LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Imported behavior
Editor: Your recent articles (“Guerneville homeless shelter plan
to be presented Aug. 1,” July 20 and “Homeless shelter sites draw
mixed reactions” Aug. 3) discussed the choice between “wet”
(behavior-based) and dry (no current alcohol or drug problems)
shelters. As described, the distinction seems to be relatively
innocuous. However, the Guerneville community’s experience this
last winter demonstrates this is not the case. This last winter,
“clients” of the shelter were not all local concerns, some came
from outside the North Bay, even outside Northern California. Once
they were here, being rejected by the shelter for failing to meet
the shelter’s behavior-based criteria became irrelevant, they were
already here. They now became community problems, problems that
were not native to the community.
The last thing a small community like Guerneville needs is to
import poor behavior.
Kenneth Koutz
Guerneville
Obama not a Nazi
Editor: On Saturday, August 6, in front of Whole Foods, a pair
of citizens set up shop to educate and spread their political
views. Fine, this is the U.S. They had large posters of everyone’s
President, President Obama, with a Hitler mustache. I don’t believe
he has one though. So why the Nazi reference? I must assume the
citizens who carry and propagate these posters are either ignorant
of the history of Nazi Germany or have an agenda of hate.
Their political message, well thought out or not so well thought
out, must stand on its own merit; to couple it with symbols of
Nazism and genocide shows the hateful and ignorant slant of these
citizens.
Okay, fine, disagree and stake out an alternative political
agenda. Own the message of hate, well that is not so fine. Where
will that get us? Seems like you all are winning though. Too bad,
the U.S. used to be a great country.
Susan Hrastar
Sebastopol
More Habitat
Editor: Habitat for Humanity has recently announced that
building is underway on two new houses in Sebastopol. As a City
Council Member, I am thrilled Sebastopol has been chosen for two
more homes. The city already has two Habitat homes on Johnson
Street, and we welcomed two new families to the community. Now, we
will have two more homes on Litchfield Avenue, thanks to Pinnacle
Homes for their donation of the two properties. These well
designed, 1200 square feet homes will include environmental
features such as solar panels like the other Habitat homes in
Sonoma County.
One of the Litchfield families has been selected, and is already
working along side the volunteers, putting in their required 500
“sweat equity” hours. The family of six is anxious to move into
their new Habitat home, and out of their current residence which is
a single wide mobile home that is not insulated. They are looking
forward to living in a new home that they will help build.
Habitat is interviewing families for the second home and doing
outreach in the community for additional applicants. Interested
families should call 578-7707, extension 104, or attend an
informational meeting at the Sebastopol Community Church on Friday,
September 16, 7 p.m.
I am a supporter and volunteer of Habitat for Humanity. I
appreciate the incredible value of a Habitat home, not just to the
family, but to the entire community. Supervisor Efren Carrillo has
the unique distinction of being part of the first Habitat family in
Sonoma County. He has taken many opportunities to speak about how
the stability of a Habitat home while growing up made a world of
difference to him and his family.
Single-family home ownership is still out of reach for many in
our community. Habitat for Humanity has been the answer for many of
these families. It has been a true success story for the community.
None of the Habitat families have been subject to foreclosure
during this economic downturn. Habitat homes will remain affordable
for the future Habitat families, no matter what the housing market
does in the future.
Habitat can always use volunteers. Just call the office at
578-7707, extension 105 if you would like to swing a hammer and be
part of the construction team.
Kathleen Shaffer
Sebastopol