Trump is not above the law
EDITOR: We deserve to know the truth about Russia’s role in electing Donald Trump. However, Robert Mueller, the special counsel charged with investigating the 2016 election, has been under constant threat since his appointment.
If Mueller is fired, it would destroy the democratic ideals that are necessary to preventing tyranny — transparency and accountability. Our presidents must always be held to the highest standards, so they must be subject to fair and independent review. Another Saturday Night Massacre, with firings calculated to halt Mueller’s investigation, would signal the American people that the presidency needs far stronger oversight.
This investigation must continue. Our elected officials must support Mueller against President Trump’s threats. Americans need to know that our lawmakers support shedding light on what happened in 2016 and upholding democratic principles.
If Mueller is fired before 2 p.m. local time, organized protests will ensue beginning at 5 p.m. local time. If he is fired after 2 p.m. local time, organized protests will ensue at 12 noon local time the next day. If Mueller is fired between Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 we will mobilize on Dec. 27. If he’s fired on New Year’s Eve we will mobilize on New Year’s Day.
Pledge to join hundreds of people in around America and here in Healdsburg who will rally to demand an accountable government at www.trumpisnotabovethelaw.org.
Kathy Timberlake
Indivisible Healdsburg
More winery over-concentration
EDITOR: The cities of Healdsburg and Sonoma, and now the rural Westside Road area of Sonoma County have reached a clear over-concentration of tasting rooms.
The town of Sonoma opted for a cap. The town of Healdsburg has added a density standard. But our county continues to face an unacceptable “gold rush” for tasting room/event centers with no end in sight. Westside Road is a development bullseye for this expansion, with impacts that degrade existing business, rural character and even tourism itself.
In October 2014 and again in 2016, our county supervisors directed their planning staff to create standards to deal with winery over-concentration. Where are they?
The oversized Westside Farms application, combined with already existing and proposed projects would result in five tasting rooms within a short half-mile stretch of Westside Road. This rush to beat the slow moving staff standards will leave that rural road with a virtual strip mall of tasting rooms. Not acceptable.
Our county representatives should not approve any more projects, including Westside Farms, until these delayed standards are in place. We need a diverse balance out there.
Warren Watkins
Healdsburg
No to gun commerce
EDITOR: A gun shop in Healdsburg? With the nation awash in guns are we even considering this insanity? Horrors. How can our community possibly accept this assault on our values? Gun safety and gun training must be at a gun range outside our city limits. Citizens of Healdsburg: stand up and say no to any gun commerce anywhere in Healdsburg.
Bill, De and Kate Andersen
Healdsburg
Check the facts
EDITOR: When the county makes exceptions to protections in our zoning code and ordinances, they put us all at risk. Whether the exception overrides the hazard plan and fire code that increased wildfire risk in the coastal hills area or downgrades the safe sight distance standard for a 60,000-case winery, the outcome is the same: public safety is jeopardized.
In addition to road safety, dangerous precedents set by the Westside Farms approval are too numerous, and the countywide implications of too great an importance, to be addressed during the holiday season.
Let’s just check the facts: The 42 acres of vineyard, which have never been of concern, provide about one-quarter of the grapes, requiring 720 tons of grape imports to produce 60,000 cases. Adding to intensity and scale are 6,000 square feet of commercial office space. This creates significant truck traffic and unnecessary commute traffic on a dangerous stretch of road.
Authentic ag or an event center? You decide: The proposal has 11,700 square feet of hospitality area, including four separate tasting rooms for 20 promotional events; and not one, but three commercial kitchens, with daily food service in private dining areas. As well as a separate building with private VIP lounges, kitchen and two bedrooms/bathrooms, even though a second dwelling unit is neither allowed by the zoning code nor on tax-reduced conservation act lands.
Here’s to 2018: a year of real facts.
Nancy Feehan
Gualala
