Why are foxes dying?
EDITOR: On April 3, a dead fox was found on our property by Asti. There were no visible wounds. On April 6, another fox was found dead on our porch and again it had no visible wounds. A few days later, a third fox was found dead on Asti Road. We contacted Fish and Game, and they sent someone out to get a body and send it to Davis for an autopsy. It would be interesting to know if anyone else has experienced anything similar.
Judy Pudoff
Cloverdale
Invitation to students’ multimedia show and gala
EDITOR: I believe in the thrill of the hunt. I believe in perspective. I believe in sisters. These three belief statements are part of Cloverdale High School’s fourth annual “This I Believe” gala, which will take place on Friday, June 1 at 6 p.m. in the CHS East Gym. Please join students and their families for this multimedia presentation showcasing the writing and multimedia performances from CHS photography, drama, art and English-3 students.
“This I Believe” is a radio essay project which began in the 1950s by Edward R. Murrow; the project’s intent was to have listeners share their personal philosophies in order to foster understanding and connection with others.
Rebooted in 2003 by producers at NPR, the project asks people to write short pieces describing one core value and how it was formed. Along with a display of many essays, CHS drama students will perform short pieces based on this year’s English-3 essays, and photography students will display the photos they’ve shot capturing students’ belief statements. Art students have also created vibrant murals based on the belief statements.
For this year’s gala, doors will open at 6 p.m. with performances starting at 6:30. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served.
Wendy Connor
Cloverdale
Vote for change on June 5
EDITOR: For the first time in more than two decades, we the people of Sonoma County have a real choice for sheriff. Not just of three experienced candidates, but also of the kind of law enforcement we want for our county.
If you believe, as we do, that the relationship between law enforcement and the communities it serves is broken and that respect for all must be restored, the best choice is John Mutz.
We did not arrive at this conclusion easily. Our Sonoma County Democratic clubs and the Sonoma County Democratic Party devoted many hours to promoting and hosting forums on the sheriff’s race and interviewing and comparing the candidates. All have impressive resumes. All are aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
But only John Mutz has a track record of actually creating the change we need, of succeeding in the worst of circumstances. He was an LAPD station commander in 1992 when riots broke out following the beating of Rodney King.
He was able to mediate between cops and communities to defuse tensions and rebuild trust, and thereafter dedicated himself to bringing forward new initiatives in community-based policing, both in LA and nationwide.
He has an impressive list of endorsements, from members of law enforcement and local elected officials to well-respected community leaders, including our local Democratic Party, the Latino Political Action Committee of Sonoma County, the Press-Democrat (split endorsement), the Argus-Courier, as well as other local news, community and labor organizations.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of this choice. The sheriff leads our county’s largest law enforcement agency (responsible for 1,550 square miles, two city police departments, 600 employees and two jails) and is likely to be at the forefront of federal immigration challenges.
We have a unique opportunity to bring 21st century, community-based policing to Sonoma County, evolving from a warrior to a guardian mentality, ensuring that each and every resident is treated with respect. It won’t come our way again soon.
Vote for change on June 5. Vote for John Mutz.
Sandy Reynolds, president, Santa Rosa Democratic Club
Rick Massell, president, Windsor/North County Democratic Club
Therese Horsting and Michele Larkey, co-chairs, Democratic Club of Southern Sonoma County
Beth Hadley, president, Sonoma Valley Democratic Club
Tom Amato, president, Oakmont Democratic Club
Caroline Banuelos, president, Sonoma County Latino Democratic Club
