Whereas Chinese reaction to this disease was swift and thorough, ours is piecemeal and haphazard ("Think you have coronavirus? Don't run to the hospital or urgent care," March 6). Months into the epidemic, testing kits are still scarce. Thousands of untested passengers are allowed to board cruise ships, and when there is an outbreak they are quarantined on board, where many more come down with the virus.

China shut the country down. We don't even shut schools and cruise lines. How smart is that? Let's get serious.

Robert Pollak

W. Middlefield Road

Free meal program

It is exciting to read that Santa Clara County is piloting a free breakfast and lunch program schoolwide in two participating schools. Having worked with foster youth who benefit from free lunch programs, youth have shared with me that it is the stigma of participating in a free lunch program that causes them to forgo the free meal and not eat during the school day. This, in turn, decreases their school attendance and decreases their school performance.

A free meal program schoolwide would erase the stigma and create a fair playing field for all students. In a county where 1 in 3 students experiences food insecurity, this would dramatically benefit the youth in this county, both nutritionally and academically, as the correlation between physical health and academic performance is indisputable.

Erica Van Skike

San Jose State University social worker

RV lots will bring more RVs

Mountain View has decided to be a sanctuary city for RVs. The "safe parking" lots will take a small flock of existing RVs off the street so a new gaggle of RVs can move in. What shortsighted half-measure will our politicians come up with then?

Stuart Eichert

Piazza Drive

Thanks to Mike and Ray

Ever since moving back to Mountain View five years ago, I have been walking my dogs every morning at beautiful Rengstorff Park.

After a couple of years of walking my dogs at the park, I sent a letter to the Mountain View Voice thanking all the maintenance people who worked to keep the park looking so great.

Since then I have learned that it's Mike and Ray who are responsible for keeping Rengstorff Park looking so beautiful. It's hard for me to believe that two guys can accomplish the job. I have a hard time keeping my small yard looking as good as the park and I am retired with time on my hands. So thanks again Mike and Ray for all your hard work! And thanks for the yard care advice you have given me from time to time.

Jerry Pugh

Adele Avenue