Everything SLO officials get wrong about our downtown, Solvang leaders get right | Opinion

Solvang’s example

“Starting July 1, it will cost more to park in downtown SLO. Here’s why | Opinion,” (sanluisobispo.com, May 23)

Last week I had the pleasure of spending the day in Solvang. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that there were no parking meters anywhere in sight. Also, the parking lots — of which there were many — were all free. It appears that Solvang welcomes tourists and locals alike without gouging them for parking, unlike San Luis Obispo.

There were also no empty storefronts in Solvang’s downtown area, just lots of thriving businesses. Maybe our city council should contact their city council to find out how they do it.

Charlene Williams

San Luis Obispo

Misguided priorities

“Starting July 1, it will cost more to park in downtown SLO. Here’s why | Opinion,” (sanluisobispo.com, May 23)

Two recent changes in San Luis Obispo continue to bewilder me: Why the massive fence alongside the Sinsheimer bike path? And why the ever-increasing cost of parking downtown?

First, this section of railroad is a major thoroughfare between Sinsheimer and the many Broad Street businesses that need support. There have been zero deaths along this area reported in the last 10 years. So why put up this massive fence now? Thousands of people use this area to safely cross and enjoy the many activities at Sinsheimer Park, including swimming, disc golf, tennis and baseball. If the city goal is to encourage more walking and bike riding, this is actually creating more of a need to drive, not less.

Second, the rate increase downtown is yet again working against the city’s need to increase shopping. The ridiculous $4-an-hour increase is a huge deterrent to going downtown now.

Can we please just focus on what is needed here? Let’s help our homeless population — we need more addiction and mental health support, not more fencing. And let’s help the people who work full time yet can’t afford housing. SLO’s misguided priorities continue to bewilder me.

A. Piette

San Luis Obispo

Wrong approach

“Time to unmask the white supremacists among us. Who are the racists trolling SLO County? | Opinion,” (sanluisobispo.com, Aug. 3)

I was surprised and disappointed in your editorial about the California Blackshirts. Calling attention to their reprehensible behavior is one thing, but your editorial was more than that. You indulged in the very same hate-mongering which you accuse them of.

Asking for information on where they work, shop and eat is almost a call for violence. That is simply wrong.

Steve Weinstein

San Luis Obispo

Tax off-roaders

“Off-road vehicle drivers harm Salinas River beaver habitat,” (sanluisobispo.com, Aug. 5)

The solution to the problem of off-roaders in riparian areas is simple: These areas should be constantly patrolled and the expense of doing so will be deferred by a tax on off-road vehicles. When these drivers learn to operate within the law, the expense will be reduced and the tax can be as well.

John Sherwood

Shell Beach

Great org doing great work

“Good news about SLO Grad Night and 5 Cities Homeless Coalition,” (sanluisobispo.com, Aug. 4)

I’m writing to express my gratitude for the dedicated work of the Central Coast Fund for Children. This grassroots group has elevated the work of critical organizations, providing well over a million dollars of support for over 30 different nonprofits that serve at-risk children and youth.

Their grants to various organizations in San Luis Obispo County provide for the basic needs of children, including food, clothing, medical and dental care, school supplies, therapy and guidance counseling, camp experiences, enrichment activities and the arts. Central Coast Fund for Children’s commitment to the needs of young community members is highlighted by the fact that they are a volunteer-led grant resource with a 5% overhead rate.

Like South SLO County Womenade and other volunteer-run organizations in the county, when you donate to the Central Coast Fund for Children, your contribution goes directly to critical needs. We can all make a difference in the lives of children and youth in the county by contributing to the Central Coast Fund for Children.

Caity McCardell

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County

Veganism and the climate

“Crews are battling ‘fire whirls’ in California’s Mojave Desert,” (sanluisobispo.com, July 31)

The massive wildfire ravaging the Mojave Desert Preserve doesn’t only pose a danger to Joshua trees. Desert tortoises, black-tailed jackrabbits, bighorn sheep, coyotes and other animals are at risk, too. Thick smoke disorients them, stings their eyes and makes it hard for them to breathe. Those with babies, as well as animals who are very young or elderly, often succumb to the flames.

Though the cause of this wildfire is still under investigation, we can safeguard against future blazes: Report unattended fires, extinguish campfires and fire pits completely, keep vehicles off dry grass, don’t throw cigarettes from car windows, check weather conditions before burning trash or leaves and forgo fireworks.

Studies show that human-caused climate change increases the risk of extreme weather events, including wildfires — and animal agriculture is a leading driver of the climate catastrophe. Eating vegan helps prevent wildfires and other disasters. Together we can prevent billions of chickens, pigs, cows and other animals from suffering painful, terrifying deaths in slaughterhouses every year.

Melissa Rae Sanger

The PETA Foundation

Norfolk, Virginia