LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hit and run help
Editor: I wanted to thank you for the wonderful article you
released recently regarding the hit and run accident that occurred
on April 4 (“Hit and run on Highway 116,” Sonoma West Times &
News April 7). The article was successful. It generated several
leads and ultimately lead to the culprit’s identification and her
cooperation in the investigation. As the investigating officer in
the case it is my opinion that without the article the
identification of the suspect would have been near impossible. On
behalf of the victim and the Sebastopol Police Department, Thank
You.
Jacques Levesque
Sebastopol Police Department
Apple Blossom thank you
Editor: The Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce thanks
Sebastopol for another wonderful year at the Apple Blossom
Festival. To the many volunteers, the sponsors, residents, parade
participants, businesses, if not for your support, patience,
attendance and community spirit, we could not pull off such a
community event. We also thank the Sonoma West Times & News for
a great festival program and to all of the advertisers that made it
possible. Thank you to our Steering Committee, Lu Frazier, Chris
Nelson and John Pittman. This event not only funds several
non-profit organizations — Analy Girls Softball, Football, Boosters
Club, American Cancer Society, 20-30 of Sebastopol — but the
proceeds pay for the expenses of hosting this event, the Sebastopol
Visitor Center and the programs and services that the Sebastopol
Chamber provides year round for business and community services. We
welcome your comments and continued support of this tradition and
community event and thank you once again. Bravo Sebastopol!
Thanks for a great Safari Adventure … time to start planning
next year.
Teresa Ramondo
Executive Director/CEO
and the Chamber board and staff
Bottom line?
Editor: The two major transportation corridors for central and
western Sonoma County —highways 12 and 116 — intersect in downtown
Sebastopol. Ten-plus years ago, the state rated our transportation
infrastructure with an F. Since then, we have built numerous
cluster “affordable” housing projects. So in fact, we’re now beyond
an F on the traffic scale. And it shows.
It takes me less than half the time to drive 10 miles in narrow
curvy West County than it does to drive 2 and ½ blocks in downtown,
not to mention trying to walk the 2 and ½ blocks during rush hour.
Why are we even considering this Laguna Vista Project? I do not
agree with some careless assessments that I have heard stated from
some very erroneous short term thinkers and speakers in the local
government and business arenas stating, “well if we’re an F now why
does it matter?”.
It does folks. Just like the mindset, “well if we’re in one war
why not be in three.” This is beyond irresponsible thinking or
non-thinking. Once we commit to these things it’s a done deal;
there is no going back — a point of no return. We must plan for the
future before we and our youth do not have one. The future is
now.
We need the libraries, education, mental and health services,
social security, the cultural arts and truly affordable housing,
not wars and weaponry.
Adriane Hatkoff
Sebastopol
Spend in town
Editor: I am responding to last week’s Letter to the Editor “Buy
Local for Sebastopol” written by Maintenance Worker Eric Scott,
Police Officer Dennis Colthurst, and Volunteer Fire Captain Bill
Braga, City of Sebastopol.
I recently became aware how very important sales taxes are to
the City of Sebastopol’s financial health.  Where we spend money
does matter. By shopping locally whenever we can, we are investing
in our community — contributing to our own police and fire
protection and maintaining our own parks and streets, rather than
someone else’s.
Chris Mann,
Business Outreach Committee Chair
City of Sebastopol