Editor’s note: Thank you, Healdsburg, for your passionate belief in the value of free expression through your local newspaper. Due to the high volume of letters, we have set aside extra space. In this week’s paper, we are running every letter we received through Tuesday morning, on elections and other topics.
Missing middle housing
EDITOR: Our picturesque town has a housing crisis. Teachers, first responders, people who grew up here of average income are being forced out. They don’t qualify for affordable housing, but can’t afford market rents.
Measure P offers a partial solution. Put on the ballot by a 5-0 vote of our city council, Measure P modestly loosens our local growth rules. It allows an additional 50 rental units per year to be built — and these units will be deed-restricted to middle income (missing middle) folks. Developers are encouraged to include middle income housing in their projects, at no public expense.
Measure P is not the “be all, end all” to the housing crunch. But it is a worthy start. Please consider voting yes on Measure P in November.
Janis and Warren Watkins
Healdsburg
Qualifications, experience
EDITOR: We were interested to read about the four candidates running for Healdsburg Unified School District’s Board of Trustees in your recent edition. One candidate in particular stood out to us as fully qualified and relevantly experienced given his 30 years of working in education as a teacher, administrator and assistant superintendent in various districts throughout California.
Mike Potmesil is no stranger to Healdsburg as is demonstrated by his local association with PSST and Rotary. We believe Mike’s qualifications and experience would be a difference-making benefit for our community and is the key differentiator among the candidates.
Like the rest of Healdsburg, Healdsburg public schools have changing demographics. Our public schools have declining enrollment and, as such, thoughtful and difficult experienced-based decisions will have to be made in the next few years to determine whether our district will remain closed to students from outside of 95448, or, if we open our district to students from Cloverdale, Geyserville and elsewhere.
Mike has deep experience with financial forecasting and budgeting, and demonstrated success in making investments in teacher training and staff development. Mike has academically transformed low performing schools into award winning schools over a five-year period of time which is inspiring to us, and clearly what Healdsburg now needs. Mike has the qualifications and experience vitally necessary at this time for the children of Healdsburg and for the Healdsburg Unified School District Board of Trustees. We will be voting for Mike Potmesil.
Tim and Rene’ Unger
Healdsburg
TLT thanks
EDITOR: Program days are the heart of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) program. Students meet once per month and get an inside look at Sonoma County through this community-based program that emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and communication.
Our September program day focused on arts and the media. Arts & Media Day introduced students to various types of art and media in the community and how they influence peoples’ lives. This program day also acquainted students with the essentials of effective communication and provided an opportunity to exercise those skills.
A couple of weeks ago, students in our north class spent Arts & Media Day in Healdsburg and met with community partners from Alexander Valley Film Society, Healdsburg Living Magazine, Raven Performing Arts Theater, Paul Mahder Gallery, Upstairs Art Gallery, Stafford Gallery and the Healdsburg Tribune. It was a fun-filled day of learning.
One TLT student learned, “that there are multiple ways people can take art and media and influence their community.” After spending the day together another said, “I learned to follow my passion.”
Catrina Dierke
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Capacity to listen
EDITOR: As we continue this great experiment called democracy, that commenced following our founding fathers’ declaration of independence in summer of 1776, I write to encourage my fellow citizens in the city of Healdsburg to cast their vote for Evelyn Mitchell for city council. Our system of government is reliant upon “We The People” electing fellow citizens to represent them in the making of policy.
I have come to know Evelyn as an analytical thinker with a balanced perspective. As a longtime resident of Healdsburg, Evelyn is acutely aware of the challenges that face our community. While she may not have “all the answers,” she has the capacity to listen to stakeholders, process data and make decisions.
In our system of government, we need leaders who can and will make decisions that contribute to our collective welfare. Evelyn’s roots in our community, financial acumen and management style contribute to a very powerful perspective and skillset, making her highly qualified for the office she seeks.
Please join me in voting for Evelyn Mitchell for Healdsburg City Council.
William Seppi
Healdsburg
Stop feeding violence
EDITOR: Very saddened what is happening to our country. A woman stands up after 36 years, and says she was groped in high school. Unfortunately, all of her witnesses cannot verify her story, but yet her rehearsed baby talk and lack of any evidence is enough to destroy a man’s life, which is what it all was all about anyway.
Our youth have failed to learn any virtues or lack of gullibility. They react to what they see on their phone, true or false. How many times I have believed something so fully, only to find out I was wrong? Yes, crow does taste like chicken.
