Letters are posted as we receive them during the week, and before they are printed in the paper, so check back frequently to see new letters. If you'd like to send a letter to the editor, use this postmarks submission form, or email your letter directly to [email protected]. Thanks for your patience.

Dear Editor,
    In supporting Ronir Jain ["Opinion: With Lake Travis Still Under 50% Capacity, It Is Time to Rethink Our Lawns," Aug. 9:]
    Bravo. Additionally, for the many and growing numbers of Austinites living in multi dwellings of various types, as well as standalone housing, you can conserve water and reduce maintenance by growing everything in pots. Weed control is very easy, water use is minimal, but the garden ambience is as good as ever. If you plan to be away periodically, a neighbor can water twice a week with minimal effort. And your neighbors and birds will thank you. Plus you will have greatly improved your own living environment, and your mental disposition will benefit to boot.

Dear Editor,
    I was absolutely delighted to find The Austin Chronic’s piece on Art Baker and Selector Dale in the Aug. 9 issue ["The Austin Chronic: KOOP’s Sunday Reggae Lives On With Roots Train."] Jamaican Gold was introduced to me by a fellow biologist and longtime Austinite, and that perfectly arranged progression from ska to heavy dub has been integral to the arc of my family’s Sundays for many years since. Art Baker’s sets sprinkled with his DJ personality made him No. 1 in the Austin DJ world after the loss of the late great John Aielli. And, his happening show was the gateway to so many other fantastic shows on KOOP, including Roots Train. Like The Austin Chronicle, KOOP is a true service to the community of Austin. The Sunday vibe has evolved but remains unbroken, and we are grateful.

Dear Editor,
    The piece by Romir Jain ["Opinion: With Lake Travis Still Under 50% Capacity, It Is Time to Rethink Our Lawns," Aug. 9] brought back lots of memories. When I moved here in 2000, my No. 1 goal was to xeriscape my yard. It took nearly four years, working on one small section at a time to get the whole yard converted. I have always enjoyed the result, and I especially enjoy all the positive comments I get from people walking by. And, by the way, I included four rain barrels in the overall plan.
    A few years ago, after a drier-than-usual summer, I took two other steps: 1) I started washing dishes by hand (the old-fashioned way), and then pouring the leftover water on the plants; and 2) I put a 6-gallon bucket in the shower, and then poured that water on the plants. If you use a biodegradable soap, this doesn’t hurt the plants at all.
    All these efforts have enabled me to reduce my water use to well under 500 gallons per month most of the year. Try it! You’ll like it!

Dear Editor,
    I must admit being so inspired by the recent protests against your crossword puzzle parliamentarian that it spurred me to get my fingers out of their usual hidden playgrounds and to my keyboard to file my own complaint:
    YOUR INTERNET FONT
    Why is it so small? Easy: it matches the font of your print edition. The print font I understand. You're trying to use as little paper (fancy press lads call it newsprint) as possible (admirable!). But the internet is different! Have you heard? If you increase your font you will just be using more, uh, nothing?
    Can someone at your wonderful publication press a few buttons and remedy this please? I know, I know, eyedrop sales would drop even more than when loco weed was (sort of) legalized, but progress always has collateral damage.
    I've been in Austin since 1981 (43 years! Yes, I do math) and have enjoyed your weekly since the beginning. Annoying through the years, the tiny print is now torture.
    I'm sure there are a few others who would enjoy it. Boomers, I think they're called? I've heard there's a lot of them!
    I can't increase the font on my phone without warping the layout and affecting other things but, hey, why keep the joy selfishly to myself? Can you please increase the internet font size and spread joy throughout the land please? Please!
    Oh, and Dark Mode would also be most appreciated! Is there a Dark Mode icon on your website somewhere? If it is, I can't see it.
    THE INTERNET FONT IS TOO SMALL
    Did I say please?

Dear Editor,
    A recent study [published in Police Practice and Research] revealed a troubling link between collective bargaining for police and increased violence, especially against Black communities. While higher pay for officers can save lives, unionized police forces often resist accountability, exacerbating risks for marginalized groups.
    In Austin, the protracted negotiations between the city and the Austin Police Association highlight these concerns. The proposed contract threatens to undermine the Austin Police Oversight Act, approved by voters to enhance transparency and accountability. Equity Action’s Chris Harris accurately describes the proposed compromise as a “conspiracy” to obscure crucial misconduct records from public scrutiny, further entrenching a culture of impunity.
    The APA’s demands for pay increases may seem beneficial for recruitment and retention, but combined with strong union protections, they risk reinforcing a system resistant to reform. This scenario could escalate violence rather than address the systemic issues at hand.
    The potential ruling on civilian access to police records and the final contract terms are critical. Any agreement that prioritizes police interests over meaningful oversight and accountability will only perpetuate injustice. As negotiations proceed, policymakers must ensure that any agreement truly upholds the safety and rights of all citizens, particularly those most vulnerable.
    It is vital that we push for genuine reforms that protect and serve every community member, rather than reinforcing a problematic status quo.