Letters to the Editor 6-13-13

Big-hearted community
Editor: Over the years as residents of Healdsburg we have read many stories about the generosity of this wonderful city. It wasn’t until recently that our family experienced it first-hand.
When Allen was diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer, it slammed us into a wall of disbelief and heartache. Unable to work and a brand new father, Whitney, his sister, grabbed the opportunity to help him and his family through fundraising.
This evolved into a very successful community supported BBQ on May 18. A tremendous thank you goes to the Bear Republic Brewery for their venue and all their contributions to make it a perfect event. Also a sincere thank you to Big John’s Market, Healdsburg Fire Department, The Ratto Group, The Healdsburg  Tribune, and to everyone who donated and shared the beautiful afternoon with us.
This outpouring of big hearted generosity and well wishes fill us with gratitude and appreciation that we will always remember.
The Losh Family
Healdsburg
Water rationing
Editor: Well, here we go again. The Army Corps of Engineers lets out all of the water from the dams in January, because they think the heavy rains of December will go on and on, and now ask us all to conserve water… twenty gallons a day.
Next will be the water department complaining about lost revenue from their customer’s reduction in water use.
They will then raise the water and sewer rates (never to be reduced in times of rain aplenty).
Same old story. SOS.
Timothy McGraw
Healdsburg
Love it or hate it, it’s back
Editor: Love it or hate it the Vineman Triathlon is back this July.
In addition to the heaps of money spent at hotels, coffee shops and other local businesses are the mass of people, bikes, road closures and frustrations of navigating around our temporary spike in the Sonoma County population. Unless you have already coordinated your summer getaway around these dates (July 14 and July 27) then you will be facing long lines of spandex, orange cones and cars like the rest of us.  
Here’s a great idea — don’t be a hater — join in the fun. Now you may not be “Tri” ready, but participating through volunteering can be more rewarding than entering the race. You get a free meal, a free shirt and a close up experience without the rigorous training commitment. You will meet people from all over the world and be part of a truly incredible local event.
To join in the fun, simply go to www.vineman.com, click on the volunteer tab and select a “job” that suits you. It’s a great way to give back, to learn and to be on the fun side of the road closures.
So this year, be a helper not a hater and sign up to volunteer for Vineman 2013.
Jean Sawyer Ridgway
Santa Rosa