Is anyone the same as they were in high school? Turn off the managed news and stop feeding the violence before someone gets killed. And yes, despite what the democratic socialists say (i.e. Nazis) when you get in someone’s face and scream and yell at them that is violence.
Mark Rudd
Healdsburg
Education destination
EDITOR: After attending the Healdsburg school board candidate forum, I believe we have four excellent candidates running for the two open positions on the school board. During the panel discussion, I listened for who had the experience and vision to focus our limited resources on educational improvements that would best serve Healdsburg’s diverse student population.
Mike Potmesil’s wealth of experience as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent at economically and racially diverse school districts stood out. I believe his record of improving student performance, for all students, can be replicated in Healdsburg. In the past, Mike built stakeholder consensus by listening to and incorporating students, parents, teachers and staff perspectives.
And who cannot support Mike’s vision to make Healdsburg not just a tourist destination, but an education destination? Mike’s experience and leadership would make him an exceptional addition to the Healdsburg school board.
Karla Rosen
Healdsburg
High expectations
EDITOR: We support Donna del Rey’s re-election to the Healdsburg school board. We have known Donna for many years, parenting and volunteering side-by-side as her children and ours grew and attended district schools.
In her six years on the school board, Donna has proven to be knowledgeable about district policies, needs, challenges and strengths. She has supported priorities that strengthen our district, such as updating graduation requirements; adopting modern standards and associated curriculum; expanding professional development for staff; funding technology in all classrooms; supporting electives, internships and enrichment programs; and much more.
Present at a multitude of school events, site visits and committee meetings, she is energized when listening to students, parents and community members. She has a clear vision for a district-wide culture where all students at all grade levels thrive as they explore and discover their talents, voices, paths and purposes.
Donna has high expectations for the district and is committed to working as a trustee with, and for, our community to pursue consensus, reconcile differences and ensure equity in the service of all students. She is a good listener, smart, compassionate and pragmatic, skills that are valuable as the board regularly faces a wide variety of issues, some of which invite a diversity of strong opinions and passionate beliefs.
For all these reasons, please join us in voting for Donna del Rey for school board on Nov. 6.
Teresa Brooks, Susanne Esquivel,
Susan Vargas, Therese Walker
Healdsburg
Experienced educator
EDITOR: Mike Potmesil is running for one of the open seats on the Healdsburg school board. I have known Mike for about six years, ever since he joined the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Noon. He has become a very active member of our club, fulfilling a number of functions. Not only is he our club chair for the Rotary Foundation, he has also been very helpful in working on our youth service programs.
In addition to his work for our Rotary Club, Mike has also been active in PSST, the Public School Success Team as well as the First Gen Program of Corazón Healdsburg. Mike is a former educator from the East Bay and has held a number of administrative positions in high schools and school districts.
With that background and a mindset that searches for fact-based solutions and best practices he makes an excellent choice to join our board of trustees for HUSD. Please join me in voting for Mike, an experienced educator, for the Healdsburg school board.
Henk Peeters
Healdsburg
Open and capable
EDITOR: Not radical, but rational. Not only a “fixer” but pro-active. Both a listener and a thinker. Open and capable. Leah Gold embodies these qualities, along with the intelligence to continue to guide Healdsburg, during this time of growth and discovery. I have worked with her on planning issues at county and city levels and find her even temperament helps tremendously with consensus building and motivation to find solutions.
At the candidates’ debate I benefitted from hearing Tim Meinkin’s impressive depth of knowledge on city issues from A to Z. I think it is Tim’s time now. He is an opportunity not to be missed. With an MBA in finance and transportation, from Northwestern University, along with his planning abilities and his many contributions to the community already, Tim Meinkin would merit your second vote, with Leah Gold being the best first choice.
Bonnie Berkeley
Healdsburg
Experience and dedication
EDITOR: Evelyn Mitchell has my vote for Healdsburg City Council. As an active volunteer at our animal shelter, I have had the opportunity to work with Evelyn on many projects. She is always ready and willing to step up and help.
Evelyn served as president of the board of directors during the transition of animal services to the Humane Society of Sonoma County. This was an uncertain time for our community. Using her leadership, communication and consensus building skills during the transfer of the vacant shelter building into the successful facility it is today, prove that she can get the job done.
As a small business owner, Evelyn helps her clients achieve their goals by carefully listening to their concerns, making her an ideal candidate for city council.
We are fortunate to have someone with Evelyn’s experience and dedication willing to run for city council. Please join me in voting for Evelyn Mitchell.
