Larger libraries may not be so necessary in future
The recent article outlining San Rafael’s plans to build a new library was somewhat concerning (“San Rafael library supporters prepare tax measure pitch,” Dec. 12).
As a longtime patron and volunteer, I find the desire to build a larger edifice hard to understand. Yes, San Rafael is a much larger city than the current building, located on E Street downtown, can serve on its own. But new technologies and practices provide the opportunity to serve the community in better and more sustainable ways.
One of the most magical powers of the library is its interlibrary loan program, which allows patrons access to books from libraries all over the Bay Area. This, combined with internet access, suggests that building smaller branches to serve the city’s far-flung neighborhoods could be a better use for the millions of dollars envisioned for the new, and undoubtedly glorious, downtown library. Why force people to drive in from Spinnaker Point, Smith Ranch or Peacock Gap to the downtown center, when they could be served locally by a small branch with reading room, new book, internet and interlibrary loan capabilities?
The Pickleweed branch, in the Canal neighborhood, has successfully paved the way in this direction. The county library system operates a bookmobile that visits North San Pedro Road, the Rotary Valley and Miller Creek Road. Officials evidently see a need for outreach that the city could serve much better with local, accessible centers. How much better it would be to build a library system that is comprehensively accessible by bike and by walking, and which builds local neighborhoods and communities.
— Burk Braun, San Rafael
MarinHealth Medical Center deserves thanks
I would like to give a shoutout to MarinHealth Medical Center. This past year, I spent close to 100 days at the hospital with a number of health issues. A couple of times, I was sent to the intensive care unit, where I was told I had been near death.
I had a leaky heart valve, so I ended up with a pacemaker and a defibrillator. I was also treated for failing kidneys and to have fluid drained from my lungs, as well as a number of other problems. The MarinHealth medical team and staff have been very caring and attentive to my needs.
I have been recovering at home and just enjoyed a great Christmas holiday with my family. Of all the greatness that Marin has to offer, it is a comfort to know we have a great community hospital.
— Leslie Mize, San Rafael
Gibbs’ commentary fully missed the mark
I found some of the opinions in Tief Gibbs’ Marin Voice commentary to be bizarre (“It’s true: Americans worse off because of higher prices,” Dec. 22). The author cites a “recent analysis of government data” finding that Californians must spend an extra $12,942 annually just to maintain the standard of living they enjoyed in January 2021.
I am retired and living on a fixed income. I am not aware of any decline in my standard of living since January 2021, and I assure you I am not spending anything remotely approaching an additional $12,000 to maintain it. The disparity between Gibbs’ assertion and reality becomes evident when she revealed the source of this murky research: Republican members of the U.S. Congress. I no longer consider that partisan, dysfunctional assembly of election-deniers credible.
Gibbs goes on to blame inflation on an overreaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excuse me? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million Americans have died from coronavirus. By masking, avoiding crowds and frequent hand-washing, I have happily avoided COVID-19 to date. I followed government guidelines, which I am thankful for, and strongly disagree with Gibbs’ assertion they were an overreaction.
— Steve O’Keefe, Novato
High executive salaries part of PG&E’s problem
In a recent letter to the editor, Stephen Bingham is right to mention that the large increase in profits that Pacific Gas and Electric Co. had last year, a 6.8% increase from the year before, is concerning. But I think there is even more to the story.
Patricia Poppe, chief executive officer with PG&E, was given $51.2 million in total direct compensation in 2021. For those of us struggling to make utility bill payments, this gross overcompensation for one person goes to show that PG&E is ripping us all off and should be made into a public utility company immediately.
It’s time we do something about PG&E and stop the rate increases. It should stop paying executive outrageous amounts and give some back to the ratepayers of California.
— Paul Bartolini, Santa Rosa
