Letters to the Editor 8-22-13

Baker’s history
Editor: Healdsburg is very fortunate to have such a fabulous bakery as Costeaux’s French Bakery. They not only have great bakery items but also donate to many organizations. In your article about the early history of the bakery, there is no mention of Fred’s Bakery. Fred’s Bakery was in that location from 1959-1971. Fred and Lidia Loupy had owned a bakery in Castro Valley before coming to Healdsburg. The truck that is pictured in A Look Back at Local History is Fred’s Bakery (Our Bread Makes Babies Fat).
Just a little note of fact to an interesting article.
Thank you all for the interesting and informative articles of the area.
Edna (Brooks) Honsa
Healdsburg
Museum without walls
Editor: On Sunday, Aug. 25, the Healdsburg Plaza will be transformed into an exciting outdoor marketplace as the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society sponsors its first Antiques, Art and Collectibles Fair. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will find a wonderful array of affordable treasures from more than 80 participating vendors. As the new event host, the Museum has extended the scope of the fair to officially include art and collectibles.  
The Museum will also be expanding their participation with a display of local artifacts and historic photos in our “Museum Without Walls” exhibit.
Mark your calendar and come join the fun.  Admission is free.
Rawleigh Fjeld
Healdsburg Museum Fair
Committee Chair
Seniors: This is for you
Editor: Do you remember back in high school fighting to keep your eyes open while a boring teacher droned on about something you had no interest in? Or maybe you enjoyed much of your school years, and would like to brush up on a topic you haven’t thought about in ages.
Thanks to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), those 55 and over have an opportunity to expand their knowledge in an enjoyable way. OLLI classes are offered once a week at the Villa – no homework, no tests, only pure satisfaction.
The key to OLLI classes, I believe, is the fascinating teaching corps. Last year I was delighted to learn about FDR and the causes of WWII from Chris O’Sullivan, social anthropology from Dianne Smith, and the Stuart dynasty from Charlene Lohmeier (who knew that the Stuarts were the 17th-18th century equivalent of a prime-time soap opera?). There are many more options; the most difficult decision I had to make was which classes to attend.
Now you have an opportunity to add a pleasurable and informative two hours a week without leaving Healdsburg.
Go to http://www.sonoma.edu/exed/olli  and learn which classes are being offered in Healdsburg this year. I hope to see you there.
Judy Edmonds
Healdsburg
We live here
Editor: If the city fathers had their ears on, they’d realize how unhappy, angry and shocked at the expenditure of thousands of dollars being spent on that ridiculous extension of the sidewalk corners on Center and North streets.
What, if any, is the purpose?
For example: for years now, Healdsburg Avenue north between Dry Creek Road and Sunnyvale Drive has been deteriorating. The patches only last a month or so. It’s a disgrace.
It appears to me and many others who live and work in this area that City Hall thinks just making things pretty and inviting for the tourists who, of course, spend weekends and money here, is doing their job. Not so.
I’ve only lived here 40 years and Healdsburg has changed, as all small towns do. They grow.
But during this growth period one mustn’t forget the people who make up this town. I would say to our city fathers, forget for a moment, the wine tasting rooms and the tourist attractions at the Plaza. Give a thought of the people who make up this town. The regular guys; carpenters, truckers, teachers, clerks. They are Healdsburg. They deserve better streets for one thing.
In my opinion, our city council has let us down. They’re a disgrace.
Taddi Aguilera
Healdsburg
Stop, if you want to
Editor: It has taken me months to realize that apparently many drivers in my neighborhood have received a special memo. That memo has directed them to only stop at the stop signs on Rosewood Drive when they feel like it.
I must keep this in mind while walking my dogs or driving on my street. I am very cautious, as I never know if the approaching driver is one of those who received the memo. For them, a stop sign is merely a suggestion.
I wanted others to be aware of this so that they may remain safe.
Mary Doll
Healdsburg
A look back
Editor: We enjoyed seeing the picture in the local history of the Aug. 8, 2013 issue of Fred’s French Bakery (circa 1960). It brought back many wonderful memories of the “old” Healdsburg that we love.
Incidentally, that’s Dr. Francis Ritz alongside his truck, holding his award ribbon he won for entering it in the FFA fair parade.
Thanks for the memories. It was fun.
Lidia and Fred Loupy
Healdsburg