Letters to the Editor 10-31-13

Redwoods into wine
Editor: I recognize global climate change is threatening our vineyard-juiced economy. I recognize that as temperatures warm, vineyards need to be planted farther north, and farther west. I also recognize that this is our fault, and it is not a problem that should be answered by expanding into redwood forests.
When my father moved to Sonoma County in 1970, over 10,000 acres of apple orchards remained. Today apples take up less than 3,000 acres, as vineyards take over our hills and forestland. The dispute now over Artesa’s 324-acre parcel holds 154 acres of redwoods hostage. It is repugnant to me that there is an argument that this grove is not a “forest” and does not matter because they are not old growth redwoods. It has been stated that the two old growth redwoods on the disputed property will be saved, but redwoods live in groves because their shallow root system and extreme height make! them susceptible to storms and wind. Redwoods need redwoods to survive, and we live in the very small area where this incredible tree grows.
What a ridiculous and irresponsible thing to approve.
Cassondra Combs
Rio Nido
Thanks for donation
Editor: We are writing this letter in gratitude to the generous donor who anonymously gifted $100,000 for the purchase of a new building to house the Analy Nursery School (ANS). We are very happy to read that it is continuing as a nursery school. We are touched that the donor believed in our school enough to keep a nursery school going on the premises.
For the past 55 years, the program provided a developmentally appropriate preschool experience for children aged 18 months to five years. ANS supported families in their role of being their child’s first teacher and allowed them to take part in the process of learning and growing in their parenting skills along with their children. ANS offered an opportunity for families to build a spirit of community, illustrated by the many past parents who continue their volunteerism across the county.
It was very hard to see the school close after 55 years. Some families had children enrolled for three generations. In this time in our society, as parents and children are faced with increasing challenges, we are grateful for and encourage these efforts to build and maintain programs that truly support our children and communities.
Thank you to all past Analy Nursery School families.
Edna Cheek, teacher/director;
1966-2010
Cassie Whitmire, teacher/director;
1987-2007