Letters To The Editor Of The Desert Sun In Support Of Gov. Newsom And Against The Recall

The following articles were published in the Letters to the Editor section of The Desert Sun. They were written by DOD members to explain why they support Gov. Newsom and are saying "NO" to the recall. Feel free to use these messages when talking to friends; sending in email to your contacts and networks; and on your social media sites. Thanks!

Even if you don’t like Newsom, vote no

Why you should vote no on the recall, even if you don’t like Gavin Newsom:

1. He has done NOTHING illegal. If it is a policy dispute you have with him, he is up for re-election next year.

2. The process is undemocratic and sets a terrible precedent where a tiny percent can install a new governor. Remember, Donald Trump was president with less than 45 percent approval rating for four years. He never got to 50 percent approval.

3. If Newsom is recalled, the lieutenant governor by right should replace him, not a candidate with small support.

Eileen Stern, Palm Springs

Why not wait until next year?

I am at a loss to understand why California Republicans weren’t willing to wait one year, for the next statewide election, to put forth a serious candidate for governor and appeal — based on policies — to a majority of California voters.

Instead, they want to take the helm of our state government, at a cost to taxpayers of over $200 million, with a person who might get into that office with 10 percent of the vote, or even less. It’s getting hard to believe they believe in majority-rules democracy.

Don’t sit this one out — send a message — vote.

Anita Rufus, Palm Desert

Vote No On Recall

Ballots for the Tuesday, Sept. 14, California gubernatorial recall election will be in mailboxes soon. Please join me in voting against this purely political effort to overturn Californians’ votes for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was elected with a margin of 69.2% of the vote.

Newsom has governed through unprecedented challenges — under the unstable Trump administration, the horrific and shifting COVID-19 pandemic, historic drought and wildfire seasons, a disturbing surge in white supremacy and continuing disinformation. Newsom is, by far, the most qualified leader to keep California on a pathway to progress and wellness.

This is important: The recall ballot will have only two questions:

(1) Should Gavin Newsom be removed from office?

Please vote no on Question 1. And do not vote on the next question.

(2) If Gavin Newsom is removed, who should replace him as governor?

There will be a long list of other candidate choices.

If more than 50% of voters vote “yes” on Question 1, Newsom will be removed.

One of the ill-equipped and unqualified listed candidates, with the most votes, will replace him, even if they do not have the majority of votes.

Remember, a no vote on Question 1 is a vote for Newsom!

Anita Hoag, Rancho Mirage

Moral Imperative To Vote No

In my opinion, voting no on the recall is a moral imperative and a matter of social justice. At stake are reasonable gun safety laws, moving ahead on climate change, protection of the rights of women, the right of workers to a living wage, the dignity of seniors and immigrants, preservation of water and wetlands, sensible guidance on the use of masks to keep us safe, and strong support for our public schools and community colleges.

Finally, from my faith tradition, we answer yes to the Biblical imperative in the Torah/Old Testament: “We are our brother's keeper.”

Remember to vote. Replacing Gov. Gavin Newsom would be disastrous. Vote no on question one, skip question two, sign it and mail it.

Charlie Ara, Palm Desert

A Power Grab

Everyone should check their mail because 1.3 million ballots are being sent to every voter in Riverside County as the Republican Party wants the state to waste over $250 million to remove our properly elected governor and replace him with someone who has never held statewide office to serve a little over one year before the next election. How insane, and what a power grab.

Please do not throw away that ballot but vote no on recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom. In the 2018 primary, I voted for someone else, but in the general election I voted for Gavin. I am satisfied with his leadership as he and the legislature have increased medical coverage, spending on education, and money for housing the homeless and all during a pandemic.

Add to that he is the only governor who appropriated real money to start work on helping the Salton Sea. Others have talked, but Newsom started by spending the first $200 million for the Salton Sea.

Vote no on the recall.

Bob Warburton, Indio

The Consequences

If there is any doubt, think of the consequences of a possible Gov. Gavin Newsom recall.

Many fewer Californians getting affordable health care; fewer environmental protections; higher food prices and lower standards for farmers and farm workers we depend on; unsafe schools from un-vaccinated folks and fewer safety measures; important highway, bridge and airport improvements halted or dropped; the number of neglected and abused children increasing; budget cuts for our communities impacting fire and police help, street and park improvements, and so on.

Government is for the people, and Democrats do a much better job of providing for us. Democrats far out think, out produce, out protect, out appreciate and out plan for California.

Vote no on the recall.

Rob Westwood, Rancho Mirage

Newsom's Courage

As gay Americans, my husband and I owe our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who when he was the youngest elected mayor of San Francisco in 2004, directed the city clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, violating state law. Because of this courageous act, he helped bring about the movement for marriage equality for millions in the LGBTQ community.

Also when he was San Francisco’s mayor, the now-governor signed the law establishing Healthy San Francisco in 2007, to provide city residents with universal healthcare, the first city in the nation to do so.

