Letters to the Editor 6-16-16

Why charge band?
Editor: The Healdsburg Community Band treated a very enthusiastic audience to a wonderful concert on Sunday, June 5. It should be noted at this time that the band played in a gazebo built by Healdsburg volunteer workers, and the construction of this gazebo was also promoted by volunteers. The band members and the conductor receive no money and they all volunteer many hours to put on a free concert for the people of Healdsburg in a park that belongs to all of us.
I am embarrassed for a town that would be so cheap it charged its own community band to play in the park. There is something wrong with a city that disregards the generosity of its own people, always considering the tourists’ needs. The band had to ask for donations to help pay their expenses. Who gets the $400? Why charge a nonprofit organization? This town should be encouraging music and the arts, not discouraging them. I grew up in a town that was friendly and considerate, always supporting the important activities of the various volunteer groups. What is happening to my town?
Pat Bean
Healdsburg
Grateful for HDH
Editor: Late in April, on a Sunday afternoon, my 85-year-old mother fell ill while visiting me in Cloverdale. I decided to take her to Healdsburg District Hospital, as it was closer than Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa (where her physician was) and I was concerned that her illness was related to an existing, life-threatening condition which would require immediate medical attention. I have worked in the healthcare industry for over 23 years and knew enough that she needed to go to the nearest hospital.
Upon our arrival she was immediately taken into a treatment room, assessed by (the best) nursing staff and physician, Dr. Edward Wang, who confirmed our worst fears – she would need to be transported to Memorial for emergency surgery. Within 10 minutes of our arrival at the Emergency Department, she suffered a seizure. Once stabilized, she was transported via Bell’s Ambulance to Memorial where her surgeon was preparing for her surgery.
I cannot express my relief and gratitude that Healdsburg District Hospital was there when we needed them. Mom would have had a seizure en route if I tried to get her to Memorial directly and probably would not have survived the drive to Memorial for the surgery (which her surgeon conveyed to me).
My mother passed away during surgery but I know she was given every opportunity at a chance for survival because Healdsburg District Hospital was there for her in her time of need.
I realize in this day and age of “bigger is better” and “if you built it they will come” attitudes along with the sometimes gloomy financial facts, it’s hard to preserve and protect our small community hospitals, but we must try and succeed. Time does matter in most medical emergencies and I can personally attest to that.
I would like to publicly thank Dr. Wang, the ED nursing staff on duty that afternoon, Bell’s Ambulance and the multitude of professionals involved in her care for being there for us. Our family is forever grateful to all of you.
Diane Terrano and family
Upset by
street lights
Editor: As a homeowner and resident on Twin Oaks Way for over 40 years, I am appalled at the recent changes to the street lights on my street and the intersection with Lupine Way. I don’t know what idiot at City Hall decided to make this change, and at various streets in our adjoining neighborhoods, unless it’s a matter of saving money.
It’s apparent to me that no research was done as to the effects of these changes. I have the right, as do many others, to expect safety as we had before. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I envision lawsuits ahead. Shame on you, City Hall.
Taddi Aguilera
Healdsburg
Skate on
Editor: Twenty years ago this week, we, as a community, experienced the unimaginable. Carson Warner, a healthy, vibrant teen blessed with a family who loved him immeasurably and more friends than anyone could hope for, was taken from us suddenly as a result of a freak accident. There isn’t a day that passes that those of us who loved him aren’t in some way touched by the memory of his kind hearted, fun loving spirit.
These many years later, I’m certain his brother, cousins, friends and classmates treasure life more because of having lost a friend at such a young age, and we parents hug our children and grandchildren tighter than we might otherwise have done. There are no words to describe the loss of a child. There are, however, words to remember a community that gathered with this loss and held Carson’s family in a cocoon until they could re-emerge and direct their grief in building a skate park in honor of Carson and his love of skating.
The story – for those of you who never knew Carson – is that months prior to his death he wrote a letter to the City Council asking for a safe, legal place for kids to practice the art of skateboarding. An fair-minded young man, Carson was offended by the inequity that with most other sports there were practice fields. His passion was skateboarding. Because Carson stood up for something he believed in, generations of kids continue to benefit from his courage.
Carson Warner: you remain in our hearts forever. Every time I see a regal bird flying, I imagine it is you. Skate On.
Marie Gewirtz
Healdsburg
Etiquette for vacationers?
Editor: Regarding Frank Robertson’s Commentary: “A Summer Place.”
Where I live, either there is no limit on how many people may party at once, or it is not enforced unless I call the sheriff. I have an idea – maybe the county could enforce the amount of people in a vacation rental property more efficiently and they could offer a free copy of Emily Post’s etiquette book to the renters. At least it would be a start. It seems way overdue.
Matthew Norelli
Healdsburg