Letters to the Editor 11-12-15

On not turning away
Editor: These thoughts and questions are in memory of two past souls: Sue Snider, Pinter High, Class of 1970, cheerleader, Prom Queen, football captain’s girlfriend, vibrant and beautiful, who lost her life, homeless but not hopeless, in the flooding Santa Rosa Creek one New Year’s Eve 15 years or so ago; and to Robert Maldonado, my best friend and I his, who lost his life to addiction, a sort of hopelessness, about 15 years ago also. RIP my dear friends.
At what point do we who live here in Sonoma County build the steps or stairs upon which our homeless and addicted might manifest the energy, determination and hope to reconcile with us, the more fortunate in safe and sane environment?
For the many among us, homeless, addicted and or hopeless, the streets of Santa Rosa and other unsheltered places are mean streets; let no one tell you otherwise. Of most concern is recognizing whom it is you camp with; not knowing is gambling. I join many of you in looking the other way, mostly, as the costs in terms of suffering and money continue to grow. Yet, the status quo is not acceptable or sustainable.
The County of Sonoma released its study on the homeless, “Building Homes” and presented it to Town Council last week. The study found the best and most cost effective solution is to provide permanent housing first, and relayed the latest statistics. 2000 unsheltered Sonoma County residents requiring 2000 future housing units at a cost of upwards to $160,000 per unit, totaling $320 million, leaving a local match of $110 million after State and Federal funding. The daily costs of providing permanent apartment type housing is estimated at $31 per day or millions per year for 2000 unsheltered.  This is a crisis from which will come innovation. I’m asking you, are we up to the challenge? We tend to protest over multifamily units being built as infill. We envision low income, affordable or workforce housing as lowering our property values if it is considered near us. Politically, it is going to take courage to speak up and to question these myths. Personally, it is going to take courage to admit to society’s failings and act with compassion and thoughtfulness.
I can easily turn away and opine that the homeless, hopeless and addicted have created much of their circumstances, but at the same time I reflect on my two past friends; could it have been a series of bad decisions? Of just not knowing better? Strokes of bad luck? I have to reflect, “By the grace of God go I.”  As I commit to doing what I can to help with this effort, I am asking you to think about what you may be able to do, even if it is just considering the amount of work ahead and to support it.
Sam Salmon
Windsor Councilmember
In support of Vintage Oaks
As a 23-year Windsor resident, I am proud to support Vintage Oaks on the Town Green, and hope it secures approval by the Town Council before the end of the year.

The Vintage Oaks development will provide much-needed rental housing at a time when conversations abound regarding the need to add housing in our area. Unfortunately, the actual construction of housing units pales by comparison to the number of conversations on the topic. Vintage Oaks, which has been in the planning process for more than six years, will meet this need with 387 new units for local residents.

The site, which was previously underserved by a dilapidated mobile home park, will have a new and improved life for the seniors, families and local workers who can call Vintage Oaks home. Vintage Oaks will not only provide a strong customer base for the new Oliver’s, it will also benefit existing retail in the Town Green area. I look forward to seeing the proposal behind Vintage Oaks become a reality, and hope the Town Council unites and embraces this much-needed project.
Jo Timmsen

Windsor
Thank you Healdsburg Hospital
Over the past few months I had carpal tunnel surgery performed on each hand by Dr. Tomasin at Healdsburg District Hospital. Both surgeries went as smooth and seamless as could be hoped for.
I am delighted and grateful that Healdsburg Hospital has survived. It is not only convenient, especially now that the lab is within the hospital, but I was treated with the utmost professionalism by the entire staff. In particular, the several nurses that worked with me were very thorough and extremely courteous.
Thank you all, and keep up the good work!
Michael Skurtun
Windsor