Steven and I would not be married if it were not for his bold leadership 17 years ago. For these reasons, and many more, we are encouraging you to join our household, in voting no on the Republican recall.

We need to keep our caring and competent governor in office!

Ken Richard, Rancho Mirage

Leadership On Guns

Gavin Newsom is the most gun-sense governor in California’s history. And, as a former Coachella Valley chapter lead for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, I want to keep him in office.

Over the years, in response to America's gun-violence epidemic, Governor Newsom has supported gun-safety measures, including closing the loopholes for background checks for gun purchases and trying to include background checks for the purchase of large-capacity magazines. Unfortunately, a major part of the gun-safety desires of Californians were deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge, Roger Benitez. Newsom denounced the judge as "a stone cold ideologue" and "a wholly owned subsidiary of the gun lobby of the National Rifle Association.”

Governor Newsom will be able to continue to lead to find gun-sense solutions for gun violence only if he remains in office. We need him to keep fighting to protect us and our children.

For these reasons, and many more, I encourage you to join me in voting no on the effort to recall our governor, Gavin Newsom.

James Boldt, Palm Springs

Newsom Has Acted

Those who are seeking to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom from office have claimed the governor is “soft on crime.” While there has been an increase in violent crime since we began emerging from the year-long pandemic shutdown, this is true of nearly every state. Experts attribute the surge to a number of causes, but predict it will taper off soon.

Governor Newsom is not waiting for that, however. He has implemented several programs that include creative approaches to crime prevention, deterrence and enforcement. Recently, the governor backed a $12 billion homelessness plan, with $3 billion allocated toward addressing the mental health crisis on local streets. He has designated $200 million to expand the Cal VIP program, which provides matching grants to community-based violence intervention efforts.

He’s budgeted $4 billion for universal behavioral health for young people, along with an expansion of before- and after-school programs and summer job opportunities. And he’s addressing the surge of organized shoplifting gangs through new CHP partnerships to increase patrols. He’s also ensuring California’s gun laws — especially our Red Flag Law — are enforced to protect our communities.

I

am proud to support Governor Newsom and will vote “no” on the recall.

Janet Minehan, Palm Desert

Newsom is Trying to Protect Children

Today I heard that the Orange County School Board is suing Governor Newsom over his mandate for masks in schools. What is wrong with these people? They are willing to sacrifice their children's' health, future health, and maybe their very lives to make a political statement in support of a leader who lost in 2020? Who would make this heartless choice--especially when it's your own children? As a retired teacher who spent 30 years teaching California's primary students, I can't think of even one of them I would have put at this risk--let alone my own children! Not only are they wanting to sacrifice their own progeny on the alter of the Big Lie, but they are endangering every other student and staff member of the school. Please! Keep Governor Newsom in office. We need his protection, belief in science, and common sense guiding our state through continuing challenges. Vote NO on question one and do not vote at all on question two. The Governor's name is not on question two and any vote there will just give credibility to candidates who don't deserve it. Marlene Levine, La Quinta

Say No To The Republican Recall Power Grab

Thank you for publishing the excellent column on July 29 about fixing our state’s flawed recall process. Garry South reminded us that California Republicans have failed to beat a Democratic governor in a general election since 1966. There’s a reason for that. Californians vote for a qualified executive branch leader and for progressive policies. This recall tries again to sneak in the back door to deny us the representation by a governor we elected with 62% in 2018.

I’m a former Washington state legislator living in the Coachella Valley. As an elected lawmaker, I knew that public governance impacts an entire state. A candidate for governor must exemplify skills and priorities focused on improving the lives of all residents and communities. I have looked at the experiences and talking points of GOP candidates in the current attempted power grab. There is little evidence that any of these candidates have this commitment to all Californians.

Recalling the governor is not in our best interest, so please do vote. Vote no on the recall (question one on the ballot). Your no vote confirms that you want to keep Gov. Gavin Newsom. Then, ignore question two and the unqualified Republican candidates.

Marcie Maxwell, Indian Wells

Before You Criticize, Put Yourself in Newsom's Shoes

When I hear people calling Governor Newsom names or criticizing his handling of difficult issues, I try to put myself in his position.

Imagine trying to save Californians from COVID-19 when loud voices claim the pandemic is a hoax or that life-saving vaccines will cause infertility (a absurd lie) or that wearing a mask takes away "freedom."

Imagine working to solve the homelessness crisis when self-proclaimed experts assert the state must demand the homeless first “fix” their addictions or mental health problems, which are illnesses not choices.

Imagine trying to correct criminal justice disparities while critics say they don’t want even non-violent prisoners released and they want the state to resume executing prisoners again.

The people who want Newsom recalled do not have even a remote idea how to govern California. Nor do they want to help others. Considering all the special interests clamoring for his removal, Governor Newsom has done an terrific job.

Vote no on the recall.

Stephen Jaffe, Idyllwild

Newsom Has a Big Heart

Seeing news that Governor Newsom agreed to spend $30 million to relocate 1,000 residents of Thermal’s Desert Oasis Mobile Home Park is an example of his big heart. A big heart that is helping people locally and across California. He’s an effective leader: California has billions of dollars in surplus.

