Letters to the Editor 11-19-15

Rebuttal to Winston
Editor: We are concerned that Mr. Winston continues to claim incorrectly that the City of Healdsburg pays the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce $500,000 to promote tourism. In fact, that money is raised by a tax of two percent on our hotel guests and managed by the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District (HTID), which is made up of the hotels, motels and bed and breakfast inns located in town. The HTID works to raise the profile of Healdsburg and provide national exposure for our many small businesses.
The city does tax hotel guests as well, through a 12 percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and that money has been used for years to support community services that local residents enjoy and depend on such as the parks, open space, the senior center, Foss Creek Community Center, Tuesday concerts in the Plaza, recreation programs and Police and Fire Departments. The Transient Occupancy Tax in 2014 was $2.5 million. Continuing to promote Healdsburg as a destination creates jobs, supports local businesses and guarantees the retention of these services for our residents.
We too, feel the affordable housing shortage acutely, for ourselves, for our friends and family and for our employees. And we agree that affordable housing and thriving tourism are not mutually exclusive. A healthy Healdsburg will find a way to create affordable housing and maintain the robust tourism sector that provides so much for this town. We encourage our elected officials and the appointed housing committee to take creative and bold steps to add housing options for our residents, and we hope that the private sector will join in action, not just in rhetoric.
The Board of Directors of the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District
Brian Sommer, Hotel Les Mars
Holly Fox, Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites
Lucy Lewand, Camellia Inn
Aaron Krug, Dry Creek Inn
Steve Fowler, Honor Mansion
Keren Colsten, Haydon Street Inn
Exemplary outreach
Editor: On Nov. 18, the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society hosted the Fiesta of Immigrants community outreach event. Our event attendance demonstrated a real sampling of the Healdsburg population. Many thanks to chef Pedro of El Farolito, chef Danny of soon to open Persimmon and chef Shari of Baci restaurants. Costeaux Bakery and ICF 52 of St. John’s provided treats. Mariachi Barragan and Valeria Gomez entertained 220 guests. Our attendees sang, danced and enjoyed multicultural cuisine.
The Healdsburg Museum volunteer corps in great part was responsible for the success of the event. Everyone worked hard participating in our fundraiser last year for this event. This year again, volunteers worked at tasks from set up to clean up. The Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society, a nonprofit organization, has done an exemplary job of community outreach. To my knowledge, no other nonprofit in Healdsburg has succeeded as well at inclusiveness in a community outreach event. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants I am very proud to be a member of the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society.
Jeanne Leal Hartlaub
Chair Fiesta of Immigrants
Burg Savvy fan
Editor: A big thank you for including the column called Burg Savvy. I enjoyed being reminded so sweetly of our gem the Russian River; “She wraps around Fitch Mountain like a sash, and tickles the undercarriage of your car as you drive over the bridge.” Thank you Penelope La Montagne for sharing your thoughts of this wonderful place we call home.
Colleen Juri
Healdsburg
Veterans Day thanks
Editor: What an incredible Veterans Day. Thanks to all for making this a great day for veterans in our area.
Starting with the phenomenal breakfast and program put on by the Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary Club, funds were raised for the Pathway Home in Yountville, and a check for $200 to the Sotoyome Auxiliary and great food from the Costeaux Local Bakery. There was absolutely spine tingling renditions of all the service hymns by Dallas Caroline. The eyewitness detail of Iwo Jima from 99-year-old Captain Stewart was enlightening.
A special thank you to Lance Ballenger and Ken Cody for picking up WWII veteran Don Clouston. This was the highlight of my day. Don showed up in his uniform he wore in 1941 and the spit polished boots he wore when he jumped into Normandy on DDay at the ripe old age of 17. Don was one of 17 survivors of the 165 men in his unit that day. Don will be 90 in a few weeks. My regret of the day was that I missed the opportunity to kiss those boots. Those are truly the boots of freedom. Don went to the ceremonies in Healdsburg and Windsor and was treated to lunch with the rest of the veterans at KC’s in downtown Windsor.
A special thanks also to Gary Greenough for preparing and delivering his speech.
We are fortunate to have, in my opinion, one of the finest honor guards in California right here from our own Sotoyome American Legion. Their performance was flawless.
Last of all, thank you to all those who attended the ceremonies and breakfast.
Reuel Miller, Commander
American Legion Post 111
Healdsburg
Praise for hospital
Editor: Over the past few months I had carpal tunnel surgery performed on each hand by Dr. Tomasin at Healdsburg District Hospital. Both surgeries went as smooth and seamless as could be hoped for.
I am delighted and grateful that Healdsburg District Hospital has survived. It is not only convenient, especially now that the lab is within the hospital, but I was treated with the utmost professionalism by the entire staff. In particular, the several nurses that worked with me were very thorough and extremely courteous. Thank you all, and keep up the good work.
Michael Skurtun
Windsor
Helping others
Editor: As the holidays approach, the need to reach out and help those less fortunate is great. Here in Healdsburg we have Presents Project/Adopt-a-Family. This is a local group that asks for help for the holidays for local families with children. You decide how large a family you want to adopt and you are sent their wish list, with first name, age, gender, clothing sizes and gift wishes. You do the shopping, wrapping, and on the appointed date (this year Dec. 19 from 9:30 a.m. – noon), you deliver the gifts to the Healdsburg Boys & Girls Club. To get all the information, please call Beth DeCoss at 433-2721, Debbi Crapeau at 431-1344 or Tracy Tucker at 433-1132. My family has done this for five years and it really helps make the holidays joyful, knowing we have helped another family feel blessed. Call now and offer to help. You can also just donate to the project and others will do the shopping for you.
Chris Love
Healdsburg