Proposal to privately develop Yosemite land is outrageous

'Trump administration considering trading Yosemite land to private developer,' (fresnobee.com, Aug. 28) Kingsbarn Realty Capital wants Yosemite National Park land to connect 83 acres of private property with Highway 120, inside Yosemite Park boundaries. This Trump-endorsed road would allow Kingsbarn private access to the park, potentially allowing them to bypass entrance fees. I was a K-12 teacher for the county that includes Yosemite Valley. I taught kids who had never stepped foot in Yosemite because it was too expensive. The people who provide services for the millions of tourists on their way to Yosemite make minimum wage. My husband commuted 40 miles to Yosemite. Traffic was so backed up at the entrance gates during the summer, that he took his bike along. He'd park and continue by bike rather than wait over hours. The rich are given every advantage — including a permanent tax break — while we're getting far less. Our leaders say we are frauds who don't deserve federal 'handouts.' Marita Dietz Midpines 'Empty lot on Fresno's Ventura Ave gets $40M project. 'We're building opportunities',' (sacbee.com, July 24) I grew up in Fresno and joined the Navy right after high school. After nine years of service, I'm making my way back to my beloved city. Returning, I hoped to see changes. But to my disappointment, I returned to see Fresno's downfall. Fresno's struggles are loud and heartbreaking: people living on the freeway, people struggling to find affordable housing and our kids' education only as good as the neighborhood they live in. The same issues, the same 'solutions' and yet, after decades, nothing has changed. Fresno citizens have survived because we are resilient, and these representatives have exploited that. I am no longer a kid. I'm a voting aged adult who demands accountability. To the government representatives of our unique city, we are pulling your card: Serve everyone or move out of our way. Natalie Coghlan Kingsburg 'Rep. Tom McClintock fails to defend congressional power,' (fresnobee.com, Feb. 26, 2025) Rep. Tom McClintock and the ruling Republican Party have crashed the economy, driven up national debt, launched a war against Iran, covered up the Epstein files, started tariff wars, destroyed many iconic parts of D.C., created a terror campaign with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and pardoned January 6th felons. These are the things McClintock enabled and supported over the past two years. If you disagree with all or just some of these actions, I encourage you to vote for Michael Masuda as our next representative in Congress. Jane Huffaker Mariposa 'Fresno youth suicide attempts spiked in recent days. Here's what adults should look for,' (fresnobee.com, Sept. 19, 2020) As our children and teens move back into the classroom, it is a good time to consider an overlooked aspect of September: National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In California, guns are the third leading cause of death among children and teens, according to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. Even one death is unbearable, but the actual toll is staggering. At a time of life when young brains are still developing toward maturity, approximately 264 California minors die as a result of firearms (21% are suicides and 75% are homicides). There are legitimate reasons for gun ownership, including family tradition and personal safety. However, these benefits should be balanced by the promotion of common-sense practices, including safe storage, gun safety education, safety locks, on-going firearms training and background checks. To learn more about the Be SMART secure storage campaign, text SMART to 644-33 or visit BeSMARTforKids.org Diane Schoenburg Fresno 'How Dolly Parton honored immigrants tied to Fresno County. 'She sang it from the heart',' (fresnobee.com, Aug. 27) What Dolly Parton taught us is that she never forgot who and where she came from, unlike many Americans today who deny their immigrant roots. Steven Trevino Jr. Clovis