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Oakland mayoralty is
a threat to Lee’s legacy

Re: “Race for Oakland mayor somewhat stalled as Lee yet to make up her mind” (Page A1, Dec. 24).

Barbara Lee has been a courageous leader and helped pass significant legislation along with casting the lone vote against authorizing war against Iraq after 9/11. We need to honor her 28 years of public service, but many of us are concerned about her running to be the mayor of Oakland. Oakland has serious social, financial and political problems, and Lee would be walking into a hornets’ nest.

Ron Dellums was a friend and mentor to Lee and served honorably for many years before becoming the mayor of Oakland. His time as mayor tarnished his legacy because it’s a completely different skill set to manage a city compared to crafting legislation. Others with experience should take the reins.

We hope Lee will continue to be an outspoken voice for justice both in California and around the country especially in the challenging times ahead.

Micky Duxbury
Berkeley

Promise of Jan. 6
pardons drives worry

I am deeply concerned about the next four years. Donald Trump plans to pardon many if not all of the convicted Jan. 6 Capitol rioters whom he ordered to go to the Capitol. They are his patriots, not U.S. patriots. And he is skirting his 34 felony convictions, at least for the term of his presidency.

He is a master of delay and the epitome of a liar — always. He apparently thinks we will forget the riot and his direct involvement in it. That day is not something we should ever forget. It was not just another day at the Capitol.

Gae Mora
Concord

Fewer people flying
would benefit climate

Re: “Oakland airport expansion plan would hurt climate fight” (Page A6, Jan. 2).

Both the Communities for a Better Environment and the Stop OAK Expansion Coalition have compelling arguments against the plan to expand the number of gates at Oakland International Airport by 55%. They tout the beneficial impact of reduced air traffic yet never mention the fact that there are people in those planes.

If they feel so strongly about climate change, perhaps they should be trying to persuade people to reduce the amount of time they spend in the air in tandem with trying to stop the airport expansion.

Susan Tonus
Oakland

Will payout mean Siri
isn’t listening anymore?

Re: “Apple to pay $95 million to settle suit” (Page C7, Jan. 3).

When I read that Apple settled a lawsuit claiming Siri eavesdropped on private conversations and shared the information with advertisers, my suspicions were confirmed.

For months now, it was creepy how often my iPhone would show new posts and advertisements about something I recently discussed at home. Coincidence? Apparently not.

After reading your article, I grabbed my iPhone and told Siri I didn’t want her to listen in on my private conversations. She replied, “OK.” Problem solved?

Arlene DeLeon
Castro Valley

Board ignores residents’
opposition to annexation

On Dec. 11, sadly, the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District was annexed by another entity. We are no longer an independent fire district.

At the proceedings, the LAFCO representative claimed there was “no opposition” to the process. She forgot that I had sent in 30 signatures from Rodeo and Hercules neighbors in opposition to annexation. Chair Delano Doss received the same protest letters, but apparently took no notice of public opposition. She forgot that 3 of 4 members of the Measure O Oversight Committee quit in protest of the proceedings last summer. She forgot that 2 of 3 board members were also in opposition.

It is sad that we have lost our fire district, but especially sad because of the dishonesty of those involved in this proceeding, who forgot to include the community’s wishes in this process.

Maureen Brennan
Rodeo

Trump’s return holds
promise of good times

The American voters sent a mandate on Nov 5. They were tired of Joe Biden’s failed policies and the lies from the Democratic Party.

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In Biden’s first few months in office, he spent over $2 trillion the government did not have, which caused the worst inflation we have seen in 40 years.

Under Biden, illegal immigrants and drugs continue to pour into our country.

Under Biden, we have wars in Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East. Biden removed the Trump sanctions on Iran, and Iran went back to being the No. 1 sponsor of terrorism in the world.

Starting on Jan 20, Trump’s policies will create a prosperous and safe America and peace in the world. Thank God and thank you, President Trump.

David Ott
Pleasanton