Columnist asked why GOP can’t win in California. Just look at the candidates | Opinion
She’s got answers for Clive
This responds to Clive Pinder’s June 24 opinion column. He says California’s electorate is owed straight answers to two questions: First, why is voter participation so poor? Second, if “accessibility and trust really are in tension, which one is California actually choosing?”
From what I’ve read of his, Mr. Pinder rarely digs deep. These questions are rhetorical, mundane or both. But I’ll take a shot at answering anyway. Voter participation is poor because people are distracted by (drum roll please), living. And (no surprise here), people are discouraged by an American system that put in power (twice yet!) a person who lost the popular vote, whose motivations and agendas are anti-American, and more pointedly, who is unconcerned with the needs of American citizens.
As for California’s “choice” between voter accessibility and trust in elections, California chooses both accessibility and trust. Clive is attempting division by provocation. He seems to want to divide (and conquer) California’s aspirations by presenting a false narrative and suggesting that trust and accessibility cannot exist together. He’s wrong, and California knows better.
Sally LaMacchia
Cayucos
It’s about the candidates, Clive
In his recent column, “In CA elections, the house always wins,” Clive Pinder tries hard to find every possible convoluted reason why Republican candidates aren’t elected in California, except the obvious one: the quality of the candidates themselves.
The people the Republican Party is allowing to run are out of touch with CA voters. The values and ideas they espouse are not resonating. Fealty to an unpopular president is more of a detriment than a benefit. The Republicans will continue to lose again and again and again until the quality of their candidates improves.
Patti Everett
Templeton
July 4 is coming. Drive safely
As we approach America’s 250th birthday on July 4, many of us are preparing to celebrate our nation’s history at events. “America Turns 250!” Patriotic Pops by Opera San Luis Obispo is one highlight of the weekend. These celebrations serve as a vital reminder that our collective freedom depends on public safety and responsible driving.
This issue is personal to me. In 1992, at the age of 16, my life was forever changed when I was hit by a drunk driver. Driving laws exist to protect our shared freedoms, yet DUI rates remain a serious concern. In California, law enforcement made 1,336 DUI arrests during the Fourth of July period in 2024 and 1,311 during the same period in 2025.
If you see someone driving erratically on any road, like Highway 1, please notify law enforcement immediately. By following the law and looking out for one another, we stay true to the values of the country we call home.
Lori Martin
Tracy, California
Concerning rhetoric
We should be concerned about statements from Tom Fulks, chair of the SLO County Democratic Party, including: “We want to eradicate MAGA from every corner of our democracy,” and his social media post, “Yes, I said it. And I mean it. Somebody had to. We are ready to bring it.”
Regardless of political affiliation, calling for the “eradication” of a political movement or fellow Americans is divisive and confrontational. Such rhetoric can deepen polarization, increases distrust and undermines constructive dialogue among people with differing views. Language that may contribute to threats, intimidation, harassment or violence should be discouraged so all citizens can participate in civic life without fear of expressing their political beliefs.
Calls to “eradicate” political opponents reeks of fascist and communist regimes that sought to silence dissent, weakening political freedoms and democratic institutions. In America, political disagreements are resolved through free speech, debate and elections—not intimidation, exclusion, or animosity toward those who hold different views.
Linda Becker
Paso Robles