Caroline Marker
Healdsburg
For community and workers
EDITOR: I am writing to express my unconditional support of Measure P, which will allow an additional 50 units of multi-family rental housing in Healdsburg. I have been a resident for over 20 years, and during this time I’ve seen how our community has been negatively impacted by the lack of workforce housing.
Measure P was created with a great deal of public input and strikes the right balance of what type of housing we build in Healdsburg. We should be encouraging people of all income levels to live here, and the services and businesses that drive our town will benefit from having workers as part of the community.
Let’s help put Healdsburg on the right track. Our community needs this, and the workers need it. Vote yes on P.
Bob Gain
Member, Healdsburg Community Housing Committee
Caring and compassionate
EDITOR: I am endorsing Evelyn Mitchell for election to our city council. In my professional and personal interactions with her, she has impressed me as a caring and compassionate person with a love for our community. I served with her on the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and personally experienced her thoughtful and well thought out comments on the many topics that were under discussion in the various business and community settings. She was always prepared and contributed her views at every meeting.
She is a business professional with a strong background in finance and business management. She also is using that expertise as a member of the leadership team of the Humane Society of Sonoma County. This, coupled with her caring personal approach to interacting with all people, makes her my choice to lead our community in the coming years. Join me in voting for Evelyn Mitchell for Healdsburg City Council.
Mark Decker
Healdsburg
Thanks from chamber
EDITOR: The Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce staff, tired and happy, is thankful for the wonderful businesses, nonprofits and the city employees who made our fifth annual Get Downtown Business Showcase and Community Resource Fair a resounding success.
We really appreciate the opportunity to showcase the wonderful diversity of businesses and services that are available here in Healdsburg. We appreciate Wilson Artisan Wines, La Follette Wines, Martorana Family Winery, JCB Cellars, La Crema, Siduri Wines, Thomas George Estate, Bear Republic Brewing Company, Thumbprint Cellars and Portalupi Wines for beverage donations, Big John’s Market, The Wurst, Eight Dragons, Costeaux French Bakery for food tasting, and the many local services and businesses who participated in the business showcase.
We would also like to thank David Jahns and Mark Themig from the City of Healdsburg Community Services Department for their guidance and assistance. To all of the community members who attended, remember to look for your services in Healdsburg first and shop local.
Carla Howell, executive director
Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau
Time and energy
EDITOR: Healdsburg residents first. That is the focus of both Tim Meinken and Leah Gold. They are both strong advocates of affordable housing and curbing the large increase of hotel development in our town. At the recent council candidate forum featuring the three candidates, both Tim Meinken and Leah Gold had well-formed policy proposals on issues important to full-time residents.
Their ideas for increasing the amount of affordable and middle income housing, increasing economic diversity, connecting the city to the river and balancing tourism with the needs of residents speak to the time and energy both have put into understanding and addressing the challenges the city faces. In contrast, Evelyn Mitchell frequently answered questions saying that she would research the matter. Furthermore, she opposes recent council action to slow down hotel development.
Healdsburg needs knowledgeable and well-prepared people like Tim Meinken and Leah Gold on our city council.
Mark Bisignani
Healdsburg
Growing community
EDITOR: About eight years ago, a small community garden — open to all members of the community — emerged from a patch of weeds at 429 Terrace Blvd. Started by the efforts of Reola Meadows, a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, it created more gardening space in town. My family and I jumped at the opportunity to garden at Terrace Community Garden.
A lot of goodwill happens in community gardens. Over the years, community help has poured in. It’s worth a mention: The initial PVC water lines and valves were donated by Central Valley Supply. Gaddis Nursery often provides free vegetable starts for the food pantry portion of the garden.
Healdsburg Lumber donated all the wood when Eagle Scout Henry Dreiling offered up his help to build permanent raised beds. Warm Springs 4-H has sponsored the food pantry garden and grown an impressive tonnage of fresh winter vegetables for the Healdsburg Food Pantry.
The HHS CASA program built a tool shed for the garden. AmeriCorps has helped with infrastructure improvements over the years through multiple workdays. The Interact Club, Healdsburg Community Church, and Healdsburg High Ag classes all help the garden each year. Students have worked community service hours here and came away with some new skills.
Farm to Pantry has gleaned the garden many times. Kadon Trucking, I-ROC, Mix Garden Materials, Garrett Ace Hardware and Bucher Dairy have all supplied materials or services at discounts or donation. Aaction Rents has been a steadfast supporter offering significant discounts each time we rent equipment.
And, I’m certain, my memory has overlooked other donors and sponsors along the way.
As we know, gardens don’t just take care of themselves, but a little effort goes a long way. If you’ve got a few weekends a year to lend a hand, or weekdays, the garden could use your help to keep the food pantry garden thriving. The heavy lifting is done — we have raised beds on automatic timers, supplies and materials for success.