Years ago, on a drive to San Francisco with sisters when Newsom was that city’s mayor, politics came up, and it was exciting to learn they went to high school with him.

They confirmed that the Governor has always sought to help others. It continues: he recently signed a bill, providing immediate cash relief to middle-class families and businesses hit hardest by the pandemic. Today we learned that California has expanded its free lunch program: all 6.2 million students will have the option for a free meal at school, no matter the family’s income.

All these actions highlight his kindness and caring; his big heart. Is he perfect? Of course not, because he’s human. But he is the best we have.

Please vote NO on your ballot in the recall election. We can’t let wealthy GOP donors overturn the will of Californians who elected Newsom as our state’s leader.

Dori Smith, Palm Desert

Imitating Texas is not the Way to Go

John Cox’s citing Florida and Texas as examples of infrastructure and services obtained with lower taxes and few regulations was puzzling [“With 8-foot ball of trash…,” T. Coulter, Desert Sun, 7/13/21]. The Texas power grid failure during a winter storm and the collapse of the condo tower in Florida are textbook examples of governance to be avoided. Cox’s comment about renewable energy was also nonsensical. California’s goal of having energy sources be 100% carbon-free by 2045 is a goal — not a mandate — and surely, within the next 25 years there will be new technologies that could help diversify energy sources, storage and transmission. We are not putting all of our “eggs into solar and wind.”

And Cox’s idea that treatment of the homeless should take precedence over their housing was illogical. How can someone in crisis be successfully treated (mental illness or addictions) if they don’t have a stable living situation? Gov. Newsom’s extension of Project Homekey is a much better solution—it’s cheaper for the state to purchase already existing motels and convert them to housing for the homeless. I will be voting for Gov. Newsom in the recall election—he’s the more practical, logical choice.

Debra Vogler

Challengers Have No Clue On Homelessness, So Say No To The Recall

My thanks to The Desert Sun for publishing an excellent article on the front page, Sunday, July 18, 2021, concerning Gov. Newsom, the several recall candidates, and the issue of homelessness in our state.

After a reader gets past the headline and continues reading on page 9A, it becomes clear that the Newsom administration is on the correct path with its “housing first” approach to homelessness. Several of the leading candidates seem to prefer “treatment first,” for addictions suffered by those living on the street.

The article indicates many public health officials believe the GOP solution to be untenable. And when questioned on costs for a treatment-first program, none of the Republican candidates could provide ANY detail.

Clearly, these would-be-governors have not thought the issue through.

No, California voters do not need a new governor now, especially a complete neophyte trying to overcome the problems of homelessness.

This recall has been orchestrated by “silly” people and we taxpayers get stuck paying for it, to the tune of $250 million.

Vote “no” on the recall.

Dennis Sheehan, Indio

Newsom Saved Lives AND California's Economy

Our Governor, Gavin Newsom, is being attacked with a recall effort because he has had to make hard choices to do the right thing for Californians.

When Trump abdicated his responsibility for saving lives and shunted it off to the Governors, we depended on Governor Newsom to make the hard calls for life saving actions. Governor Newsom chose to follow the lead of the best medical/scientific advice available. Even the best medical experts were challenged with this unprecedented phenomenon and had to change their recommendations as new information emerged. Yes, this meant that Governor Newsom had to modify his orders and recommendations frequently to keep up with developing circumstances. This is called good leadership from a Governor who believes in science and will listen to the medical experts rather than deny what was evident in every hospital in the state.

USC economist Adam Rose (who studies the economics of disasters) stated that, “if you save 1,000 lives, that’s $10 billion that you save. If you do nothing, the situation would be much worse.” Though saving lives was always most important, Governor Newsom’s efforts also saved our economy. Vote No on the recall! We need Governor Newsom’s leadership. George Garcia, Rancho Mirage

Newsom Actions Reduce Homelessness

Reducing homelessness here is important. The Budget Governor Newsom just approved has the largest funding to address homelessness in California history plus $1.75 billion for new affordable housing and $300 million to rehab existing affordable housing.

With all this money, why does homelessness persist? The State’s role: one is funding which Governor Newsom has provided. The second is enforcement of the Housing Element law. That law requires every city and county to identify sites for shelters for homeless families and individuals. When I was State Housing Director, I worked unsuccessfully with the Legislature to put teeth in that law. Newsom made enforcement a priority—suing Huntington Beach and putting several other cities on notice; Desert Hot Springs was one. While these cities have plans and identified sites, have they approved emergency housing facilities to get homeless off the streets? The answer is no.

Newsom is providing $1 billion a year for two years for local government to use in providing shelter and services. I am grateful for his compassion coupled with both the carrot and the stick to address this crisis. Now responsibility rests with local government. I hope they will use the State funding and approve the much-needed shelters. Vote NO on the recall. Julie Bornstein, Indian Wells