Letters to the Editor 6-11-15

Importance of watershed
Editor: If you haven’t seen “The Russian River: All Rivers — The Value of an American Watershed,” you can catch the showing on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol. As drought threatens every aspect of our lives here in Sonoma County, this film is a timely reminder that we have to protect our watersheds now for our and our children’s futures. This independently and locally produced film should be required viewing for all Sonoma County citizens and elected officials.
It is time to take a new look at how we have systematically destroyed our natural resources for short-term gains, while neglecting the impacts our actions will have on future generations. You will have a new respect for the Russian River system and for the resource that it is, and you will be surprised at how threatened it actually is from many sources of pollution and from water withdrawals.
The Sebastopol screening is a benefit for Preserve Rural Sonoma County, a group of local residents advocating for the protection and preservation of the rural nature of Sonoma County.
Anne O’Brien
Santa Rosa
Not proud
Editor: I use to be proud to say I was from Sebastopol, but that sure has changed with the planning of our town. It seems the people in charge of the Planning Commission want to see this town be only a tourist stop with little boutiques and small town businesses that only sell high-end products. I feel you need to consider all people who live on the outskirts and drive through this town for products and services, not just tourism. I am ashamed of the way these people have treated CVS Pharmacy, who want to improve the look and use of the Pellini Chevrolet building, which is currently an eyesore for this whole town. I would like to see people be able to vote on progress for this town within a 5-mile radius, as we are the ones who will keep this town going for years to come. It just doesn’t seem fair that a few people with their heads in the sand get to make decisions that affect all of us in this small community.
Natalie Peters
Sebastopol