Letters to the Editor 3-14-13

Passage points
Editor: It has always puzzled me when I find an argument for or against a social position that is based on a biblical reference. Case in point, the Reverend Maurice Wilcox’s argument that the bible calls homosexuality an “abomination” as a (or the) reason for being against gay marriage. He goes on to say that even God “gives up on the homosexual.” If we are to use the bible as a template for crafting the laws and rights of our citizens then there are a few other passages we may need to review.
The passage that is instructive on how to properly beat a slave comes to mind, with a warning not to strike them on the head and face.
Another favorite is the killing of your children if they do not follow the path of the Lord.
And, since the subject of “abomination” has come up, I would point to the passage that says “eating of shellfish” is (you guessed it) an abomination. Something to consider the next time you are having a bowl of clam chowder.
I am sure Mr. Wilcox will be happy to point out these passages to his flock, and help guide us in crafting laws for a fair and just society.
EJ Neil
Healdsburg
Stick to your job
Editor: In regards to the paper’s coverage of, “City takes vote on Marriage Equality,” it will probably surprise council leadership and readers for me to say that as a member of the LGBT community, I am angered by the council taking time away from doing their jobs to enter a debate that is not of primary benefit to this city.
Mr. Plass was absolutely correct in his objection to filing a brief with the state; he should not have relinquished his position in order to vote with the council’s majority. Had I known that it was the plan of Mr. McCaffrey to suggest to the council that they pander to special interests as a means of spending their time, I would have never voted him into office.
Not that my suggestions will change the nonsensical actions that have already taken place, but I will say the council should be more focused on making sure giant tour buses are not parking on residential streets for hours at a time, that the city utility workers are actually working instead of one member working while the other three or four stand around earning a hefty sum to jaw jack, or that the council advise the police to actually deal with the frequently disturbing number of aggressive homeless people in the Safeway parking lot.
The council has no place in “sending a message” that has little to do with what they were elected to handle. Our citizens should be highly disappointed.
Tyler Erlendson
Healdsburg
We are so proud
Editor: As two homeowners in Healdsburg, we wish to publicly thank the members of the Healdsburg City Council. We became aware of the city’s plan for a new sewer ordinance through the Patch and Tribune. We were extremely concerned about the potential cost to us and other Healdsburg property owners. We attended two council meetings. After the second we were greatly relieved by the council’s willingness to listen to its citizenry and choose an alternative plan. This is particularly true since we are two retired, single property owners on fixed incomes.When we attended the recent meeting, we were amazed and disappointed by the limited turnout for this controversial issue. With all of the above being said, we left feeling extremely proud that we live in Healdsburg. We wish that everyone who owns a home in Healdsburg could have heard the heartfelt concern that the council members voiced and their reasons. They were truly looking at it from the homeowners’ point of view and the impact it would have on them. Once again, council members, we are proud of you.
Carol Nelson and Tami Hampton
Healdsburg
Back to simple and safe
Editor: Like many others I wanted to register my dismay as to why Foss Creek Circle has been changed to one way. I visit the post office quite regular and never once saw an issue until the one-way system was implemented. Now I constantly encounter issues including, two way traffic! The whole rotation does not work and the simple flow in and out of the post office has been disrupted. Most people such as myself used to enter the post office from the north side and exit from the south, a right turn in and a right turn out with no crossing traffic. Now one is forced to enter from the south and exit from the north always resulting in crossing traffic, increased confusion and increased potential for accidents. The same applies to the increased dysfunction in using the mail drops and I now just prefer to park and use the boxes inside the post office. I know everyone is aware of the issues with the mail drops so I will not go in to detail. Finally I find it a shame that in a town as historic, charming and visitor centric as Healdsburg that the whole area resembles a carnival with bollards and flags trying to convince people that this counter intuitive initiative will work.  Susan, Jim, Tom, Shaun and Gary, let’s admit when we make a mistake and get back to the simpler and safer two-way traffic system on Foss Creek Circle.
Paul A. Wilcock
Healdsburg
Stand for equality
Editor: The Defense of Marriage Act is a political sham designed to garner votes and has no purpose otherwise.
If two consenting adult homo sapiens cannot morally and legally decide to commit to and care for, cohabitate with, share resources with, and love each other then perhaps none should.
The Healdsburg City Council, even though this should not be a political issue, took a stand for equality and rightfully so!
John Lloyd
Healdsburg
Wine and food
Editor: I resonate to the wistful ruminations of publisher Rollie Attkinson on the changes we have seen in the Redwood Empire over the last two generations (“Wine Roads” February 28). My perspective is Healdsburg, but the pattern of change repeats throughout Sonoma County where we have seen cows and hops yield to prunes, pears, apples, and walnuts, now all of them succumbing to the dominance of grapes and wine. Rollie and we (Preston Dairy circa 1952 on Eastside Road) and I am sure many of you feel the limitations of the new grape monoculture: fewer diversions for our families and visitors, fewer options for our children as they contemplate careers. Our industry mavens talk “Food and Wine” so where’s the food?
Happily there is a groundswell of change. If you visit a local farmers market you will see new farmers — your neighbor’s kids — peddling lettuce and eggs and kale grown in the backyard or a corner of the family vineyard. When we can’t get the grapes to move over we’ll put the sheep in the vineyard. A renaissance of interest in local, healthy food is defining our school programs, while gleaning teams are erasing food waste from idle yards.
We can redefine Sonoma County once again. To corrupt an old schoolyard saying: “Wine is fine but food is good.” We can have both. We must have both.
Lou Preston
Preston Farm and Winery
Dry Creek Valley
Different view
Editor: Regarding Rev Maurice Wilcox’s comment titled “True Marriage,” speaking against our city council weighing in positively on same same marriage, I have to admit that I was a little annoyed at the tone of his letter. I totally disagree with his assertion that the Christian Bible speaks so clearly on the topic and that he can “point out the verses.” But then I did a quick Google search to see what local church this man might be related to, and I found an October 2011 article announcing the upcoming 100th birthday of Rev Maurice Wilcox.
Needless to say I settled down a bit, and I admire that a person of advanced years still speaks his mind and convictions. Bless you my elder Christian brother, but know that we do not agree. Out of respect to you, I will not try to convince you otherwise.
But instead to the good people of Healdsburg and beyond that read Rev  Wilcox’s letter and think he speaks for a large portion of the Christian faith, know that I, an ordained elder of the Presbyterian Church, do not agree with him, and I arrive at my conviction using the same Christian Bible he uses. Want to discuss? You can find me most Sunday mornings at Windsor Presbyterian Church.
Many Christian people are supportive of gay people, and long for a society where all can freely marry. I am one of of those many people.
Paul Slaikeu
Healdsburg