Divisive statements
EDITOR: Regarding the commentary; Progressive group going strong, (Jan. 18). I feel some confusion about this update. The group calls itself non-partisan, then continues to state its aim is to “flip congressional seats from red to blue.” These two statements are mutually exclusive, divisive and hypocritical. An indivisible stance would be to promote a progressive agenda across all political parties.
Judy Voigt, independent voter
Geyserville
Cookie time
EDITOR: It’s Girl Scout cookie time! Girl Scouts from service unit 107, which includes Windsor, Larkfield, Healdsburg, up into Cloverdale are out selling cookies in their communities until March 4. You’ll see them in their vests or sashes, in groups or with a parent, pulling wagons or carrying bags full of Thin Mints, Savannah Smiles, S’mores, Tagalongs, Do si Do’s, Trefoils and Samoas.
Girl Scouts will be in front of the following Windsor locations most daytime weekend hours: Exchange Bank, Garrett Ace Hardware, Oliver’s Market, Redwood Credit Union, Safeway and Walmart. They will also be in front of the following Healdsburg locations most weekend hours: Big John’s Market, Exchange Bank, Garrett Ace Hardware and Safeway. A big thank you to all of the local businesses who support the biggest girl-led business in the world.
The money earned from cookie sales raise funds for local troops and their councils. The girls determine what to do with their troop money. They can apply it toward earning awards, attending camps, going on troop trips or using it to fund community service projects. Council money also stays local and helps run local camps as other programs to benefit the girls.
The cookie program is designed to teach the girls five essentials skills as they plan their cookie sales through interacting with customers, collaboratively working with their troop and being responsible for the money they collect and handle. These leadership skills help teach them tools which will lead to success in their adult lives.
The skills are: goal setting; decision making; money management; people skills; and business ethics.
The Girl Scout program is open to young girls Kindergarten through 12th grade and encompasses myriad programs and leadership opportunities though badge work, journeys, service projects and more. If you have a daughter who wants to participate in the Girl Scout experience, please call 800 447-4475 or email: in**@gi**************.org. For help finding a cookie booth near you, visit www.gsnorcal.org/en/cookies/about-girl-scout-cookies.html.
Jen Wall
Windsor
Measure V priorities
EDITOR: Dear City Council members: First of all, I would like to say thank you for sending the Measure V survey to those of us who live in the city of Healdsburg.
I have lived and been a homeowner here for the last 30-plus years and also raised my children here. When I first moved here in 1981, Healdsburg was a much different city, a diamond in the rough if you will, but still a nice community to live and work in.
I was proud to tell people my family lived in Healdsburg, even if many people didn’t know where it was, but today just about everyone knows where Healdsburg is, but from a different viewpoint. Many people know of Healdsburg as a destination place, which can be a positive assumption for tourists, but not so much for the city residents who live here.
As you are well aware, the cost-of-living here in Healdsburg has risen dramatically over the last several years, with much energy given towards tourism and little to those of us who live and work here; beautification/construction given to the downtown/shopping area.
Twenty years ago, the Community Development Agency had money that was set aside to help local residents make repairs on their homes who couldn’t financially afford to do so, such as paint vouchers. As far as I know, this doesn’t exist anymore. For those of us who aren’t as financially secure, it is a challenge to maintain our homes with neighbors who are. In my neighborhood (city block) 50 percent of the homes are second homes, not primary residences – vacation homes.
As elected officials and possibly long-time residents, I am hoping you will consider taking some time to remember the families that are trying to continue to live in Healdsburg.
I realize that there are funds needed to run this city, but I also know that many of the people who call Healdsburg home aren’t as financially secure as those who visit here, and could benefit from services from a Community Development Agency once again.
When I first moved here, it was my hope that my children, and their children would live in Healdsburg as well, but they are being forced to live in other local cities because of lack of affordable housing. There are three generations presently living in my home because of this.
So to answer your survey: How should you spend Measure V funds?
My hope is that every time you see a family walking down the street, or kids riding their bikes, or driving by homes that are primary residences, you will consider how the Measure V funds could benefit them and not the tourists/vacationers. The tourists have fancy hotels, shops and restaurants already, it is time to think about those of us who live and work here.
Denise Van Gerpen
Healdsburg
Royalty
EDITOR: We all know that Healdsburg’s special, but now we’re home to royalty. At the last-ever Mr. Healdsburg Pageant on Feb. 17, Bob Baker was crowned “King of Kings.” By my reckoning, that makes his runners-up Prince Tej Sekhon and Prince Xerxes Whitney, while the man voted “Mr. Congeniality” must be Duke Carlos Chavez.
The other competitors, who dazzled the crowd with feats of singing, songwriting, lip-synching, dancing, guitar playing, Monty Pythoning, etc., are Lords in Waiting: Chris Alarab, Michael Bairdsmith, Chris Herrod, Aaron Hitt, Phillip Rea and Bob Santucci.
These men’s talent, and the way they rocked formalwear and swimwear (shout-out to Phillip here, as a crab willing to be boiled), were exceeded only by their commitment to the Raven and their love for our community. Equally committed have been Carol Noack, the show’s organizer and director since 2004, and scintillating emcee Samantha Vega. Both are obviously princesses.
Since its inception, the Mr. Healdsburg Pageant has raised more than $200,000 for our Raven Theater. Well done, ladies and gentlemen. I’m visiting England in a few weeks. If I happen to meet the Queen while I’m passing through London, I’ll let her know she’s got royal cousins in Healdsburg, California.
Nancy Roberts
Healdsburg
