LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Friends of the Blue Whale
Editor: What a monumental, exhausting, phenomenal, and seemingly
impossible task the community of Fort Bragg and the Mendocino area,
with project coordinator Abbie Colbert, have accomplished to
salvage the magnificent Blue Whale. This majestic mammal’s
accidental loss of life has deeply touched us, but to know some
good will come from research, and knowledge to help prevent future
destruction, is of some consolation.
The current plans are that in approximately one to five years,
the recently buried remains will be ready to unearth, and the
skeleton reassembled, and locally displayed at a yet to be
acquired, or constructed Marine Research Center, and/or Museum.
We all have this great opportunity-no matter how large or
small-to help with this future, costly, educational, worthwhile
endeavor.
To contribute, a tax deductible, non-profit organization is set
up (a web site soon to come):Friends of the Blue Whale, 18350 N.
Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
Fred and Dorothy Schleth
Sebastopol
Smokeout next week
Editor: I’d like to remind your readers that Thursday, Nov. 19
marks the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout — a day
that encourages smokers to quit and non-smokers not to start.
Tobacco remains the leading cause of death nationwide, and accounts
for one out of every three cancer deaths in California every year.
Today, an estimated 45 million US adults smoke despite the known
associated health risks.
Not all lung cancer patients are smokers, but there is a high
correlation between smoking and cancer, heart and lung disease. If
there are fewer smokers we can spend limited resources on finding a
cure for cancer instead of treating disease caused by smoking.
And to the ex-smokers in our community: Congratulations on your
success in living a tobacco-free life! You have greatly reduced
your risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and lung
disease – not to mention reducing your community’s exposure to the
hazards of second hand smoke.
If you know someone who smokes and is interested in quitting,
Great American Smokeout is the perfect time to remind them that the
American Cancer Society has developed resources such as cancer.org/smokeout and the
toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345. Both are accessible 24/7 to help
smokers manage a plan to quit.
Diane Singleton
Volunteer
American Cancer Society
Sebastopol
Neighborhood notes
Editor: Safety was the issue at the recent Neighborhood
Representatives quarterly meeting. Thirty people representing
neighborhoods throughout Sebastopol attended.  Denise Meier of the
Sebastopol Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Board described
the CERT training and the Board’s efforts to encourage CERT members
and other citizens to organize their neighborhoods for emergency
preparedness. Several newly trained CERT volunteers attended the
meeting and recommended to their neighbors the importance of being
trained. One important question posed to the group was, “Do you
know how to turn off the gas at your home?”
Gene Gallock spoke about his experience during the Loma Prieta
earthquake and stressed to the group the importance of being
trained about how to react when disaster strikes. Gavin and Kindli
Carothers recommended organizing a list of bilingual people to help
when needed. The group gave CERT some new ideas, and there were
requests for help with neighborhood organizing.
Sebastopol Police Officer Bill Snyder and Community Service
Volunteer Dan Potts gave details about organizing a Neighborhood
Watch Program. “Watch” is the key word for personal safety. Ensure
your home is protected, be aware of your surroundings, and display
the official Neighborhood Watch window sign. 
The officers reported about their patrols around town to stop
speeders, and their own “Neighborhood Watch” in the Burbank Heights
area. John Wood, a resident at the senior complex, feels very
reassured about safety noting he sees the officers on duty late at
night. Marian Mcdonald recommended that the CERT and Neighborhood
Watch programs do joint visits and presentations to the
neighborhoods, which all agreed would be an effective strategy. For
more information on CERT training, go to www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/fire.shtml.
The next Neighborhood Representatives meeting, which is open to
all, will be in February. For more information, contact Kathleen
Shaffer, 829-0669.
Kathleen Shaffer
City Council Member
Sebastopol