Letters to the Editor 3-13-14

Voting for Foppiano
Editor: As a longtime resident of Healdsburg, I am writing to show my support for Pete Foppiano’s candidacy in the upcoming 4th District Supervisor’s race. Pete is the only lifelong District Four resident and he has spent a great deal of time volunteering in our community, most notably through his work on the Healdsburg City Council, Sonoma County Transportation Authority and as a high school coach.
Pete’s track record of accomplishments in the district is unmatched by any candidate running for supervisor in District Four. From Larkfield to Cloverdale, you don’t have to look far to see the results of Pete’s good work. We need Pete’s leadership and practical approach on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. I hope you will join me in supporting Pete Foppiano for Supervisor.
Bob Marker
Windsor
Winery appeal
Editor: An Open letter, especially to those who live, drive, bicycle or walk along Arata Lane (and to the Windsor Town Council).
Are you aware that the Permit and Resource Management Department (PRMD) has approved a request by the Windsor Oaks Winery to expand their operation? A neighbor has filed an appeal to the Board of Supervisors.
Windsor Oaks Winery has received permission to increase cases of wine from 43,000 to 100,000 to add new construction and to have events through the year – eight events with 60 guests, 10 with 100 guests, one event with 300 guests, three weddings with 100 guests and 10 annual events with 300 guests. The proposal by the Windsor Oaks Winery is to keep truck traffic on Hillview Road and the guest and employee traffic on their new proposed Windsor Oaks Lane.
Why are we concerned? All of this traffic will be to the West and the East of our property that has been in the family since 1921.
You should be concerned because of the traffic that is being funneled onto Arata Lane. We also are concerned that Mr. Stein, the owner of the Windsor Oaks Winery was paid 1.6 million for the property to be in an Open Space/Conservation Easement. In Phase 11 of the application it asks for a new 8,380 square foot Event Center. Of the wineries approved for an Event Center by the PRMD, none are in a Conservation Easement (Kunde, Trentadue, Sbragia, B.R. Cohn). We do not feel that this is where our tax dollars should be spent.
We urge you to express your concerns (ASAP) to the PRMD at 2550 Ventura Ave, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403 or email to Dean Parson at Pa****@so***********.org. The appeal before the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for March 25, 2014 at 2:10 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, 102-A, 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa, CA. We hope to see you there.
Bob & Edna Honsa
Windsor
Thanks Windsor
Editor: As co-chairmen of this year’s first Windsor Chili Cook-Off committee, we would like to thank residents of Windsor for their generosity and support. eighteen teams participated in this chili cook-off event, raising more than $12,500 for the Windsor Fire Foundation and the Windsor High School Vineyard Academy.  The overwhelming turnout and participation proves that the people of Windsor are both generous and kind. It is also abundantly clear that they love a good bowl of chili and excellent music. Although there were some glitches in the event, we hope a good time was had by all. We will work on any issues and ensure a smooth event for April 18, 2015.
A special thanks goes out to the many Chili Cook-Off volunteers who worked to make this event a success: The outstanding panel of judges: Deb Fudge, Michael Powell, Tywla Jacobson, Pam Martinelli, Steve Allen, Nico Saldana, Santa Rosa Fire Chief Tony Gosner and retired Judge Ted Dejung. The Lions Club of Windsor who handled the alcohol sales with service so smoothly, we never had to give it a second thought. The musicians, JD Bauman & the Boot Band, Shannon Rider, and Andrea Lynn who took the stage, played great music and kept everyone entertained.  A huge thanks to Dr. Doug from KTRY-106.3 who acted as emcee.  Thank you to the folks that made the band possible, Affinity Solar who provided solar power to fuel the band and Krankemann Law offices who sponsored the band. Also, the many students of Windsor High Vineyard Academy, Windsor Fire Volunteers and Sonoma County Sheriff Explores who helped set up the event, worked hard to keep the event clean, assisted anyone who needed a hand and helped break the event down.
We also appreciate the generosity of the businesses in Sonoma County who donated wine, services, and products for our silent auction and raffle. These businesses include Coppola Winery, Barefoot Wines,  Simi Winery, Mesa Beverage, Lagunitas Brewing, Kendall Jackson Wines, La Crema Winery, Johnson Pool & Spa, Vintage Wine Estates, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Banshee Wines, Johnny Garlics, Home Depot, Simi Wines, The Cobbler, Atrellis Flowers and Gifts, Pages Books on the Green, Images, Tim Oxford, EngraveMeThis, Taft Street Winery, Gallo Winery, Charlies Grill, and Pohley’s Market. A big thank you to Western Farm Center for loaning us hay bales and Good Fellas Catering for donating 20 percent of their proceeds back to the event.
Again, thank you for supporting the Windsor Chili Cook-Off, and save the date for next years event, April 18, 2015.
Sincerely,
Mike Stornetta: Engineer Windsor Fire Protection District
Marie Ganister: Vineyard Academy Culinary Arts Windsor High School