Here’s how Modesto residents can learn more about water management, sustainability | Opinion

Risks of water mismanagement

“Trillions of gallons leak from aging drinking water systems, further stressing shrinking US cities,” (modbee.com, March 2)

One of our top local issues is drinking water. Notably, only a very small percent of our water is used for drinking (nearly 80% is used by agribusiness, as proven via our billion-dollar-a-year almond industry). Some areas have awful tasting water that they can’t drink or cook with. Drinking water is expensive, and PG&E fees are rising on water.

But we’re luckier than some, as others have no water or are in danger of flooding due to land subsidence — a settling or sinking of the Earth’s surface, often due to groundwater withdrawal — which can cause Earth fissures and damage to buildings and roads, the destruction of aquifer storage capacity and increased flood susceptibility risk. Large areas have sunk and others are sinking. We are surrounded by almond orchards which demand a lot of water, and we may be vulnerable to subsidence.

The Water Leadership Institute is hosting free educational classes on groundwater management and sustainability. Residents are encouraged to contact elected leaders on this issue. I would like to invite the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors and Modesto City Council members to attend an upcoming training session on April 13.

Jorge Martinez

Newman

Opinion

Condolences and gratitude to Monteith

“After two break-ins, Modesto’s Cambodian temple is building its own defense,” (modbee.com, Oct. 5, 2022)

On behalf of the Cambodian Buddhist Temple in Modesto, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Richard “Dick” Monteith, a long-time California state senator and Stanislaus Counry supervisor. Monteith was one of four supervisors who voted to allow for the building of our current temple. Our heartfelt gratitude to those supervisors and supporters who went and spoke on our behalf on that public hearing day are still deeply embedded within our hearts and minds.

We would like to express our deepest condolences and gratitude.

Pauline Wou

Modesto

MAGA is fascism

“Biden, Trump issue dire warnings of the other, as rematch comes into view in Georgia,” (modbee.com, March 11)

Just as MAGA has embraced Donald Trump’s support of a U.S. autocracy, Germany embraced Hitler and the rise of fascism. It isn’t much of a surprise that Trump, an admirer of dictators like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, recently said that Hitler “did some good things.”

What “good things” will Americans expect from Trump’s MAGA reich if he wins? State censorship, and the targeting of school and city libraries to be certain. I can foresee that principals and teachers will have to comply with Trump’s Fahrenheit 451-esque order.

MAGA is fascism.

Brooks Judd

Turlock

Livid with Schiff

“Porter continues to claim CA primary election was rigged,” (sacbee.com, March 7)

Katie Porter is livid and so am I! I voted for her, and for Adam Schiff and his cronies to have contributed to ads that supported Steve Garvey is shifty and sleazy.

Porter is no-nonsense and a straight-shooter, which clearly intimidated Schiff. For that, I’m not voting for either Schiff or Garvey.

Bridget Whitted

Folsom

Senator Schiffty

“Porter continues to claim CA primary election was rigged,” (sacbee.com, March 7)

I agree that the funding of Steve Garvey’s campaign by the Democratic party and candidate was lacking in integrity. Did some of Donald Trump’s narcissism rub off on Adam Schiff during the impeachment hearings?

After this, I will always think of him as “Senator Schiffty,” who put his career before what may be best for California and its citizens. I will likely write in Katie Porter in November.

Muriel Strand

Sacramento