Letters to the Editor 12-4-14

Noise pollution
Editor:   
Why has noise pollution become a part of our lovely community? Like so many others, my husband and I chose to live in Cloverdale after looking and eliminating other towns and cities. We chose clean air, a friendly atmosphere and a quiet, peaceful environment over congestion and both air and noise pollution. We enjoyed all of these wonderful attributes until about the spring of 2013 when the airport planes increased the decibel level of air traffic noise to the point where it stops conversations and makes it necessary to apologize to visitors. Is this really necessary? I remember a time when individuals could enjoy the thrill of parachuting back to earth without the ear shattering prelude of the airplane “drag race” of the sky. I have to ask, “Would the citizens of Cloverdale accept drag racing down the Boulevard?”
It is time for some serious problem solving. As I write this editorial, both Windsor and Healdsburg airports are listening to their community concerns and changing flight patterns in order to reduce noisy air traffic. Now is the time for Mr. Halliday and NorCal Skydiving to follow this lead and work with the concerned citizens of Cloverdale to bring back our quiet, peaceful environment.
Nan Trujillo,
Cloverdale
A fun jump
Editor:   
I would like to take this opportunity to give a heartfelt thank you to the crew at NorCal Skydiving. I experienced my first jump the beginning of September and can honestly say that it has changed my life. The three hour drive to get to Cloverdale is well worth it and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Since my first jump I have come back at least twice a month, staying two or three days at a time, and have gotten to know the beautiful people and businesses of Cloverdale; which I am proud to say is now my second home.
NorCal Skydiving is a wonderful addition to the Cloverdale community and I sincerely hope that people are aware of just how amazing it is. I, as well as others who come to jump, contribute to the economy by way of staying at your hotels, eating at your restaurants (big shout out to the awesome Railroad Station crew and Ruth McGowan’s most amazing wings), frequenting your local shops and gas stations, as well as meeting some of the friendliest people I could imagine.
As for the NorCal Skydiving crew, all I can say is that it is an honor and a privilege to be able to come down and jump with you and I consider each and every one of you like family. The professionalism and comradery has been uplifting to say the least and you have given me the opportunity to be a part of something great. You have introduced me to this beautiful town and people and no words could ever express my deepest gratitude.  
Kistin Pena
Corning, CA
Thanks for your support
Editor:   
I would like to take a moment in this holiday season to express my deepest thanks to the residents of Cloverdale. I am truly grateful for your generous support of my re-election efforts this past November.
I also want to thank the dozens of people who took time out of their busy schedule to volunteer and donate to my campaign. I am so grateful!
Over the last several months, I have had the honor to speak with many of you over concerns and issues confronting Cloverdale. You shared your concerns and vision for Cloverdale’s future. Thank you! We will continue facing challenges in the months ahead, but I want you to know that together, we will work through those challenges and work hard to maintain essential city services and our wonderful “quality of life.”
I am grateful for the dedication of our City Council members and I look forward to continuing our work together. I look forward to working! with Mayor Russell, Vice Mayor Cox, Councilmember Brigham, and Councilmember-Elect Wolter as we set our goals and continue to tackle the tough challenges ahead. I would like to thank outgoing Councilmember Maacks for his service and wish him the very best.
Whether you voted for me or not, please know I will continue working hard on behalf of all Cloverdale residents. Thanks again.
Joe Palla,
Cloverdale City Councilmember
Holiday lighting safety
Editor:   
In the days following Thanksgiving, many families will begin the festive tradition of lighting their homes and businesses for the holiday season. To ensure that lights bring joy rather than fire, injury or electric shocks, PG&E recommends that customers follow a few simple safety tips:
• Avoid electric hazards. Before climbing ladders to string outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines nearby, especially in trees. Contact can be fatal.
• Prevent fire hazards. Avoid overloading extension cords and wall sockets by limiting the number of light strings you connect. Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, broken sockets or other signs of wear. Don’t place cords under rugs or furniture where they can overheat. Turn off decorative lights, indoors and outdoors, when leaving home or going to bed.
• Go LED. Light-emitting diodes are shatterproof and produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire. As an added bonus, they consume 75 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, helping you save money this holiday season.
Have a happy—and safe—holiday season!
John Ghigliazza
Sonoma Division Manager at Pacific Gas and Electric Company