In the year 2025, the East Bay Times received a flurry of letters to the editor from its readers, covering a range of topics from Prop. 13 reform to affordable housing to the controversial Oak Flat project. But one letter in particular caught our attention, as it highlighted the pettiness of Governor Newsom and compared his actions to that of a fascist. As we delve into these issues, it becomes clear that there is a pressing need for change and reform in our society.

Let’s start with Prop. 13 reform. For those who may not be familiar, Prop. 13 is a California law that limits property taxes to 1% of the assessed value and restricts annual increases to no more than 2%. While this may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it has had detrimental effects on our state’s budget and has led to a lack of funding for important services such as education and healthcare. It’s time for a change.

Fortunately, there is a movement to reform Prop. 13, led by organizations such as Schools and Communities First. This initiative aims to close loopholes in the law that allow large corporations to avoid paying their fair share of property taxes. This would generate billions of dollars in revenue for our state, which could be used to improve our schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, except for those corporations who have been taking advantage of the system for far too long.

But as our reader pointed out, Governor Newsom has been dragging his feet on this issue. Despite his promises to support Prop. 13 reform, he has yet to take any concrete action. This is where the pettiness comes into play. Instead of standing up for what is right and supporting this much-needed reform, Newsom is playing politics and trying to appease his wealthy donors. This is not leadership, it’s cowardice.

Moving on to the topic of affordable housing, it’s no secret that the Bay Area is facing a housing crisis. The skyrocketing cost of living has forced many families out of their homes and into homelessness. This is unacceptable in a state as wealthy as California. We need bold and innovative solutions to address this issue, and thankfully, there are some promising developments on the horizon.

One such solution is the proposed Oak Flat project, which aims to build affordable housing on a vacant lot in Oakland. This project has faced opposition from some community members, who argue that it will lead to gentrification and displacement. While these concerns are valid, we must also consider the urgent need for affordable housing in our city. The Oak Flat project has the potential to provide much-needed homes for low-income families, and it’s a step in the right direction. We must work together to find a balance between preserving our communities and addressing the housing crisis.

Finally, let’s address the comparison made by our reader between Governor Newsom and a fascist. While this may seem extreme, it’s important to remember that fascism is characterized by authoritarianism, suppression of opposition, and strong control over society. These are all traits that we have seen in Newsom’s actions, from his refusal to support Prop. 13 reform to his handling of the pandemic. As citizens, it’s our responsibility to hold our leaders accountable and speak out against any actions that go against the values of democracy.

In conclusion, the letters to the editor from our readers have shed light on some important issues that need to be addressed in our society. From Prop. 13 reform to affordable housing to the actions of our leaders, it’s clear that change is needed. We must come together as a community and demand accountability from our elected officials. Let’s work towards a better future for all Californians.