Letters: State Senate | Pinole City Council | Pleasanton council | East Bay parks | Contra Costa elections

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Elect Jovanka Beckles
to state Senate

I am writing to urge readers to support Jovanka Beckles in the race for state Senate District 7. She is a respected, well-established, longtime grassroots leader known for her social justice, public health and safety advocacy and for her accomplishments as a Richmond City Council member and AC Transit board director.

Jovanka accepts no corporate money. In fact, when she was a member, the Richmond City Council sued Chevron and won, resulting in millions of dollars used to create a college fund for Richmond high school students.

If you value true, corporate-free, progressive leadership, Jovanka is your candidate. She has been endorsed by Bernie Sanders, the California Teachers Association, Courage California, SEIU California, The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club and many more.

Abigail Wolf
Alameda

Reelect Devin Murphy
to Pinole City Council

Please join me in supporting Devin Murphy for his continued service on the Pinole City Council. Devin has been a dedicated advocate for the community, always standing up for fairness and justice, especially on issues related to diversity and inclusion. He has consistently supported local businesses and worked to strengthen the economic fabric of the city, ensuring opportunities for all residents.

His commitment to public safety and collaboration with residents in finding practical solutions to everyday concerns has earned him a reputation for being responsive and approachable. Devin brings both experience and fresh perspectives, making him a strong leader in our city. He has my full support, trust and vote.

Vincent Salimi
Former Pinole councilmember
Pinole

Pleasanton deserves
new leadership

Vote for Jack Balch for mayor, Craig Eicher for City Council District 2 and Vivek Mohan for City Council District 4. Pleasanton deserves new leadership and these three candidates will deliver a balanced budget, economic growth for our city, safe schools and a safe community, and clean, safe and abundant drinking water.

It is time for a new direction and a positive change. Vote for the fiscally responsible candidates that have the leadership qualities, experience and accountability that we so desperately need for our city to be prosperous for years to come.

David Ott
Pleasanton

Deschambault for
East Bay parks board

As a retired high school environmental science teacher, an avid hiker and a co-director of the Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center, I encourage community members in Ward 2 of the East Bay Regional Parks District to vote for Lynda Deschambault to represent us as our steward of our regional parks.

Lynda’s extensive background, as a conservationist, scientist, public servant, employee of the EPA and someone who clearly understands the dynamics and needs of our ecosystems during this challenging time, makes her an excellent person to fill this important role.

Of the three candidates running for this position, Lynda’s rich background and serious commitment to the sustainability of our park system make her the best candidate. Vote Lynda for Ward 2.

Janet Thomas
Lafayette

Contra Costa election
is safe and secure

With Election Day coming up, voters want to know their ballots are safe and secure. As a certified election observer, I witnessed the county’s many safeguards.

Officials ensure voter rolls are accurate and only registered voters receive ballots. Mail-in ballot signatures are checked against voter records and staff contact voters if signatures are missing or don’t match. The system logs voter activity and only counts the first ballot received.

They also secure technology. Voting equipment can’t be hacked or manipulated because it’s never connected to the internet, all ports are locked and only authorized personnel are allowed access.

Officials even secure people and facilities. All staff are trained and background checked. Security is state-of-the-art, observers are always supervised, and strict chain-of-custody protocols ensure no ballot is left alone.

Learn more at secure-election.org or track your ballot at Ballottrax.net. That way, we can all be confident in our elections.

Nicole Shorter
Concord