Letters to the Editor Discuss Voting, Trump, and Whales

Readers comment on civic engagement, Trump's behavior, and threats to Pacific whales.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The latest Letters to the Editor section of the Press Democrat features a range of topics from readers, including discussions around voter apathy, concerns over Donald Trump's behavior, and the threats facing whales along the Pacific Coast.

Why it matters

These letters provide a window into the perspectives and concerns of the local community, touching on issues of democracy, political leadership, and environmental conservation that are highly relevant to residents of the Santa Rosa area.

The details

The letters cover several key topics. One letter argues that better political candidates could help draw more non-voters to the polls, placing blame on both the Republican and Democratic parties for their candidate selections. Another letter sharply criticizes Donald Trump's behavior, describing his actions as "dangerous, malicious and almost pitiable." A third letter disputes the claim that overfishing of krill is the primary threat to whales along the Pacific Coast, suggesting that changes in ocean temperature and prey distribution are more likely the driving factors.

  • The letters were published on February 10, 2026.

The players

Peter Gensler

A resident of Petaluma who wrote a letter arguing that better political candidates could help draw more non-voters to the polls.

Patricia F. Clothier

A Santa Rosa resident who wrote a scathing letter criticizing Donald Trump's behavior and self-aggrandizement.

Janet Leisen

A Santa Rosa resident who wrote a letter disputing the claim that overfishing of krill is the primary threat to whales along the Pacific Coast.

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What they’re saying

“Better candidates could be the solution.”

— Peter Gensler (Press Democrat)

“If he weren't so dangerous and malicious, one might pity him.”

— Patricia F. Clothier (Press Democrat)

“This would suggest that the primary pressures on whales along the Pacific Coast are more likely driven by changes in ocean temperature and prey distribution than by overfishing of Pacific krill.”

— Janet Leisen (Press Democrat)

The takeaway

These letters highlight the diverse range of perspectives and concerns within the local community, from the need for better political candidates to draw more voters, to criticisms of Donald Trump's behavior, to the environmental threats facing whales along the Pacific Coast.