Lots of letters this week!
Why not hire local?
EDITOR: It is very unfortunate that our county board of supervisors, after proclaiming that we should buy local and hire local, have decided to hire lawyers from San Diego and Dallas, Texas to represent Sonoma County.
Where is the common sense in that? Put your money where your mouth is. It seems to us that Sonoma County attorneys, many of whom have gone through this disaster themselves, would have more empathy and sensitivity to our fire victims.
These out of town firms do not have any presence in our community and do not know this area. They will cost more, because of course they will have to charge travel time and lodging. Sonoma County attorneys are more familiar with Northern California courts and with the people of this area. They also have better access to the evidence.
We have faith in our Sonoma County trial lawyers, many of whom have generously supported our local fundraisers and charities for many years. We believe the North Bay and Sonoma County in particular have some of the finest attorneys in the state.
We have a lot of decent, honorable attorneys, investigators and other legal support groups who would do a great job representing us. Let our own guys lead us out of this mess. That would create the best chance for the people of Sonoma County to receive full justice. Or does it just come down to who has the best marketing team? Welcome to the corporate culture.
Douglas and Roseanna Boaz
Healdsburg
Healdsburg can do it
EDITOR: At this week’s special meeting of the planning commission, the agenda was focused on crafting new regulations for firearm sales in Healdsburg. During the public comments portion of the meeting, the applicant for the proposed new gun shop in town spoke, sharing his views that he could not understand why there was so much fear about a gun shop.
While I compliment him for appearing and speaking publicly, I am astounded as to why he does not understand the fear. Ask any mother why she is afraid for her children. It’s not the specific location by zoning regulations in our town for a gun shop, it’s the potential of having a gun shop here.
There are more licensed gun shops in the nation than there are McDonalds, coffee shops and grocery stores combined. Yes, there is fear but there is also a virtually unlimited supply of guns available to purchase and use.
This culture of gun supply must be broken and halted. And Healdsburg can do it. Our current zoning code prohibits any retail sales of marijuana products anywhere in Healdsburg. When the city council meets on this matter, they can also, for the safety of children, residents and visitors, enact an ordinance prohibiting the sale of any firearms and firearms-related commerce anywhere in Healdsburg.
Bill Andersen
Healdsburg
Build up
EDITOR: This is not a letter to complain about parking; I promise. I’m hoping many find it a letter with ideas that may work to improve relationships between community members, downtown businesses and tourists.
The main parking lot downtown is either too large or too small depending on the day. I have a solution.
First, build up. Three stories. Above the third parking level include a roof. On top of that roof install solar panels and sell the energy. Or, offer community members, including businesses, reduced rates on their electric bills.
Second idea: the space is large enough to have two parking garages and to create a covered middle path as London does with Portobello Market. Little shops would line a walkway that hopefully would lead from a miniature train stop to the center of town.
However, have a contest first. Take some of the money generated by the tourist community and offer a designer, an engineer, a stay-at-home mom, a substantial prize to design a parking garage that could be a work of art. Functional art is possible in Healdsburg.
Please join me for a moment of silence with the demise of the decades-old street lamps that used to line Johnson Street. The old globes, the patina on the poles themselves, and the atmosphere they provided residents and tourists alike will be missed.
Brent Mortensen
Healdsburg
$5,000 to graduating HHS senior
EDITOR: Amy’s Wicked Slush is delighted to announce the first annual Wicked Slush Wicked Smaht Scholarship.
In recognition that not every young adult is “wicked smaht” in a traditional sense measured by GPA, the scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who may not qualify for traditional financial aid. This may mean a young adult who is pursuing vocational training or a career in the arts; or a junior college applicant with few resources; or someone who simply needs a reliable car to get to work. It is intended that the scholarship have a substantial impact on the recipient’s options in pursuing their post-high school goals.
Applications are available now at Amy’s Wicked Slush at 13840 Healdsburg Avenue. The deadline for submission is April 15, 2018. The scholarship committee will evaluate all applications and narrow the field to five semi-finalists, who will be invited to appear before the committee in a public forum at Amy’s Wicked Slush on May 16. Following creative individual interviews, the committee will deliberate while the semi-finalists enjoy free slush on the deck, after which the recipient will be announced and the scholarship awarded.
Amy’s Wicked Slush is honored and grateful to have been welcomed enthusiastically into the fabric of Healdsburg. Founded by a former non-traditional yet wicked smaht student, Amy’s Wicked Slush is committed to employing and supporting those who do not necessarily walk a traditional path to success.
For more information on this event, contact Amy Covin at 431-9253 or [email protected]
Amy Covin
Healdsburg
Be part of the game
EDITOR: It’s Prune Packer season again. This season’s roster is shaping up to be the best team yet, and that’s really saying something. Two years ago, our first year in the California Collegiate League, we missed the playoffs by one game. Last year we lost in the championship game.
This year (and I swear this is not hyperbole) we figure to take it all. I make this claim for a team playing in the CCL, the west coast version of the Cape Cod League. It doesn’t get any better in amateur baseball; D1 NCAA ballplayers from across the country, all pro prospects.
We are still charging only $5 admission and kids 12 and under are free. Our board is committed to providing the families and seniors of the Healdsburg and the broader Sonoma County communities affordable, high quality entertainment. As far as I know, we can’t be beat for value. We put on this show pretty much through sponsorships alone.
But, to make all this work, we need host families, volunteers and interns. Every year we lose a few and gain a few. If you could help us fill our empty slots we would mightily appreciate it. You can help by calling 473-9409 or emailing [email protected].
Gerry North
Healdsburg Prune Packers
