Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for June 6, 2025

Marin County can do more to invest in its ex-inmates

As the president of Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs (a Bay Area-based nonprofit organization), a reentry advocate and a leader working to reimagine justice and rehabilitation in California, I think the recent Marin County Civil Grand Jury report (“Marin report finds county lacking on support of ex-inmates,” May 26) reveals a troubling gap in the community’s approach to public safety.

While many people in Marin County Jail stay less than two weeks, for those held longer, like I was, rehabilitation and reentry planning are essential. Whether coming home from county jail or state prison, we must recognize that effective reentry programs build healthier, safer communities.

Successful reentry support means tackling the basics first, including stable housing and job readiness training. Formerly incarcerated people face unemployment rates of 27% — far exceeding what most Americans experience. It’s clear we need targeted solutions. Stable employment means children don’t lose parents to repeat incarcerations. It means neighbors who contribute rather than struggle. It means local businesses gaining reliable workers and customers.

Despite receiving $10 million in state funding annually, Marin’s Community Corrections Partnership allocated just $272,191 to job services last fiscal year. We’re essentially ignoring proven strategies for reducing crime.

Through my work at CROP, I’ve witnessed firsthand how effective programs transform lives. We provide comprehensive support like leadership training, job placement and housing assistance. Success is achievable when we commit real resources to evidence-based solutions.

Marin County can lead by example. When we invest in people coming home from incarceration, we invest in our entire community’s health and safety.

— Terah Lawyer, Richmond

Story about Marin Pulitzer winner was very inspiring

I loved the article published May 29 with the headline “West Marin native wins Pulitzer Prize for moving memoir” about Tessa Hulls’ amazing graphic memoir.

It is a very uplifting story. For me, Hulls’ story shows what it means to just be a creative person with humanity, compassion and a zest for a life filled with curiosity. Hopefully, this will open doors in each of us and show every person what one can do to seek and achieve.

This is a positive way to show that we should never feel limited by boundaries.

— Jade Leong, Mill Valley

Fairfax council member calls for unity at parade

The 45th annual Fairfax Festival, a cherished event organized by dedicated volunteers, returns this weekend. The parade, with its colorful floats, dancers and funky charm, opens the festival. It is a true celebration of Fairfax’s unity and creativity.

For the 12 years I have been on the council, and I believe many years prior, the Town Council has walked (and some biked) together in the parade. Sadly, this year there is a break in this long-held tradition. Councilmember Frank Egger has stated he will ride in his own car, stating he has always done so. In response, Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman offered a friend’s Buick Skylark convertible so we can all ride together, but it does not appear that alternative has been accepted.

On April 29, the Marin IJ published an editorial with the headline “In Fairfax, both sides need to work toward consensus” about the potential recall of Hellman and Mayor Lisel Blash. It ended this way: “Wise leaders would seek possible ways to bridge political gaps that were made clear in the 2024 results. Both sides of this recall push need to show they are interested in making sure town policies and practices reflect community priorities. Focusing on the need to build a homegrown consensus is a less costly and less divisive option than pressing forward for recall votes.”

The festival, with the parade, has a history of all putting aside their political and ideological differences. It appears that this will not be the case, at least for some on the council. In my opinion, a message, albeit symbolic, is being sent to the community that we are divided and that some are not attempting to work together.

— Barbara Coler, Fairfax Town Council