Trib’s Clive Pinder gets kudos — and complaints — for ‘rigged elections’ column | Opinion

Clive is on to something

Let’s take Clive Pinder seriously this time!

In the Nov. 16 Trib, he challenges us all to use our power to change the rules. In California, the Dems certainly have the power, and therefore, they have the responsibility to fix our political process instead of rigging it further.

Just take rank-choice voting as one proven way to make civility, compromise and solutions more powerful than the slogans on the left and the right. We citizens, we voters, need more choices, more perspectives, more solutions and better representation.

Pinder’s blueprint offering suggestions to make California a model of fair play is a good start. Let’s demand our Legislature work to limit the extremes of partisan power. Who benefits from the unprecedented polarization in politics? It seems it is the political parties themselves. Using power to rig the system is the proverbial fox in the hen house.

Braver Angels is just one organization giving us the skills, motivation and courage for radical change. We voters are not as polarized as they want us to be. Let’s use our power. Let’s be courageous. Let’s work together to demand more from our elected officials. Let’s fix this! Join BraverAngels.org and be courageous.

Kate Christensen

Co-Chair, SLO Alliance

More ‘alarmism’ than facts

The recent opinion piece by Clive Pinder comparing California’s Proposition 50 to authoritarian overreach relies more on alarmism than on facts.

Politicians did not impose 50; it was approved by nearly 65% of voters. Calling that outcome “not legitimate” because turnout was around 49% undermines the basic principle that election results are valid, whether or not everyone chooses to participate.

The measure also does not eliminate California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission. It temporarily shifts the authority to redraw congressional maps during an unusual national redistricting cycle and reverts back in the early 2030s. You can oppose the policy, but it is misleading to describe it as the end of independent redistricting.

The op-ed also suggests California is sliding into one-party rule. But Democrats consistently register far more voters than Republicans. A Legislature that mirrors those numbers is not a “monopoly”— it’s a reflection of voter preference.

Finally, comparing a voter-approved ballot measure to Jan. 6 is irresponsible. One was a democratic process; the other was an assault on one. We can debate Prop. 50’s wisdom, but we should do so with clarity, accuracy and respect for the voters who passed it.

Jill Stegman

Grover Beach

Sanction Dan Dow

As members of the local Jewish community, we are appalled by District Attorney Dan Dow’s comments about Zohran Mamdani that are not only anti-Muslim, but also inflammatory.

As Jews, we are keenly aware of what it means to be treated like the “other,” to be vilified, to be the target of hate-speech and hateful actions.

The district attorney is tasked with the job of meting out justice impartially. Comments like this make it impossible to believe we will all be treated fairly in the eyes of the law. Under these circumstances, he cannot do his job.

The California Supreme Court agreed that he could not participate in prosecuting the 2020 case against Tianna Arata because of a “clear conflict of interest.” It seems likely that the DA’s Office will be prevented from hearing cases with Muslim defendants.

We call on the California State DA Association and the California Bar Association to sanction him. When it’s time to cast our votes, let’s remember that everyone in our community has a right to be treated fairly, impartially, and with dignity.

Elie Axelroth

Susan Dressler

Sari Dworkin

Dona Hare-Price

Barry Price

San Luis Obispo

Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, California

Dow has tainted the jury pool

Calling on DA Dan Dow: Ultimately, you are the person who decides who to prosecute in SLO County. The final question in the jury questionnaire handed to every potential juror and later discussed in open court is: “9. Is there any particular matter you have not already disclosed, which may impact your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?”

My answer, based on your recent display of bias toward immigrants, people of color and those who are not Christian, is to say yes. If any defendant claims improper prosecution or racial or religious bias, I personally would not be able to agree that the defendant will get a “fair and impartial” trial.

Many thinking citizens who are potential jurors would agree with me. Therefore, you have tainted the jury pool, perhaps irrevocably. You should immediately resign from office for the damage you have done to our cherished rule of law. Mike Lyons Cambria

Who’s the piggy now?

President Trump was recorded live recently telling a reporter, “Quiet piggy.”

Using the standard he is setting, it would appear to be fair game, based on his own girth, to address him as “President Piggy.” Can you imagine his reaction?

David Bernhardt

San Luis Obispo

Downtown SLO gave up on us

A recent article asks San Luis Obispo residents to not give up on downtown. I think it’s just the opposite. Downtown gave up on locals.

While the article cited parking as the major issue, getting from point A to point B is a significant barrier for locals as well. The city has become so chopped up with parklets, one-way streets and hard-barrier bike paths that it’s an irritation rather than a pleasure to be downtown.

If you take a step back and look at how downtown is now laid out, you might think it was designed for tourists, students and bicycles rather than the people who live here.

Bill Hallum

San Luis Obispo

SLO’s very own ‘dream team’

Let’s be honest: When most people hear “Department of Social Services,” they brace for impact. You picture fluorescent lights, 47-minute hold times and someone behind bulletproof glass asking for the same form you already uploaded three times. It’s the bureaucratic equivalent of a root canal.

So when I became disabled and had to navigate the SNAP system — the labyrinth of benefits, red tape, and acronyms clearly designed by a sadist with a clipboard — I was ready for hell. I expected apathy. Confusion. Government-issued despair.

Instead, I met the SLO County DSS team, and they were awesome. Like, “restore your faith in humanity” awesome. These aren’t your state-issued zombies shuffling papers until lunch. These are warm, whip-smart humans who explain things in just the right number of words, follow through and somehow make you feel seen in the process. I walked in expecting to feel like a case number; I walked out feeling like a person again.

Now they’ve been dealing with a mess they didn’t make — the shutdown, the suspended SNAP, the panic, the endless questions from angry folks that they don’t have the answers to. Be kind to them. They’re the ones holding the line while the system crumbles.

Sandee Hunt

San Luis Obispo