Destruction of our soul

Editor: Ray Holley’s column in the Nov. 5 Tribune suggested that
city officials are predisposed to destruction of Memorial
Bridge.
Let me see if I have this right: We are going to tear down a
magnificent community symbol and replace it with a concrete lump
that only Caltrans could love? Unthinkable.
Other communities that have been down this road would agree. Did
San Francisco rip out the Joseph Strauss-designed Lefty O’Doul
Bridge when construction of AT&T park threatened it? Certainly
not. And what was Guerneville’s answer when its wonderful old span
faced the wrecking ball? Save it.
It’s time to end defeatist thinking about Memorial Bridge. There
are many rescue efforts that should be aggressively explored,
including creation of a community improvement district that would
not just save the bridge but beautify the surrounding area.
Memorial Bridge is as much the fabric of Healdsburg as our
beloved Plaza. Who among us hasn’t shot the bridge a glimpse from
northbound 101 as we returned to town from a trip and thought,
“Hey, I’m home!”
Tearing down that bridge is destruction of the community’s soul.
Don’t let it happen.
David S. Dietz
Healdsburg