Letters to the Editor 4-17-14

Our local hospital
Editor: Since hearing about the probable closure of Palm Drive Hospital, a bunch of people have approached me and asked whether Healdsburg District Hospital would also have to close. My answer is, firmly, “No, I don’t think so.” There are several things that are different between the two hospitals. At our hospital we have what is called a sub-acute unit, where we provide long-term care for patients who have had serious accidents or illnesses. It is a needed and valuable service, and provides a steady financial flow. We are also a Critical Access Hospital. This was initiated about 10 years ago when I was chief of staff. It provides somewhat better Medicare Reimbursement. And of course, the Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County has worked long and hard with the community to keep our hospital vital, modern and responsive. The $14,000,000 Revitalization Campaign, when Kay Reed and I were co-chairs, is a superb example. We have modern, up to date equipment throughout the hospital thanks to the Healthcare Foundation and the community.
Dave Anderson, MD
Healdsburg
Easter Bunny’s ready
Editor: Hello again to my Healdsburg pals … I’m anxious to come back to Healdsburg to see old friends and meet some new ones. It’s Easter time, and I’ll be visiting this Saturday, April 19. Please remind your parents and grandparents to bring you and your brothers and sisters to the big egg hunt. My friend Santa Claus has told me that the Healdsburg kids are the nicest. I hope to see you all the annual Easter Egg Hunt that will take place at 9 a.m. sharp at Fitch Mt. Elementary School at University and Monte Vista.
Healdsburg Rotary is again helping me with the egg hunt. My bunny friends will be hiding hundreds of dyed eggs and other goodies. Also I will be giving away three free bikes and helmets from Spoke Folk Cyclery. We will raffle them off Saturday morning. All Healdsburg area kids are welcome to join us. There are separate sections for different age groups … even a special section for toddlers.
Please remind your parents to be on time … it all starts at 9 a.m. sharp! Also tell them that I will be there, so bring your cameras for pictures! I hope to see you Saturday morning at 9 a.m.
The Easter Bunny
Healdsburg
Silent majority should have a voice
Editor:  So … Watkins and Winston … the silent majority has had it with your negativity. Our patience has worn thin … why don’t you and your group do something positive for our city rather than criticize everything progressive. Where were you in saving our hospital, building the Plaza Gazebo or funding the Tuesday night concerts?
While not citizens of Healdsburg, there are thousands of us in the 95448 zip code that are active participants in the Burg. Dry Creek, Russian River, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Westside and Mill Creek are truly the “Silent Majority.”
We are thankful for Healdsburg’s vibrant community; improving schools; good healthcare; great restaurants and vital businesses.  What some do not understand is that it takes the wineries, tourists and local philanthropic support to fund our successful city model … while at the same time providing police, fire and city services.
When it comes to financially and emotionally supporting the local economy we are truly the majority. While we do not have a vote … we certainly should have a voice.
Jim Walters and Greg Wilcox
Dry Creek Valley
City should do its own survey
Editor: The growth issue continues to be contentious. I noticed in the Tribune last week that the survey that was sent out by Mr. Watkins and his group is being dismissed on a variety of grounds. My suggestion is that the City Council should conduct its own survey. It could be sent in the utility bills on a postcard, postage prepaid.  It would be interesting to see those results.
Carolyn Moore
Healdsburg
HCSS responds
Editor:  “Self-serving con artists” were the words used by Rick Anderson in a recent letter to describe us. His motivation, I guess, was to dismiss the grassroots mailer survey sent by HCSS to all voting households in Healdsburg. Or was his intent to intimidate citizens, or to stifle public input?  
Actually, the survey gave voters another chance to be heard, without fear of attack as occurred here.  The survey questions all related to citizens’ concern — misplaced, Anderson suggests — that the city put our “small town character” at the top of future goals and priorities. In our survey, concerned citizens overwhelmingly agreed that we need to do more on this issue, even with good leadership by our city councils.
His mean-spirited message suggested we should have supported the plaza gazebo (we gave $5,000 for the copper roof), the Rec Park rehab (we gave $6,000), the Little League snack shack (we bought the $500 menu sign).  As have other citizens, my wife and I have sent thousands to other city “gems,” including the Riverkeeper, the Healdsburg Education Foundation, the museum and Project Graduation.
This needs to be a civil, issues-based debate. Maybe Anderson should have asked around before spouting off.
Warren Watkins
Healdsburg  
Thankful for patients
Editor: I have retired from my opthalmology practice. I want to thank my patients for the trust they had in me. It was an honor I never took lightly. My charts will be with my excellent colleagues and good friends and North Bay Eye.
I would like to thank three lovely ladies for their excellent help. Wanda Moak and Pattie Davids, who were with me for 54 cumulative years, and my wife Kathy. They did all the “heavy lifting” in the office with insurance companies, billing, etc. and they made the practice run smoothly.
I was very fortunate to be an ophthalmologist. It has been a love affair for 47 years and it has not diminished.
Lastly, of all the cities in the world to practice opthalmology, I was able to do it in Healdsburg. There must be a God.
Paul Rudolph Miller, MD
Healdsburg