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Don’t be misled on single-payer cost
Re: “Fate of universal health care still unclear as Newsom exits” (Page A6, May 10).
Dan Walters misleads readers in his opinion piece. He cites a UCLA report that states that single-payer would cost $731.4 billion a year, more than triple the state’s $238 billion general fund. What he doesn’t say is that this huge number is only 2% more than we already pay today. And with that 2%, it removes all deductibles and co-pays, and provides long-term care coverage.
Major new benefits at small additional cost are possible because single-payer skips bloated administrative overhead, insurance marketing costs and insurer profits. We don’t need to drown in debt to remove the enormous burdens of healthcare costs and hurdles.
Doug McKenzie
Berkeley
Vote no on bailout for community college
Contra Costa County Measure G on the June 2 ballot is too big a burden for the property owners of the county. It should be opposed by the voters.
In an era of declining enrollment, the community college district is using its existing funds to pay exorbitant salaries to management, staff and educators, ignoring the fact that part of its current budget needs to pay for maintenance of the district’s physical infrastructure. Instead, district management defers maintenance on buildings and then seeks voter approval to borrow more bond money for repair and replacement, in this case, $1.88 Billion. This is morally wrong and contributes to the high cost of living in Contra Costa County.
Vote no on Measure G.
Bryan Scott
Brentwood
Voters should say no to Measure B
The ballot is packed, but if you don’t read the details, you won’t realize how deceptive Measure B is.
The money goes into the general fund, and, like Measure X, can be spent on things you would never have voted for. The justification — Medicaid and social service spending — is bogus. The numbers given go into the future when administrations and needs change.
None of us can afford higher sales taxes. And, if you can, think of your neighbors who are struggling. This regressive tax is just the first of many our politicians plan to inflict on us. Stop Measure B.
Denise Kalm
Walnut Creek
Keep FCI Dublin out of ICE’s hands
The Bureau of Prisons published an Environmental Assessment on FCI Dublin on May 1, 2026, opening a 30-day public comment period.
The report details myriad structural problems and recommends permanent deactivation of the facility. Unsaid in the 2,700-page report, but hinted in a notification letter to the city of Dublin on Dec. 4, 2025, is the possible transfer of the property to another agency through GSA.
The proposed action in the report does not go far enough to ensure the safety of Bay Area residents. If the facility is unsafe to be a prison, it is also unsafe to be an immigration detention center. Furthermore, the safest option would be to demolish the crumbling buildings and remediate the site.
Read the report and send in your comments by June 1, 2026.
Dan Morley
Pleasanton
Educate yourself on candidates before voting
The question in 2026 is not whether a woman has the temperament to hold high office. The question is, do the men she defeated, the men who work for her, negotiate with her, argue policy with her, have the temperament to get over themselves and not sabotage her efforts to fulfill the will of the people? As past and recent history demonstrates, temperament is not gender assigned.
As we approach the primaries, we know this is the most important election in our history. As you consider how to gift your precious vote and listen to debates and ads, ask who is making personal attacks, embellishing their résumé and making false claims.
More importantly, who is talking about solving real problems that affect you and me? If you don’t know, Google each candidate. The information gained is invaluable in making your decision.
Nancy Thornton
Concord
Trump critics need to have faith, not fear
Why are so many individuals afraid to publicly speak out against Trump? Of what are they scared? Is he God who created the universe? No. Does he believe he is God? Yes, and that’s blasphemy. Does he have more power than God? No.
His cabinet, the Republican Congress, his sycophants in D.C. and elsewhere, tech giants, educational institutions, attorneys, some courts and individuals who call themselves Catholics or Christians bow down and kiss his rear. They’re all afraid of his wrath, which will cause them to lose their power and money, so to hell with everyone else.
“We the people” who are fighting to save our Democracy aren’t afraid to speak up. Pope Leo isn’t. We who advocate for immigrants and who participate in peaceful protests aren’t. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops isn’t, and our Democratic members of Congress and state officials aren’t.
So, “be not afraid.”
Ramona Krausnick
Dublin