LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – 12-8-11

‘History’ buff
Editor: I would like to commend the Sonoma West Times & News
for publishing the West County History Corner so frequently. I
thoroughly enjoy reading about Sebastopol’s past and learn
something new each time it is published. The historic photos with
descriptions are an added treat. Although I enjoy the entire paper,
this section is now my favorite. Please continue it, as it is
greatly appreciated.
Lori Blackburn
Sebastopol
Blighted Sebastopol
Editor: The CVS/Chase developers and even a Sebastopol City Planner
(at a public meeting) like to point out that the Pellini property
is blighting our town. It is clear from the weeds, some of which
are literally 7 feet tall, that Pellini is invested in the
reputation of blight. How long does it take to allow a seven foot
weed grow through pavement? This specious argument goes something
like: “See how aweful the property looks? … we need to have it
developed.” Yes it needs to be developed, but the question is: how?
Perhaps the owners should be cited for a nuisance or fire safety
ordinance for having a completely neglected property. Besides all
the planning and traffic concerns that the project has, this type
of neglect does not speak well of the Pellini owners who I assume
want to persuade Sebastopol that they are looking out for the
community’s best interests and reputation.
Stuart Mitchell
Sebastopol
Not so natural
Editor: It’s nice to hear that Sebastopol politicians are
cooperating with the Occupy movement and encouraging dialogue about
it at an upcoming meeting this week. (“Occupy Sebastopol gears up
for next phase,” Nov. 30) However I must take issue with Larry
Robinson’s quote where he said while conceding “missteps” by the
police, that “Main Street and the police are natural allies.”
I’m not alone in strongly disagreeing with that very naive
observation. It may be a comforting thought in some idealized and
wishful world but in the reality in which most of us exist it is an
observation that is just not true. Like it or not, law enforcement
in this country has become increasingly militarized thanks to
generous grants from Homeland Security over the past decade that
allow police from many different US agencies to acquire weapons and
training designed to repress not protect. If Larry is unaware of
this or thinks this repression won’t be used against those
challenging the status quo, then he is simply not paying
attention.
Just because Sebastopol so far hasn’t had the sort of
confrontations that many of the bigger cities did in regard to the
Occupy movement, doesn’t mean they don’t have the means or even the
willingness to engage should they feel the 1 percent is threatened
in any way. The 99 percent which is where most of us live has much
work to do in coming together in our world views as much of it
still aspires to emulate the 1 percent including most in the law
enforcement community.
Bravo to any exceptions but most of them have been drummed out of
the profession because they wouldn’t circle the wagons in
solidarity with the blue line when it messes up. And yes, we’ve
seen that happen many times even here in bucolic Sonoma
County.
Mary Moore
Camp Meeker
Thanks for giving
Editor: The Sebastopol Council of Realtors would like to thank
Fircrest, Safeway, Pacific Market, Lucky’s and Andy’s Market for
their generosity in allowing us to do our Annual Food Drive, in
front of their businesses, the day before Thanksgiving. It was a
very successful day, filling the shelves of the Interfaith Food
Pantry in Sebastopol and collecting over $2,100 to donate to the
food pantry that covers the West County. We would also like to
thank the local shoppers for their generous donations. We are proud
to be a part of this community.
Sebastopol Council of Realtors Board