Lots of letters this week…Have something to say? Email us at
ne**@cl****************.com
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Civil rights issue
EDITOR: Thank you for publishing your article, “Small bumps turn into big obstacles,” about a city lane that is not accessible by a resident of the Cloverdale community.
As someone who is part of the disabled community it caught my eye as another opportunity for our communities to be informed of the lack of civil rights that many in the disabled community face. Hearing that Ms. Verde will again be stuck in her house for possibly another two winters created urgency in bringing this important issue forward. While there are many reasons small towns are not able to provide accessible accommodations to the residents, we must not lose sight of the most important issue, that being, lack of access is a form of discrimination. Good will and intellectual reasoning of this issue does not change this fact.
Being disabled myself, I can offer that being limited in leaving her home will impact well being, and as importantly, lack of access on Rockydale Lane is also a safety issue. As a contributing member of society, Ms. Verde’s civil rights are no different that for those who can walk. Living 140 feet from the downtown area is a significant limitation. This is not a rural area. This lane is half a block from where residents socialize and tourists shop.
I am writing today to thank you for bringing this important issue to the attention of residents of this community. At a time in our country when inclusion of all people is such an important value, I ask the residents of Cloverdale to raise the expectation for the city manager and city council to look for solutions that are more immediate. Isolation based on lack of access maintains an exclusive value, one that we must work to eradicate.
Lake Kowell, Disability Advocate, Disability Services & Legal Center, Santa Rosa
Basic rights
EDITOR: Los Cien Sonoma County believes that everyone living in the United States is entitled to certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution, including undocumented immigrants. We stand in solidarity with the 800,000 DREAMERs here today and refuse to permit the politics of hate to define our community or our America.
We call on all Sonoma County Latinos and amigos to stand beside all of our DREAMERs, insuring that they can take their full and rightful place in our community and our country. They deserve nothing less than our full support.
At the same time, we urge federal legislators to enact a bipartisan permanent legislative solution, one that will allow these bright minds to be nurtured and prosper in the America we know and love.
Herman J. Hernandez, chairman of the board, Los Cien Sonoma County
Fundraiser for after-school programs
EDITOR: Do you believe that our community can and should come together to ensure safe and positive after school care for local students? If so, please show your support by attending a special showing of the Oscar-winning film classic “All the President’s Men” on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Clover Theater.
This evening fundraiser will begin with a no-host wine reception at 6 p.m., followed by a short update about the Cloverdale Boys & Girls Clubs services/needs, and then a screening of the classic film, “All the President’s Men.” Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at http://buff.ly/2vuj78Z or at the door.
The goal of this fun and informative evening is to raise much-needed funds, along with raising consciousness about what it takes to keep this subsidized community program for our kids and struggling families going strong.
All proceeds from Movie Night at the Clover Theater will go to Cloverdale elementary and middle school Boys and Girls Club programs and scholarships.
Movie Night at the Clover Theater is organized by an ad hoc committee of Cloverdale residents, none of whom have school age children in the Cloverdale schools, but who are committed to ensuring the future of these critical services. The screening is donated by Bob Scott and Tim McDonald. Committee members are Kathryn Hecht, MJ Dellaquila, Ron Pavelka, Mia Munselle, Ann Elston and Michael Irvine, Resource Development Manager for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma.
Our kids are our future … so don’t miss Movie Night at the Clover Theater. Starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, “All the President’s Men” is an Oscar-winning film about investigative reporting. It’s also a curiously timely reminder about our need to investigate and support critical local community services like the Boys and Girls Clubs in Cloverdale. See you at the movies.
Ann Elston, Cloverdale
Why talk across the divide?
EDITOR: Was the November election like a bad dream from which you can’t awaken? Are you wondering how you can make a difference in the 2018 Congressional Elections?
In California, seven districts cast the majority of their votes for Hillary Clinton, at the same time that they elected Republicans to Congress. Greater voter turnout and a more informed electorate could turn these swing districts from Red to Blue in 2018. Groups like Indivisible, Swing Left, Working America and Sister District Project are facilitating volunteer opportunities in districts like these.
If you want to be able to converse with potential swing voters and perhaps even members of your own family — without tempers flaring — Indivisible groups across Sonoma County are co-sponsoring a workshop on Saturday, Sept. 23, with Sharon Ellison, entitled “How to Talk Politics Across the Current Divide.”
More than 200 people attended an Ellison workshop in Berkeley in June. Participants reported that they learned valuable skills they would apply in their personal lives — in addition to feeling more comfortable engaging with Trump supporters. Several participants said the event was life changing.
For tickets to How to Talk Politics Across the Current Divide, go to brownpapertickets.com/event/3070522. Tickets are $20; scholarships are available. For more information, email
cn*******@gm***.com
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Pam Browning, Cloverdale
