To local book clubs
EDITOR: I also was amazed that there are so many book clubs in Healdsburg. I am a Healdsburg resident, board member of Redwood Writer’s club (350 members) and distributor of Sonoma County author’s books. I distribute traditionally or self-published books in local cafes. (The Plank in Cloverdale, The Bean Affair in Healdsburg, The Omelette Express in Winsor plus more in Santa Rosa).
Why not read our talented local author’s books in your clubs instead of just best-sellers? This way you can support our Sonoma County authors and invite them to discuss their books in person. Please email me for a list of author’s books and biographies (many from Healdsburg). in**@je********.com.
Jeane Slone
Healdsburg
Reconsider beer sales ban
EDITOR: The rebuttal May 24 about the May 17 write-up on Prune Packers baseball missed the mark. The original letter was sharing their opinions about what would enhance an already wonderful experience during a local baseball game in our hometown. They in no way expressed that unless everyone supports the sale of alcohol, this means you are not a supporter of the Prune Packers.
I find it commendable that you have in the past, and are a current host, for one of the college players on our Prune Packers team. I too, have hosted, and am also currently hosting a player again this year. I don’t see what this has to do with the people who come to our games to enjoy seeing the Prune Packers play.
Go to any minor league or professional league baseball game and what is there to buy? These games are also family fun — children are all over. But before you protest too much, remember we have music in the square every Tuesday during the summer, also a family fun venue, where you will see children running around, dancing, climbing the trees and, “gasp,” there is alcohol allowed.
As for DUI checks before leaving the game, really? Yes, a bit tighter security would probably be needed, but is that really a bad thing, especially in lieu of current events? I don’t know about you, but a beer or two should suffice for one game, over the course of a few hours.
There is a time and place to reassess and reevaluate everything. If we never did this, our country would’ve stagnated long ago; Prohibition would not have been repealed; slavery abolished, women allowed to vote.
I, for one, feel there is nothing wrong with selling alcohol at the games. It sounds like it could be a big help monetarily to the team, and maybe even to Rec Park, as it sounds like they are willing to donate some of the proceeds to both. Let’s take a serious look at this and give it a fair and honest chance. It may or may not work, but let’s look at all the facts.
Jennifer Secreto
Healdsburg
SDAT shows its colors
EDITOR: During the Healdsburg Future Farmers Twilight Parade a stalwart crew from the Steering Committee for the SDAT (Sustainable Design Assessment Team) handed out nearly 1,000 bookmarks telling a little bit about SDAT. Many people asked what SDAT stood for. Others remembered something in the Tribune about it, and others, said, “Thank you, but what’s ‘dat?”
As we distributed these “save-the-date — August 13-15, 2018” reminders, many people got a brief but succinct description of what SDAT might mean for Healdsburg: “Fresh eyes looking at the issues in town,” “suggestions for Healdsburg’s future to preserve its character,” “experts offering their ideas for the future of the city,” “planning for a livable 2040” and “your voice counts.”
The most common response to these brief statements about what the SDAT might bring to us was a refreshing. “That sounds like a good idea.” The steering committee holds irregular meetings, planning for this mid August visit of 5-7 experts. If you’d like to help us create the most beneficial and engaged event, join us. You can find out more at healdsburg-sdat.org. Otherwise, you might watch the future run away from you.
Merrilyn Joyce
Healdsburg
$6.1 million goof
EDITOR: The purpose of the $6.1 million expansion to city hall was so that all departments would be together in one building. Well, think again. Paint barely dry and the additions are too small to house its intended departments.
Who is the person responsible and approved the plans before knowing whether there was enough room to place the departments into these spaces? Beyond the inadequate office spaces, a parking lot was required to accommodate the additional parking needed for these workers that couldn’t fit into their office spaces.
Ever wonder what this person’s annual salary is?
Ken Buchignani
Healdsburg
