Letters to the Editor 1-29-15

Change
Editor: In last week’s commentary by Gene Nelson, (1+1+1=1), “America has tried to change; really, compared with, say the 1960, things are better. But better is not the same as good…” What Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) said then seems to apply today.
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Ted Calvert
Healdsburg
Salumi or baloney?
Editor: I feel quite disheartened after reading the Tribune “article” (Kyle and Katina Connaughton, Jan. 22) on yet another “world class” restaurant, so “rich in culinary bounty.”
First of all, the “article” reads like a press release (or a resumé). Was it written by Tribune staff, or is it a thinly disguised advertisement? When I read something in the Healdsburg community newspaper (for which I write), I want to know if staff wrote it––and if so, why isn’t this piece unbiased? If it is advertising, shouldn’t it be marked as such? And if written by staff, why does it read like an ad?
Secondly, this is not what we (the people who live here) were told that building would be used for. When plans completely changed, why was the public not notified before approval?
Thirdly, the “article” contains the most pretentious language I’ve yet heard in describing a Healdsburg business (yes, it’s just a business, not a house of worship).
Fourthly, this is yet another boastful Healdsburg establishment, clearly marked for the one percent. Don’t we have enough of these?
My niece was visiting from the well-heeled community of Los Altos when we looked at this article together. She commented, “What is this doing in the newspaper’s community section? This $200 a plate ‘culinary showcase’ would never be allowed in Los Altos because there they build for the needs of family and community. This has nothing to do with community!”
It seems so sadly ironic that an elitist place where no one I know will ever go has replaced our beloved small-town post office, our former community gathering place. Please don’t insult the citizens of Healdsburg by trying to seduce us with hip foodie slang or sentimental references to turn of the century architecture or regional “pioneer stock.” We recognize the smell of baloney.
Shonnie Brown
Healdsburg
My delicious $200 meal
Editor: I’m sure that the new Single Thread restaurant planned for the top of the Healdsburg Meat Co. building will serve world-class cuisine to their guests, but we shouldn’t forget that there are still people living in poverty in our wonderful town of Healdsburg. It occurred to me that maybe this new eatery could start a trend by making a small monetary donation to the Healdsburg Food Pantry from each meal served. If I were enjoying a gourmet meal, I’m sure it would taste even better knowing that the less fortunate residents of Healdsburg would benefit also. If all the restaurants in Healdsburg pledged a donation of some amount, Healdsburg could become known not just as a city of great wine and food, but as a city of great compassion.
Joanne Busso
Healdsburg
Taking care of locals
Editor: The city has proposed parking fees with three-hour exceptions for Healdsburg residents, in the city’s downtown core because “The Locals” don’t want to bear the burden of paying for parking. Are these the self-same “Locals” who yammer and gripe that there is nothing for them around the Plaza? No stores or restaurants, no underwear emporia, etc?   Why do they want to go downtown in the first place, then?
In a way, this puts me in mind of Yogi Berra who commented on why he no longer went to Ruggeri’s, a St. Louis restaurant: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
Barbara Médaille
Healdsburg
High-end eatery
Editor: It was with heavy heart and several deep sighs that I read the fawning, adulatory article in last Thursday’s paper about yet another demigod chef opening a high end eatery in town.
I suppose that having his path “mindfully carved out … by admiration and respect of  . . . friends and guests…” it is logical to open an eatery where the one needs to buy an advance ticket and pay $200 a plate for dinner. This fellow must not have many friends who are members of this community or residents of this town. I’ve lived here 32 years and know maybe one couple who could afford his rates — and they won’t on principle alone.
So I suppose the rest of us local unwashed will continue to eat at Diavola, The Bear, Agave, and on special occasions, maybe Baci or Willis. We can later walk to the monolith and view the shiny Teslas and late model German cars crowding already crowded streets.
I wish I could wish these folks good luck but it’s not in me. I can, however offer two words of advice: “Remember Shimou!”
Rick Groff
Healdsburg