Letters to the Editor 12-4-14

C.K. House
Editor: Went to dinner with the family to C.K. House last night, for probably the last time before they are evicted. I don’t know all the facts, so no comment on that drama, I just hope the Chuang family finds a new spot soon and that the new restaurant that moves in offers some of what we enjoyed about C.K. House:
1) Family friendly.
2) Affordable (for working families, not just tourists).
3) Good service, from the owners themselves often.
4) Interesting music (though presumably of a different type)
5) No TV.
6) Take-out or eat in.
Cover some or all of these bases (#1, 2 and 3 especially), and the new place would be a welcome addition. Otherwise, I fear we will be stuck with just more of what we have too much of in Healdsburg these days.
Chris Herrod
Healdsburg
Dining with dogs
Editor: Seriously? So, what about those of us who do not want to dine with animals? I look at it like this, those who claim “emotional support” perhaps need a therapist, not a dogs escort. Shame to those who claim “service animal” un-truthfully. Let’s not ignore allergies and those who fear dogs. A dog in a food shopping cart is just plain disgusting. Animal defecation indoors, like the mall — well this suggests persons who feel they have an entirely new level of entitlement. One of my most memorable events was at Mazzaco Winery at the Summer Concert series where there I sat in my low to the ground lawn chair, sipping my wine and eating my cheeses etc. And in comes some folks with their massive dog. A beautiful English Mastiff, whose massive butt was at eye level next to my head. Wonderful and fragrant as well. Another favorite, Sunday brunch at Costeaux Bakery & Cafe in Healdsburg, where it is now impossible to enjoy the patio area without the disruption of dogs, hardly well behaved. Apparently, our only choice is to eat indoors-so we are denied the enjoyment of the patio. More recently, Agave Restaurant also in Healdsburg, the entire patio open, but of course enter the people with three dogs who just had to sit by me. Dogs barking and coming up to my table. I announced, “what is this the pound?” The dogs’ owners told me I was rude and suggested I move. I was there first. Rude? Why? Because I don’t want to eat with animals? Where did my rights go? It is my understanding that the ordnance is no animals within 20 feet of food being served. I am being served at a restaurant right? A service I have to pay for.
I have three dogs, four cats, a parrot and a fish — truly not an issue of not loving animals. I would never think anyone else should want to dine or spend time with my animals. They are at home, where they are safe, have ample room to play, and have food and water. Why do folks think their animals really want to attend outdoor concerts? The poor things have to sit and smell food and not get any. At times, there are hundreds of people there, moving around, dancing, drinking and eating — anxiety for the animals for sure. I would suggest we have become an attention craving people, and are using our pets to gain such attention.
I see that the law is changing, after all we seem to be in the land of everything goes.
The compromise — an area for the folks who wish to eat with animals, and area for those who do not. The outdoor dining/entertainment experience just shouldn’t go to the dogs.
Paula Eidsen
Windsor
Thank you, Healdsburg
Editor:  After spending the afternoon and evening in downtown Healdsburg I realized one of my hearing aids was lost. The next morning we checked with the Raven theater and all the art galleries and shops we had visited around the plaza the evening before to see if anyone had found my hearing aid. No luck. I went to the police station near the plaza in the chance someone had turned it in. It was there. The dispatcher said they have had bags of money and expensive diamond rings and so much more turned in to the police department. A niece visiting last year lost her wallet and it too was at the police station. We love this little town and it’s people. Jim and I grew up here then moved away to where jobs and life took us. We recently have purchased a home here after being away for 50 years and visit every few weeks. Thank you Healdsburg for being a place we can still love all these years later.
Cheryle Crain
Healdsburg
That was really close!
Editor: Congratulations to Eric Ziedrich and Brigette Mansell for winning seats on the Healdsburg City Council. They ran high quality campaigns and connected with the voters.
Although I did not prevail, running for City Council has been a fantastic and positive experience. I have learned more about our community and I have met so many folks.
I want to thank all the people who supported me in the campaign for City Council. I especially want to thank the volunteers who helped me over the last few months.
Healdsburg has a bright future and I am proud to be part of the community.
Happy Holidays!
Jeff Civian
Healdsburg
A word from PG&E
Editor: In the days following Thanksgiving, many families will begin the festive tradition of lighting their homes and businesses for the holiday season. To ensure that lights bring joy rather than fire, injury or electric shocks, PG&E recommends that customers follow a few simple safety tips:
Avoid electric hazards. Before climbing ladders to string outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines nearby, especially in trees. Contact can be fatal.
Prevent fire hazards. Avoid overloading extension cords and wall sockets by limiting the number of light strings you connect. Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, broken sockets or other signs of wear. Don’t place cords under rugs or furniture where they can overheat. Turn off decorative lights, indoors and outdoors, when leaving home or going to bed.
Go LED. Light-emitting diodes are shatterproof and produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire. As an added bonus, they consume 75 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, helping you save money this holiday season.
Have a happy—and safe—holiday season
John Ghigliazza
Healdsburg