Letters to the Editor 6-19-14

Belief vs. science
Editor: Thanks for printing letters regarding fluoridation, its benefits and supposed risks. Sadly, this issue is yet another (even now in the 21st century) that weighs belief against science. It is not an issue that should be decided by laypersons by ballot, but rather by those with expertise and with the backing of science.
Fluoridation has proven successful in reducing tooth decay since 1945. The World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control each acknowledge the importance of fluoridation in the decline of cavities and overall improvement in dental health. In fact, the CDC, has recognized the fluoridation of drinking water to prevent dental decay as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
I appreciate the thoughtful letters penned by Dr. Simmons and the Glaesers.
On the other hand, I cannot support Julie Kennedy and her groups’ efforts to place this issue on the ballot. Witnessed by the group’s inappropriate decision to spread their word through a bullhorn in this year’s FFA parade, and the disruption at the city council meeting, it tells me that she feels the loudest voice is the right voice. Her’s is a position based on emotion and not logic.
As Winston Churchill said, “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.”
John Angius
Healdsburg
A gift to live here
Editor: It has been confounding for me to unravel what it is that makes many of my Healdsburg neighbors cranky and fussy about the growth and changes in our town. We are getting some marvelous new buildings, not just store fronts with fake façades. Our visitors love the place. They take photos, ride bikes, shop, eat, and take delight in in the very place we love and have settled. In turn we get to play with all the toys they expect and pay for: the restaurants, the hip clothing stores, the beautifully made wines, etc. And when the visitors leave, we get to stay here!
And listen up: for those desperately seeking your BVDs, you will find skivvies, socks and undershirts at Paul Rocha’s reliable “Everywear.” Across the street you can find your durable work clothes at his store “Hardwear.”
Besides all that, we can enjoy music in the Plaza and the bounty of twice a week Farmers’ Market. Plus we have a terrific little baseball team too — Go Prune Packers! I would urge those who are disappointed in our little city to take a walk through the pretty parks, around the neighborhoods, and along the river. See how carefully the paths and parks are tended.  Pay attention to what a gift it is to live here.  
Barbara Médaille
Healdsburg
An issue of choice
Editor: Whether you are for or against water fluoridation there is one thing in this debate that is being overlooked – the issue of choice. Many people believe it’s a good idea to dose the entire community with sodium-fluoride for the sake of everyone’s dental health, and many of those same people are also for the freedom of choice. So I say, if you are truly for the freedom of choice, the only logical vote is a vote to stop the practice of fluoridating everyone’s water. A vote for fluoridation is a vote against the right of individual choice we as “free Americans” are supposed to enjoy. Healdsburg’s operations and utilities superintendent says, at $40,000, the Chinese-produced sodium-fluoride used to dose our water “is pretty cheap.” I propose we take that $40,000 and instead buy fluoridated dental products that any resident can pick up from the city for free. This is a true win-win-win scenario – the people who cherish choice win, those who wish to continue to fluoridate themselves win, and the city wins because we save money on labor as the treatment process is no longer required, and the equipment no longer needs maintenance. Vote for choice, vote fluoride out!
Brian Pardini
Healdsburg
Public safety
Editor: On two separate occasions, my husband and I had to contact 911 for serious home health situations. The 911 operator calmed us down from the onset, contacted the Healdsburg Fire Department and Bells Ambulance Service. Within minutes, the Fire Department arrived and had everything under control. Bells was here directly afterwards.  We want to thank these incredible people for their outstanding service, compassion, expertise and support during very emotional and trying moments. We are so grateful for your services and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
We are incredibly thankful you’re all here during times of crisis! Another reason to love our beautiful town of Healdsburg!
Gene and Debbie Warren
Healdsburg
School construction
Editor: Students at Healdsburg Junior High may be gone for the summer, but activity abounds on campus as work begins to renovate our existing buildings and construct new classrooms. The main building at the Junior High will enjoy a complete renovation, including a new roof and HVAC system. Walls will be moved, new carpet will be laid, and interiors and exteriors will be freshly painted, all in time for students returning Aug. 15. Classrooms will be outfitted with whiteboards and 80 inch monitors in order to support the collaborative learning environments key to the Common Core Standards adopted last year.
The District will annex College Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic. Two brand new science labs will be erected on the east side of campus, with state-of-the-art laboratory environments. The science classrooms and five additional classrooms have a completion date of August 2015.
At Healdsburg High School, architects are close to completing schematic designs to present to the Board of Trustees for approval. Construction will begin next summer, and will include a new entry courtyard, auditorium, and new chemistry and physics labs. The classroom construction will create Common-Core-friendly environments with a focus on technology.
We are very excited about the renovations and new buildings at both campuses, all of which support our mission that all HUSD students will graduate from the High School prepared for college, career and citizenship with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century. If you have any questions about the construction, please don’t hesitate to contact the District’s construction manager at NB***@co************.com.
Jeff Harding
Healdsburg Unified School District Superintendent
Uncle Sam is back
Editor: The Healdsburg American Legion Sotoyome Post 111 is absolutely thrilled to announce that “Uncle Sam is Back.” This year, with your donation in any amount to the 2014 Fireworks Display Fund, Uncle Sam will pose with you for your special photo. We know how popular Uncle Sam was with kids and adults alike, so we persuaded him to return for another year. Uncle Sam will be wearing his usual red, white and blue suit.  
Bring the kids out to the Healdsburg Plaza on Tuesday evening June 24th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. On Tuesday July 1, Uncle Sam will be at the Healdsburg Plaza from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Healdsburg High School athletic field before the fireworks begin.
Oh and by the way, Uncle Sam says “Thank you for all donations, large and small.” So bring your camera and have some fun with Uncle Sam.
John Reyes
American Legion Post 111