LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Apologies to Greenberg
Editor: In last week’s Guest Commentary (In Sebastopol, we are
all environmentalists, Sonoma West, April 7), I attributed a
comment made at the March 15 City Council meeting regarding the
tragedy in Japan to Jonathan Greenberg. That was en error. The
comment I referred to was actually made by Sheppard Bliss. My
apologies to Mr. Greenberg for this unintended error.
John Henel
Sebastopol
Sing-along success
Editor: A big thanks to all that came out to our Beatles
Sing-along at the Sebastopol Community Center. The vibe we created
singing those tunes lifted us all, and reminded us that love,
peace, and joy are still worthy and achieveable goals. Thanks also
to all the musicians and singers, who made their talents available
to lead us all in song. Your contributions make up the rich
artistic fabric of our wonderful community.
Thanks, too, go to Diana Rich and the staff of the Sebastopol
Community Center, who work tirelessly to bring programs and events
to our community.
The First Friday Live event will continue on May 6 with the
Songs of Bob Dylan.
Keep supporting local live music.
Thanks again.
Jim Corbett
AKA, Mr. Music
Sebastopol
Take your medicine
Editor: I try, I really try to do the right thing. I recently
turned out a cupboard and found some long out-of-date medication
that my doctor prescribed for me. I’ll not flush it, I thought, or
trash it, I’ll do the right thing and take it to someone who can
dispose of it safely so it won’t end up hurting the environment. I
popped it in my purse and then took it on a journey.
First I tried Sebastopol Rite Aid, where I had the prescription
filled several years ago. No, they don’t recycle drugs but try CVS,
said long-term employee Janet. Thanks Janet, I’ll do that but not
today, I’ve just come from that direction.
Next, I tried CVS in Rohnert Park. Sorry, they said, can’t help
you, but try Walgreens in Cotati. Walgreens was out of my way that
day. Yesterday I took it to CVS in Sebastopol only to be told that
they had stopped taking old medication very recently. The bins have
gone, said the polite young woman. It was something to do with
corporate policy she told me when I expressed my frustration.
Is there any wonder that people give up and throw old medicine
away inappropriately if it is so hard to do the right thing?
Goodness knows how much pollution could be caused by people like me
driving miles trying to get someone to take old tablets. CVS did
have a list stating where I could take my medication but the
nearest place seems to be Costco in Rohnert Park. Luckily, I’m a
member so that is where I will go, hoping that they too have not
changed their policy.
What about the folks in town who don’t have access to Costco?
Are they expected to make a trip to Santa Rosa to dispose of their
unwanted drugs?
Isn’t it time that all pharmacies be obliged by law to take back
unused and out-of-date medication?
Jean Maybury
Sebastopol
Buy local for Sebastopol
Editor: With all the headlines about the economy and the state
budget, have you been wondering how the City of Sebastopol pays its
bills for police and fire protection, streets, and parks? The
biggest chunk of city revenues, 48 percent, comes from property
taxes; 21 percent comes from sales taxes; and the remainder from
special taxes, fees, fines, grants, etc.
Most people are surprised to learn how critical sales tax is to
the city budget and to realize how easy it is to help keep
Sebastopol financially healthy. What can we do? Buy locally
whenever we can. We all make purchases every day, and what we spend
includes sales tax that benefits someone’s community. Why not
support our own? Where we spend money matters.
It’s true we can’t buy everything within the city limits, but we
can buy many things. We just need to be mindful of when we can buy
locally. If I’m a commuter, I can buy gas before I leave town or
after I get home. If I’m in Santa Rosa and need groceries, I can
wait until I’m back in Sebastopol to buy groceries. Though many
items sold in grocery stores aren’t taxable, grocery and drug
stores are still among the biggest contributors to local sales tax
revenues.
So let’s buy our groceries in town, eat in Sebastopol’s
restaurants, and buy a book, a hammer, a gift, or a tank of gas
within the city limits whenever we can. We’ll be supporting our own
police and fire departments, filling our potholes, and maintaining
our parks and supporting our community at large. We’ll all
benefit.
Eric Scott
Dennis Colthurst
Bill Braga
City of Sebastopol