Letters: County land | Work harder

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No county land
for John Fisher

I urge the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors at their Tuesday meeting not to grant the San Jose Earthquakes even a single acre of the county fairgrounds. Don’t give owner John Fisher a 25-year lease on public land.

And for what? For a mere four public soccer fields, which he will control, while he runs his own private facility that enriches the Quakes’ market value.

This is bad public policy. Don’t give public assets to billionaires. John Fisher is the worst owner in major league sports. He crushed Oakland A’s fans and has turned the Quakes into the worst team in MLS history. Don’t trust Fisher to do good for the people. Don’t increase his real estate empire. Don’t settle for crumbs. Stop charity for billionaires.

I urge the public to protest this deal to the Board of Supervisors.

Merijane Lee
Portola Valley

Government must work
harder on homelessness

Whenever I stroll around the San Jose State campus or downtown San Jose, I always notice the significant presence of homeless people around the area. Homelessness is a chronic issue that we face daily, especially here in the Bay Area.

Despite California being the wealthiest state in the United States, it also boasts the largest homeless population in the nation, with around 186,000 homeless individuals in California, or a third of the total U.S. homeless population. However, despite significant efforts to end homelessness like spending $24 billion over the past 5 years, there haven’t been any signs that homelessness is decreasing in California but increasing instead to new heights.

It is crucial that the California government acknowledge the issue and collaborate on effective solutions such as a housing-first policy. Together, we can aid those in need and build a community that everyone can call home.

Wesley Zhan
San Jose

HCA serves as reason
for public health care

Re: “Nurses blast hospital, HCA over staffing shortages” (Page B1, Oct. 31).

HCA Healthcare provides a clear example of why we need public control over the healthcare system in this country. It closed essential services at the only hospital in East San Jose, Regional Medical Center, closed its much-needed acute psychiatric care facility in Los Gatos, and fudges its noncompliance with mandated nursing staff ratios at Good Samaritan Hospital.

HCA must be held accountable for protecting their bottom line at the expense of patient and worker well-being. Hooray for the San Jose Planning Commission, which denied HCA’s permit for expansion because of the damage it has caused and lack of regard for equity.

A single-payer health care system such as CalCare would curb hospital profiteering by a prohibition on payments to providers for their profit, marketing and political donations; limit executive compensation and bonuses; fully fund rural and safety net hospitals; and have a special projects budget for underserved communities.

Peggy Elwell
San Jose

Dewan’s ouster hurts
county education

When news broke about the unceremonious termination of Mary Ann Dewan, I was positive there was a mistake.

Dewan is the fifth superintendent appointed during my tenure as the deputy chief and then chief probation officer of Santa Clara County. She has filled that role with dignity and grace. She moved the position from a political pawn to a laser focus on educating our most vulnerable youth. While being an outstanding partner and wicked smart, she genuinely cares for children and staff. She has created a responsive and effective executive team willing to partner on any endeavor that benefits kids.

I cannot begin to guess why certain trustees voted to terminate Dewan, but they are wrong. Rarely do you have the opportunity to work with someone of Dewan’s caliber. Her leadership was a gift to our county. How sad a few people could destroy this gift.

Laura Garnette
Scotts Valley

Communities should
invest in mental health

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that San Jose adopts a comprehensive mental health policy to support the well-being of all residents. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased anxiety, depression and isolation. By prioritizing mental health, we can foster a healthier community.