DEAR EDITOR:
Hopefully all Gavilan Valley residents will show their support
for Santa Clara County Supervisor and CalTrain Board Member Don
Gage’s recommendation that CalTrain electrify its equipment, and
particularly that rolling stock operated through Southern Santa
Clara County.
DEAR EDITOR:
Hopefully all Gavilan Valley residents will show their support for Santa Clara County Supervisor and CalTrain Board Member Don Gage’s recommendation that CalTrain electrify its equipment, and particularly that rolling stock operated through Southern Santa Clara County.
Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and San Martin have the worst or near worst air quality currently among all cities within the nine county Bay Area Air Quality Management District, owing to prevailing north to south wind patterns, smoggy San Jose to the north, and our mountains that trap dirty air here.
Solid particulates that are carcinogenic, such as those as are emitted in large quantity by diesel locomotives, wood fireplaces, or trucks and buses, are also high or very high on many days throughout the year in this region.
A recent study published by the University of California indicates that school districts located within the most polluted regions of the state, are experiencing higher student absences, reduced corresponding state revenue reimbursements, and most importantly, negatively impacted childhood health statistics. Asthma, allergies, and other respiratory ailments are most pronounced in children in this region. CalTrain tracks lie within walking distance of nearly every school here.
Passenger trains operated in Southern Santa Clara County that may in the future be powered by electrical energy generated with cleaner fossil fuel fired generating methods – such as natural gas, or even better yet solar, wind, or hydro power, will benefit all residents of South Santa Clara County, and particularly children. Incidental increased living standards, higher property values, and penultimately a cleaner environment are all major benefits that all those that breathe in Santa Clara Valley deserve and CalTrain can today help provide.
Chris Coté, Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, May 4 to ed****@****ic.com
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.
