Letters to the Editor 6-16-16

Playbook of victimhood
Editor: In the recent article about the visit from Bernie Sanders, high school sophomore Rosy Gamez is quoted as saying “As young Latinas, we have been oppressed and disenfranchised for so long.”
I would like to know how Rosy has been oppressed. Did her parents take her cell phone away, or ground her for a week?
I find it fascinating that a high school student living in what is still the greatest country on the planet; in one of the most beautiful counties in the state can make such a statement. I don’t think this was an original thought, but is more likely something repeated, something taught. It sounds like the same tired, inane and embarrassing talking point taken from the playbook of victimhood.
If her parents taught her this they are doing her a serious disservice. It would be much better to teach positivity and hopefulness; that with desire, effort, and integrity the possibilities are available for everyone. To continue to drag the mantle of perceived “oppression” around on a leash and call upon it whenever it seems convenient is cowardly, and it lost its panache long ago.
It’s oppressive to me to see a young person with so much of her life still to be lived, with decades of potential in front of her, to publicly utter something so fallacious.
Kent Keebler
Cloverdale
Family expresses gratitude
Editor: Late in April, on a Sunday afternoon, my 85-year-old mother fell ill while visiting me in Cloverdale. I decided to take her to Healdsburg District Hospital, as it was closer than Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa (where her physician was) and I was concerned that her illness was related to an existing, life-threatening condition which would require immediate medical attention. I have worked in the healthcare industry for over 23 years and knew enough that she needed to go to the nearest hospital.
Upon our arrival she was immediately taken into a treatment room, assessed by (the best) nursing staff and physician, Dr. Edward Wang, who confirmed our worst fears – she would need to be transported to Memorial for emergency surgery. Within 10 minutes of our arrival at the Emergency Department, she suffered a seizure.
Once stabilized, she was transported via Bell’s Ambulance to Memorial where her surgeon was preparing for her surgery.
I cannot express my relief and gratitude that Healdsburg District Hospital was there when we needed them. Mom would have had a seizure en route if I tried to get her to Memorial directly and probably would not have survived the drive to Memorial for the surgery (which her surgeon conveyed to me).
My mother passed away during surgery but I know she was given every opportunity at a chance for survival because Healdsburg District Hospital was there for her in her time of need.
I realize in this day and age of “bigger is better” and “if you built it they will come” attitudes along with the sometimes gloomy financial facts, it’s hard to preserve and protect our small community hospitals, but we must try and succeed. Time does matter in most medical emergencies and I can personally attest to that.
I would like to publicly thank Dr. Wang, the ED nursing staff on duty that afternoon, Bell’s Ambulance and the multitude of professionals involved in her care for being there for us. Our family is forever grateful to all of you.
Diane Terrano and family
Cloverdale
Golf with us
Editor: All golfers welcomed at this time until we fill out the maximum field for the Cloverdale Schools Reunion Tournament to be held Saturday, June 25 at Healdsburg Golf Course, 8 a.m. shotgun start. $75 gets you golf, with cart, beverages on course, with lunch provided by Doug Dilley at golf’s conclusion. There will be raffle prizes available and prizes for closest to pin, winning team, and half of the raffle pot with the lucky ticket. Contact Rich price at 894-5240 or by email at rich


pr*******@ho*****.com











.
Rich Price
Cloverdale
Class of 1966 reunion set
Editor: On June 25, 44 classmates of the class of 1966 will be reuniting for the first time in 30 years. Those attending: Cathy Anderson (WI), Chris Kaisi, Connie Hatcher, Connie Jackson, Dorothea Walters, Irene Meade (UT), Judy Gollan, Julia Mason, Julia Jobe (AR), Kathy Gebhardt, Kathy Greppi, Linda Gummerson, Linda Lampson, Linda Rockwell, Lonnie Ellis, Mary Cantarutti, Maureen Yancey, Pam Bandeen, Patty Lands, Vicki Fernandez (So. Cal.), Vickie Vaughan, Berry Blackmon, Bob Burger, Bob Carter, Bob Parker, Danny Davis, David Ellison, Don Ranger, Don Shaw (AZ), Gary Davis (OK), Gary Gerdes, Gary Warner, Jack Townsend (AZ), Jerry Kramer, Jerry Osborn, John Buergler, Mark Salsig, Randy McCullough, Roger Zanzi, Scott Bartlett, Tim Smith, Tom Kelley, Tony Cantarutti and Webb Gay.
We would like to thank local merchants who either donated or provided opportunities for our classmates, including Bakery El Palomo, Bear Republic Brewery, The Clover Theater, Eagle’s Nest, McDonald’s, Molcajete, Railroad Station, Ray’s Market, Papa’s Pizza, Picks, Plank Coffee, Starbucks, Tian Yuen, Vintage Towers and Zini’s Diner.
Don Shaw
for the CHS Class of 1966
Small cars are still big to cyclists
Editor: I am a cyclist in my 50s who regularly rides the rural roads throughout Sonoma County. I have noticed a disturbing and growing generality with our smallest car population. Prius, and the like in size, do not seem to envision themselves being as large as they actually are. More often than not, they do not give us the legal clearnace the new “Three Feet for Safety Act” California Vehicle Code section 21760 mandates. I so often witness them pass by me scathingly and frighteningly close, something that the larger vehicles and contractor trucks generally do not do. The larger vehicles realize they are larger and give me extra clearance.
California is the 24th state to enact a three-foot passing law, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Drivers who aren’t sure whether they are more than three feet away should err on the side of caution and give more space than they think is necessary.
Q: How can drivers tell they are giving a bicyclist three fee of clearance?
A: If you’re not sure, you are probably too close. Keep in mind the law requires a minimum 3-foot passing buffer.
Q: How can a driver pass if the road is too narrow to allow three feet of clearance?
A: When a 3-foot buffer is not possible, drivers must slow down to a safe and reasonable speed and wait to pass when it is safe to do so.
Sheri Allen
Rohnert Park