LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Best for the community
Editor: I am in favor of the Best Family Winery Project. On
careful examination of the proposal, I observe that the project
will provide environmental leadership within the wine business
through careful husbandry and reuse of resources while creating
jobs. Further, the family has a long history of treating its
employees, most of whom are Hispanic farm workers, with kindness
and respect, to the extent that many become extended family. 
Had I not majored in Earth Resources and worked for 35 years in
public and private sector applications of the earth sciences
including five years as an environmental consultant, I might be
just as apprehensive as those who oppose the project. Sure, I worry
about drawdown of the aquifer and use of chemicals. I want to live
to grow old. That’s precisely why I support this project. I want to
send a message to all wineries that this inspired, ecologically
responsible system using state-of-the-art green building,
processing, and plant husbandry is the way to go throughout the
industry. I say work locally to inspire globally.
I also support the project because the family has a
five-generation tradition of supporting education. This is
important to me because I have been working with the local school
districts to create educational opportunities which can support
students who aspire to careers in science and eco-friendly business
practices. I have spoken with the local school district’s
administration about the project and was told I could inform the
board that there is “strong interest” in the potential of school
field trips to the Best Family Winery and science projects using
the astonishing amount of data the project has gathered in order to
make the project environmentally sensitive. When I took the idea to
Best grandson and project lead Casey Costello, he was excited at
the chance to carry on the family tradition by providing this
educational outreach link. He was also extremely receptive to my
idea of providing educational literature to winery visitors.
I prefer to create community and support responsible use of
resources rather than divisively discourage the very jobs and local
business infrastructure that enhance my lifestyle. I moved here
precisely because I love living among the open views of farming
country, so how can I enjoy the fruits if I oppose the planting? If
we work together, we can create a more prosperous and mutually
supportive and environmentally sound neighborhood for everyone.
Sarah Brown
Sebastopol
Both sides of the flag
Editor: I was walking downtown a couple of Fridays ago, when I
got to the main intersection. I was confronted by not only the
American flag-waving side but the Women in Black side and I began
to wonder if I believe in the American way, the flag and all that
it stands for. Does that mean I have to believe in the war, or
could I be friends with both groups? With that said, I’m glad that
we live in a society that lets us express whatever opinion we may
have. I don’t have to agree with you but I will listen to your
point of view.
Douglas Buonaccorsi
Sebastopol
Precautionary principles?
Editor: I’m not sure when the “precautionary principle” came
into vogue, but it sure irks me that it now serves as an
all-purpose screen to hide behind when the anti-science mob shows
up at a city council meeting. It was bad enough when Sonic’s offer
of free Wi-Fi was turned down. Now it’s the basis for sending a
letter to PG&E questioning the safety of wireless meters. The
letter implies that there are studies that show the meters are
unsafe and that public speakers raised issues regarding health
risks. No one on the council has the expertise in physics, medicine
or statistics to even read such studies let alone know whether
they’re valid. No experts in such fields were called upon to
testify.
By being printed on city letterhead, it paints us all with the
same brush. The council member who felt compelled to issue a mea
culpa should have taken the “precautionary” step of changing the
letter’s embarrassing verbiage before voting for it. But that would
have meant taking a principled stand, something hard to do when
applying political caution especially when the council majority is
coddling its perceived base.
Howard Levy
Sebastopol
Neurotic Council
Editor: Two years ago, downtown Sebastopol was offered free
WiFi. This was turned down by our City Council because they bowed
to pressure from a small group of people who believed the
electromagnetic radio waves harmful. I always felt bad for the
downtown merchants. Perhaps WiFi in their establishments would have
helped them in times of economic stress. However, I said nothing,
let it happen.
Currently, a small group of people, believing electromagnetic
radio waves somehow harmful, are again pressuring this Council. The
issue of “SmartMeters” is certainly something to debate but please
find arguments other than the neurotic rantings of a few people as
reasons to oppose anything.
I, for one, am not represented by the neurotic imaginings of
others. I wish to be governed by a Council using logic, modern
thought and common sense to make decisions.
Adele E. Yare
Sebastopol
Slow down winds down
Editor: The Slow Down Sebastopol campaign will soon be ending
its inaugural run.
Originally, the roadside signs were going to be removed by the
end of February. However, there was such interest in the campaign,
additional signs were needed to meet the demand. Those additional
signs were distributed through mid-February, so the campaign will
now be ending the first weekend in March.
During that weekend, Sebastopol Police Volunteers will be
retrieving signs from around town. If they miss your signs, please
feel free to turn them in at the Sebastopol Police Department. The
signs will be retained and distributed during the next campaign,
which is planned to coincide with the start of the school year.
On behalf of the City Council and everyone at the Sebastopol
Police Department, I’d like to thank those who participated in the
Slow Down Sebastopol campaign. I’ve heard from many Sebastopolians
that this educational effort has caused them to pay greater
attention to their driving habits.
Jeff Weaver
Sebastopol Chief of Police