Bake for the bridge

Editor: Every time I read an article about the bridge that
overlooks Memorial Beach being torn down, I can’t believe that
there are some who would even consider the murderous act. I don ‘t
care if it costs more money to “fix “ it than it would to build a
new bridge, as with every other structure that’s been saved in this
town for its historical value, it deserves a second chance.
Look, I realize I’ve only lived in this dusty hamlet for the
past 40 years or so, but prior to moving here, my parents used to
drive my siblings and me to Healdsburg for our annual vacation at
Auntie Flo’s who lived on Westside. We picked and crushed apples
from her trees for juice, we paid 50 cents to watch movies at the
Aven Theatre, and we met my Uncle Charles at the Russian River,
underneath the bridge, to launch the boat for an afternoon of
racing up and down the river.
It didn’t matter how old I was. And it didn’t matter where I’d
been. College, London, Paris, the Yucatan Peninsula, back East
visiting relatives, when I could look to my right, and by the way,
I don’t think the bridge is ugly and in fact, love its structural
form, I knew I WAS HOME. The bridge is much a part of this town as
the Plaza. It doesn ‘t deserve to be torn down; it deserves to
continue as the true gateway to Healdsburg. Come on, how many bake
sales will it really take? I promise to be the first citizen to
donate a couple of dozen cookies for sale and as well, to then
purchase them.
Brent Mortensen
Healdsburg