Healdsburg has changed
EDITOR: The news has been very disturbing recently, there was a brazen robbery on a BART train of patrons by a group of teenagers. Also last week there was a theft at the Apple Store in Corte Madera by five people described as “late teens or early twenties” of $24,000 worth of goods. Are teenagers our new threat?
Last week I went to the Healdsburg Safeway. As I was walking in the entrance, four to six teenage boys were running out with armloads of booze and sodas, including 12-packs. There was no attempt by the boys to hide the items. I briefly thought of stopping the boys, but instead I decided to report my observations to the Safeway staff. I told the first employee what I witnessed and she showed no interest. I proceeded to the customer care counter and told the two employees there and they also did not seem to care or ask me any details. I continued my shopping. Last week after shopping at the Healdsburg Safeway I was loading my groceries into my car and I noticed a bulb of garlic in the bottom of the cart that I had not paid for. I went back in the store, got in line and paid 50 cents for my garlic. How ironic.
When I exited the store there was a Healdsburg Police Department patrol car in the parking lot, I guess they did call the Police Department. I waited by the patrol car for a moment so I could give the officer my name as a witness. When the Healdsburg police officer came out I told him I had witnessed the theft, only to find that officer had only been shopping. The Healdsburg police officer told me the store does not do anything about shoplifters and the officer wished me goodbye and went on his way.
This would be a very easy case/crime to prosecute, they have a very good witness (retired police officer), I assume that Safeway has a good video camera system and I’m sure the Healdsburg Police could put names to the faces without much effort.
These events that I’m describing are very upsetting to me. It seems that neither Safeway or the Healdsburg Police Department has a desire to pursue this brazen crime. The town that I lived in for almost 30 years and raised my family has the same brazen crimes that we hear and read about in Oakland and other parts of the Bay Area.
I do not plan on shopping at the Healdsburg Safeway ever again. Coming into Healdsburg is going to feel a lot different.
Bruce Selfridge
Cloverdale
A healthy choice
EDITOR: When I arrived in Healdsburg 40 years ago, the town did not resemble the tourist destination that it is today. I was fortunate to have spent the majority of my medical career in our local emergency department before retiring a year and a half ago. It gave me the opportunity to meet many of the town’s residents and to gain an appreciation of how many of our citizens care about one another and the quality of the community.
I am concerned that our town could lose its appeal and charm if growth is not well managed and housing and services for residents are not protected. There has been a significant increase of residences becoming second homes for people from the Bay Area and beyond, displacing locals.
Leah Gold would provide the thoughtful, experienced, measured and intelligent leadership that we need going forward. She would aggressively protect and increase options for affordable housing while safeguarding our town from over development. She has previously served on the city council, was the mayor and understands what it takes to make the town work for both locals and tourists alike.
Leah’s record speaks for itself. She championed the urban growth boundaries that have reduced urban sprawl. Sonoma Country Conservation Action gave her an A rating for her environmental work. That organization as well as the Sierra Club have both endorsed her again. Leah Gold would be an excellent addition to our city council. For the health of Healdsburg, vote for Leah Gold.
Walt Maack
Healdsburg
Gold’s comments
EDITOR: Healdsburg faces a constant struggle with regards to a lack of affordable housing. New home construction is extremely limited and available rental units are practically non-existent. Existing rental properties are crucial for many who want to live in Healdsburg but do not have the means to own.
That’s why I was astonished to hear the recent comments of city council candidate Leah Gold at a forum at Healdsburg High School, where she suggested a tax on homeowners who have second or third homes to fund affordable housing projects.
How much would she suggest taxing each homeowner to fund affordable housing projects? Does she recognize the unintended consequences of tax overreach and how it would ultimately make Healdsburg even less affordable and potentially cause homeowners with a second home to pull that second home off the market and sell, instead of leaving that unit online for current or potential renters?
Second homes, as other candidates stated at the meeting, are homes that were purchased to become their permanent residence. How will this proposed tax be applied to them? Will these taxes be imposed on those who own business property in town? Who will regulate and monitor these taxes? How much will this cost the citizens of Healdsburg? As a property owner, we understand the concerns for affordable rent and want to continue to rent property with affordable rent. With increased taxes, this could lead to increased rent. These second homes could also be the primary source of income for seniors on a fixed income and others who are trying to make ends meet.
Leah Gold’s remarks show she does not understand Healdsburg’s housing, nor does she comprehend the struggles her proposal would put on people, particularly those who just need a decent place to rent.
Maureen Jones
Healdsburg
Kiwanis thanks
EDITOR: On behalf of the Healdsburg Kiwanis Club we would like to thank everyone that recently attended our 61st annual pancake breakfast. Your support allowed us to continue our donations to the high school student scholarship program, the Healdsburg Education Foundation, the Boy Scouts and many other youth programs that Healdsburg Kiwanis supports in the community.
Our very generous sponsors ensured that we were able to deliver another successful event. Thank you to Bear Republic and the Norgrove family, Boy Scout Troop 21, our local Starbucks and our own Key Club.
Thank you again to the entire Healdsburg community for supporting the youth of our area and the programs they are involved with.
Vern Losh, Chief Pancake Flipper
Healdsburg
Hahn family thanks
EDITOR: On behalf of Kurt Hahn – his family reaches out to thank the many friends who have sent cards, called and visited. A sincere expression of appreciation is extended to Rollie Atkinson, publisher of the Healdsburg Tribune for the tribute he gave to Kurt in his article on April 11, 2017. With grandchildren in school and college and several living out of state, we have decided to have a private celebration of Kurt’s life later in the summer. Our family thanks you for your understanding and for the many offers to help.
Charles ‘Chuck’ Hahn on behalf of Joandell and family
Vote counts more than ever
EDITOR: Are you concerned with affordable housing, tourism, tasting rooms, parking and open space in Healdsburg? If so, then you need to vote for Leah Gold for Healdsburg City Council. We have known Leah Gold for nearly 20 years. Over those years she has been very engaged in the community; serving on the city council from 2000-2004 and mayor in 2003.
Over the past 20 years we have had many discussions with Leah about the issues Healdsburg faces. Most recently, those discussions are about tourism, tasting rooms, parking, open space and renewable energy. We may not always see eye-to-eye, however, the discussions are always positive; Leah is willing to listen and engage. Leah’s ability to listen to others enables her to formulate informed opinions and make sound decisions. Not only does she consider many points of view, but she is willing to act. Leah will be a fair and balanced leader.
Leah cares about Healdsburg, she is intelligent, informed, open to discussion and a strong leader. For these reasons she is the best choice for the Healdsburg City Council.
Ron and Debi Dobley
Healdsburg
