churches were closed, a significant amount of doctors’ time was taken up with those suffering from anxiety, not actual medical needs. This is precisely a function of the church. Note what a pastor in Washington, D.C. said during the church closures in 1918: “Nothing has so contributed to that state of panic which has gripped this community as the fact that the normal religious life of our city has been disorganized.”

We are all for loving your neighbor as yourself by protecting the vulnerable, but we strongly believe this goal can be meant while not disregarding the spiritual aspect of our county’s life that churches provide when meeting together.

Randall Shanks, San Luis Obispo

It’s all about statistics

In a recent letter, Carol J. Nelson-Selby took umbrage over Cal Poly’s new policy prohibiting campus access to people over 65 years of age.

She was “shocked.” She felt “marginalized … discriminated against,” made an object of fear, even a Typhoid Mary. She felt that each of us,”regardless of age” is capable of making the decision to stay or go.

Carol, I’m a few years past that age limit, a retired health care clinician as well, and must say you’ve got it backwards. This is not about you. The idea here is to flatten the curve of hospital bed admissions, to protect you and others in need when intensive care becomes necessary in a hospital system now at risk of being abruptly overwhelmed. The only chance we have of countering a hospital admissions deluge that can’t be handled is to place a prohibitive but necessary net of protection around those of us who are statistically more likely to have severe complications if infected by the coronavirus. In a pandemic, statistics rule. Period.

I know, sometimes it’s tough to adhere to the rules when we either don’t understand them, or believe we are above them.

Richard von Stein, Los Osos

Thanks, Costco!

Had to make the trip to Costco. The line was well organized into two lanes. Staff kept it moving as shopper out, shopper in, which kept the number of people in store to a comfortable level. Only took about eight minutes to get through line. As we entered store staff was directing anyone who needed toilet paper to the left. Down this lane was more staff with pallets of TP and putting package in each cart as we went by, very fast and efficient.

The rest of shopping was easy and smooth. Any item that had a limit was staffed to ensure all complied.

At checkout more staff to keep lines organized and moving and to ensure carts were 6 feet apart and two staff at each register to keep all moving fast.

I want to recognize and thank Costco managers and especially the staff who worked so hard and were so polite. They made this shopping trip a breeze!

Cheryl Day, Arroyo Grande

Now for a few positives

Since we are bombarded daily with negatives from the pandemic, here are some positives. Fewer vehicle fatalities from drunk driving with bars closing and fewer drivers. Hoarders can now stock up on perishables, like toilet paper, without scorn from others. The Earth gets healthier without abusive pollution from vehicles, aviation and cruise ship trips. Non sports followers can enjoy a bit of peace. We can all step back from hectic lives and meditate. Gun shops are so happy the public is buying weapons and ammo for a possible zombie invasion.

We get to confirm that Trump and his ditto heads are completely inept — OK, most rational people already knew this.

Bill Headrick, San Luis Obispo

Local businesses need bailout

I understand the need for precautions regarding the spread of the coronavirus, but am concerned about the disappearance of small businesses, including restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. due to weeks of closure. Even if the closures had not been ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, people were avoiding cafes, restaurants, etc. and businesses had already suffered.

If we want a county with a thriving economy, it must include small businesses. I am afraid many of those businesses will go under and the fabric of community life will be shredded. I therefore urge the SLO County Board of Supervisors, as well as local cities, to devise a “bail out” system to enable those businesses to re-open when the closures are canceled.

Whether that system is no-interest loans, grants, tax relief, etc. will be up to each municipality. But as the county Board of Supervisors, I urge you to address this economic crisis, and to also consider assistance to those who will be unemployed and NOT covered by unemployment benefits. It will be some time before the federal measures trickle down to the local business level. If we are to go back to “life as normal,” we need your help.

Judith Bernstein, Arroyo Grande

Being over 65 is not a crime

History has taught us that politicians seldom make sound decisions in the midst of crisis. In 1917 politicians decided it was justified to arrest hundreds of German-Americans for the good of the people. In 1942 they decided it was justified to force tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans into internment camps for the good of the people. In 2020 Gov. Gavin Newsom decided it was justified to place by Executive Order 5.2 million senior Californians under a genteel form of house arrest for the good of the people.

While the “self-quarantine” was only a suggestion, the governor in a godfatherly lapse noted he had the authority to enforce his suggestion if necessary. Given the track record of politicians making unfortunate decisions in the midst of crisis might I take a page from the good governor’s playbook and “suggest” the most useful thing he now could do, for the good of the people, is place himself, his cabinet, and the Legislature under a similar “self-quarantine.”

This would prevent him and his administration from making any further disastrous decisions, such as putting under house arrest individuals whose only “crime” is being over 65 and at a higher risk from COVID-19 than others.

Russ Surber, Paso Robles

Leave some TP, please

To all of your toilet paper hoarders in SLO County: Shame on you!

There are some of us out here who did not go crazy and buy up all of the TP in the county and now have none. For Pete’s sake have a heart and leave some for others who may need it as well as yourselves.

For those Seinfeld addicts out there: “Can you spare a square?”

Lynda Takahashi, Cayucos

What would libertarians do?

I’ve noticed a trend of people describing themselves as leaning politically toward libertarianism, a political ideology where all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.

According to the party platform: “The only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected.”

The Libertarian Party’s website says that it advocates dismantling the entirety of the welfare state, to quote: “We should eliminate the entire social welfare system.” Under a libertarian government there would be no National Institute of Health, no Center for Disease Control and certainly no Department of Health and Human Services. I’m curious what a response to a pandemic crisis such as we are currently experiencing with the coronavirus would be under a libertarian government. Small government and individual rights sounds great but there’s probably a reason why no society today, or ever, has adopted libertarianism as a governing system.

Trey Duffy, San Luis Obispo

We’re not Typhoid Marys

I was shocked by the uninformed statement by Cal Poly’s administration which in essence states that it is somehow OK to discriminate against people over 65 by refusing them the use of the university’s campus. For a university to use a disease that does not target one group as one more way to marginalize older people, making them objects of fear in the eyes of young people, is inexcusable.

This flu strikes people of all ages, but because older people are statistically more likely to have other serious conditions, some of us are more likely to suffer complications, which in the rare case can include death. Our age alone does not make us somehow the Typhoid Marys of this pandemic.

Each of us, regardless of age, knows our own health situation and we are capable of making choices regarding risk vs. benefit for our own health, instead of being lumped together not because of any risk we pose to others, but only the risk they pose to us. This is just one more case of blaming the victim, or should I say “statistically potential victim.”

Carol J. Nelson-Selby

Child care solution?

With all of the schools closing, what are the working parents going to do? I think every neighborhood should come together, organize to support our working families with children. Get volunteers of adults staying home to rotate supervision, and teens to babysit during this war on the pandemic. We’d still have regional containment and social distancing from larger groups of unsuspecting carriers. This is a time to pull together and help one another instead of every one for themself.

Dianne Gross-Giese, Templeton

Would you like to join the coronavirus conversation to offer advice, encouragement ... or to vent? Write us at letters@thetribunenews.com. We’ll update this file periodically, so check back.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 12:16 PM.