We need the watchful eye of gardeners who can plant and tend vegetables through the winter, and set up the beds for changing seasons and crops. If you prefer more involvement, there is plenty of space for till, no till, permaculture, or general efforts to teach yourself while working the soil here.
Inquiries are welcome at
ab***********@gm***.com
. Come join in on an important and simple effort to grow vegetables for ourselves and others.
Rick Kaye
Terrace Community Garden Volunteer
Is Healdsburg your home?
EDITOR: Every national news cycle feels like another attack on our cherished democratic values. But locally we still have a voice; we don’t have to let the Healdsburg we love slip away. In a city run by a locally elected council, we have the power to vote for candidates who understand the need for balance and won’t relinquish our small town to special interests.
To achieve that healthy balance — a thriving community and strong economy — we need council members who truly understand how to have both.
Tim Meinken, an astute read on city issues, is running for city council to rebalance our priorities by expanding our focus to the needs of residents, students and workers. With business, finance and transportation degrees from top universities, a 25-year career as a pensions and benefits consultant, and as owner of a local winery specializing in sustainably grown grapes, Tim grasps the big picture.
Healdsburg residents can win with a council who listens and then guides the city toward diversity, affordability, fiscal responsibility and environmentally healthy choices.
Tim has been preparing to serve the community for years. He knows the issues, sees solutions, has years of experience building effective teams and has the temperament to work respectfully with everyone.
When Leah Gold endorsed Tim she wrote, “Tim impressed me with his depth of knowledge and strongly stated progressive positions. It’s clear to me now that he will support me on the issues I regard as most crucial for Healdsburg. I hope your second council vote will be for Tim.”
Both Leah Gold and Tim Meinken are dedicated to policy that preserves our small town for residents, including the neighborhoods we love.
Merrilyn Joyce
Healdsburg
Help steward open space
EDITOR: As excited as we are for the upcoming rainy season, large amounts of rainfall in short amounts of time can cause severe damage to roads and trails, moving heavy loads of sediment, and many times dispensing them in our creeks.
LandPaths is dedicated to limiting our impact on the environment, and Healdsburg residents and neighbors can help achieve this goal by joining an upcoming workday on Oct. 24 to clean and inspect the water/drainage features (culverts, in-board ditches, waterbars, etc.) at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve.
The work day will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and volunteers will meet at the trailhead at the end of Arabian Way. Visit landpaths.org to register.
Another way volunteer stewards can help is to sign up for a LandPaths Stewards on the Scene (SOS) Team. In rain events with excessive rainfall (about twoi inches over 24 hours), water features that were already cleaned can become clogged quickly with debris, which can lead to devastating damage as water finds a new course to travel.
SOS action team members will be on an on-call list and during excessive rain events will meet with other members of the action team on the preserve to monitor the roads and trails for damaged or clogged water features. Many times, something as simple as the removal of a tree branch from a culvert can save a whole road.
This will require going out in heavy rain if deemed safe enough (we will never ask you to go out in high winds or dangerous road conditions). If conditions are not safe during a storm, emergency action teams will go out immediately after a storm to remove downed trees and unclog water features.
By signing up for an SOS team, you are not guaranteeing that you can respond each time, but that you are willing to receive a phone call and will respond if available. If you join a team, you will receive the contact information of other team members, maps of the preserve with safe parking locations and if available, locations of culverts and other notable water features.
We have SOS crews for five preserves (you may sign up for one or more): Fitch Mountain Preserve in Healdsburg; Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve; Riddell Preserve; near Healdsburg; Bohemia Ecological Preserve; near Occidental; and Grove of Old Trees; near Occidental.
Volunteers interested in joining a Healdsburg-area SOS team should attend the Healdsburg Ridge stewardship work day on Oct. 24 or contact Kyle Gift, LandPaths Facilities & Maintenance/Stewardship Specialist (
ky**@la*******.org
, 707-483-0555.)
LandPaths’ mission is to foster a love of the land in Sonoma County. The nonprofit organization accomplishes this goal through land stewardship, youth outdoor programs, and community building.
LandPaths works in partnership with the City of Healdsburg to steward the city’s two open space preserves: Fitch Mountain and Healdsburg Ridge. Our staff and volunteers work year-round to support these wonderful natural resources, with activities including: youth education; trail maintenance; ecological stewardship and fuel load reduction for community fire safety. Anybody who is interested may join the effort!
Emmett Hopkins
LandPaths staff
