Letters to the Editor 4-9-15

Mandatory water limits ordered
Editor:   
You cannot pick up a newspaper or watch the news without our current water shortage being a topic of discussion.
With that in mind, I don’t understand our Planning Commission, or whoever made the decision for all of us in Cloverdale to allow the large housing project to be built next to the Citrus Fairgrounds.
I admittedly don’t understand all the ins and outs of city government – however, this decision to me smacks of another way to increase the city coffers. I also assume we’re going to be placed on water rationing again, even while this new building is still going on.
Dave Meier,
Cloverdale
No ‘greatest’ religion
Editor:   
I have read and admired many of the editorials written by Rollie Atkinson. Therefore, I was not only surprised, but astounded by an opening statement in his editorial in the issue of March 26: “The Easter story is the founding miracle of the Earth’s greatest religion.”
There is no “greatest” religion, and it is worse than arrogant to make this claim for any religion. Surely, the rise of the so-called Islamic State is a terrifying example of what can result when adherents believe that their religion is superior to all others. And sadly and disturbingly, even in our United States, a key founding tenet of which is the separation of church and state, the beliefs of certain Christian groups are affecting the political discourse and impacting the civil rights of others.
In certain settings, a religion may be described as great, but never appropriately as the “greatest,” especially in public discourse. The author has a responsibility not to encourage such an unjustified and potentially dangerous philosophy.
Jack Levin
San Francisco
PTA plans Mardi Gras masquerade
Editor:
The Jefferson Elementary School PTA is planning a Mardi Gras Masquerade dinner, dance and auction and they’re inviting the community to help make this event a success. The focus of this event is to raise funds for everything from classroom microscopes and computers to school assemblies and playground equipment. It is PTA’s mission to provide our students with educational programs, tools and opportunities and the only way that we can accomplish this is with your support.
The Mardi Gras Masquerade will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 6 to 11 p.m. at Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds. We are encouraging everyone to join us for a Cajun-style dinner, dancing with DJ Dray Lopez and a silent/live auction that has a little something for everyone. Each classroom at Jefferson will be offering a themed basket for your bidding pleasure and we’d love for everyone to throw on his or her favorite mask. Don’t worry – we will have plenty of masks in case you forgot yours.  
Tickets are only $25 per person and are available at Eagles Nest, Eagle Tech, Napa Auto Parts and at Ruth McGowan’s Brew Pub, but the price goes up to $35 after April 10. Come and support the students of Jefferson and join us for a night that will feel like a stroll through the French Quarter.
Raquel Moffett
Cloverdale
Genuine opportunity awaits
Editor:
It’s no surprise that many of our CHS students are passionate about the natural environment. But heading off to jobs or college, they wonder, is it possible to earn a living doing environmental work? What kinds of jobs are out there? What do you have to do to get them? Answers to their questions flowed at the recent AAUW career choices program, focused on career opportunities in the emerging field of environmentalism.
A big round of thanks is due our friendly panel of professionals: Jane Elias, County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability Division; Rebecca Bozzelli, who runs the farm of Preston Farm and Vineyards; Nelson Lomeli, Sonoma Clean Power; Misty Mersich, Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority; and local farmers market manager Marne Dupere, who’s also co-owner of Plank and 14Feet. Our panelists’ clear message to students who want to make a difference was that there are many opportunities. Whatever your strengths – math, science, communications, working with people, or working with your hands – there’s a job to match your skills and interests in this growing field. Thank you to all our panelists for sharing your insights and optimism with the young people of Cloverdale.
Diane Bartleson and Valerie Marder
Cloverdale
Knowledge and responsibility
Editor:
In Monday’s issue of the Santa Rosa daily, several Cloverdale city council members are interviewed. They either have a misunderstanding of state laws or they are trying to hide from the truth.
They claim “almost no knowledge” of the current police department investigation due to the fact that they “cannot know” any of the details. This is a total misinterpretation of the law. The city manager is doing his job, but the city manager works for the city council. The city council has the right (and the responsibility) to know everything that is happening. That is what closed sessions are for. If the city manager is telling them differently, he too misunderstands the law.
So, city council members, let’s not act like we are all fools. You can and should know what is going on, you just can’t discuss it – except in closed session. Ask your city attorney.
Wayne Diggs
Cloverdale