Let's ensure that all candidates for Eshoo's seat receive fair consideration. We shouldn't automatically assume there's an heir apparent. While Smitian has been in the political scene for an extended period, it's essential to question what new ideas he can bring to the table.

Cities and developers need to consider protection and restoration of noise and air pollution barriers known as highway vegetation barriers or HVBs.  I am a bit frustrated in the lack of responsiveness and acknowledgement of the importance of integrating these natural resources into the project plan designs during the early phases of the planning by developers and their early engagement with the community.  Has there been any progress at the State and local levels to preserve and rehabilitate existing natural  highway tree barriers from destruction by housing developments on public and private lands. These barriers act as noise buffers and air pollution barriers that protect the public health of thousands of residents. The BIL and IRA do not sound like environmental legislation, but along with CCB, the BIL and IRA, are the nation's biggest environmental legislation in a generation. The CCB, BIL, and IRA will unleash more than $1 trillion dollars in federal funding to ramp up electric cars, solar energy, wind energy, and transform our cities.  Billions are directed to be spent directly on nature-restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, battling invasive species, tackling drought and sea level rise.    These colonies of trees are natural resources and ecosystems these laws are meant to protect and restore for the health of the community and the planet.  This is why the City Council, the developer, and the community need to collaborate on a solution. One practical solutuon: In lieu of the requirement to deed land for a small public park to the city to build, care, and maintain, the city could exchange the land earmarked for a public park to the HVB to restore, care, and maintain.  A community youth conservation corps could be formed to restore the barrier and other urban forestry. These aforementioned laws are the new changes and impetus, that may have not existed when the developer drew their plans, for making these concessions. Please join me to save HVBs.