Milk Cops
Efforts to restrict plant-based products from using the word “milk” are gaining traction again, despite little evidence that consumers are confused (Reuters, April 24, 2026). Most people know exactly what oat milk is—and choose it intentionally.
So why the push to regulate language? It’s hard not to see it as an attempt to shield one industry from growing competition.
Consumers benefit from clear labeling and diverse choices. Limiting how products are described doesn’t protect the public—it limits innovation and restricts access to alternatives many people prefer for health, environmental or ethical reasons.
What’s next? If the dairy lobby has their way, you soon might have to buy peanut spread instead of peanut butter.
Steven Alderson
Santa Rosa
Merge Urge
Have you lost your freakin’ minds? There is no way merging Petaluma and Novato would work (‘Welcome to Novaluma: The Case for Merging Petaluma and Novato,’ May 13, 2026). First off, the traffic alone in your new mega-burb would create a Dantean level automotive purgatory. Also, the name sounds like a pharmaceutical for something embarrassing: “Ask your doctor if Novaluma is right for you.” No, thank you.
Micah D. Mercer
North Bay
