Letters: An outdated trope demeans an accomplished woman

"The faux fix touted by Fix Our Forests is a dangerous step backward for California's wildfire resilience. While it claims to protect communities, its emphasis on largescale mechanical thinning ignores scientific evidence showing that such practices can dry out forests, increase wind exposure and heighten fire risk. Proper wildfire prevention means investing in proven strategies: prescribed burns, defensible space around homes and restoring natural ecosystems that retain moisture."

"California's forests are not just timber resources they are complex, living systems that store carbon, shelter wildlife and safeguard our water supply. Weakening environmental safeguards in the name of management will only accelerate habitat loss and climate impacts. We need policies rooted in ecological science, not shortterm industry gains. Protecting our forests means working with nature, not against it. The Fix Our Forests Act fails that test and California deserves better."

A prominent woman leader was described by parental demeanor rather than by educational and professional qualifications, reinforcing gender bias and diminishing accomplishments. Proposed legislation emphasizing large-scale mechanical thinning risks drying forests, increasing wind exposure and heightening fire danger. Effective wildfire prevention requires prescribed burns, defensible space around homes and restoration of natural ecosystems that retain moisture. Forests serve as carbon stores, wildlife habitat and water safeguards, so weakening environmental protections will accelerate habitat loss and climate impacts. Rapid data center development can replicate past poor planning outcomes unless community and environmental concerns are prioritized.

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