Letters to the Editor – 6-30-16

Saini appreciation
Editor: The Saini Family would like to thank everyone involved in our uncle, PFC John Saini’s return home on June 10 and 11. He was laid to rest at Oak Mound Cemetery.
With the help of all law enforcement agencies, the military, veterans, veterans groups, American Legion Post 111, emergency medical personnel, motorcycle riding groups, the motor escort team, fire departments, citizens and friends, you made his final journey home complete. The display of respect from all of you meant so much to our family and is greatly appreciated.
Liz Saini McDowell and John Saini
Healdsburg
Why Wohler parking lot is closed
Editor: In response to why the Wohler Bridge Parking area, also known as Maxwell Grove, is closed to the public:
The grove and surrounding areas are owned by the Sonoma County Water Agency. From October 1 to May 15 each year, the area is under the jurisdiction of Sonoma County Regional Parks, the gate is open to the public and fishermen gain access to the gravel (and often muddy) boat ramp.
On May 15 of each year, the jurisdiction returns to the water agency, and the gate is closed to the public. There is still a conservation easement allowing people to picnic in the redwoods. The no parking signs along Wohler Road and Westside Road is due to the initiative of local residents who got fed up with people going to the river, parking along the roads and leaving a lot of trash behind.
During the summer months, my company Russian River Adventures, is the primary user of this area, and we are granted a permit annually through the water agency to access the river to haul out the thousands of people who raft the Russian with our company.
With last year’s construction of the new Water Education Center at Wohler Bridge, the old fence and signage explaining when the park is open have been removed. Replacement signage is not in place yet.
When our drivers try to nicely explain why the gates are closed, they often get a lot of verbal abuse and solo finger salutes.  Please cut us some slack. We’re just going about our job.
Larry Laba
Healdsburg
Library planning
Editor: The Healdsburg Library is one of the few places in our town that has something to offer all its residents … everyone from toddlers to senior citizens. We offer equal access to materials, technology, learning and recreational opportunities for all our residents.
The Sonoma County Library system has developed a strategic plan by actively seeking community involvement in shaping  its priorities and services for the next five years. This community-driven vision has been translated into Healdsburg Library’s commitment to education and innovation, outstanding service to our patrons, community involvement and the resources necessary to provide those services.
An essential part of that vision is ensuring educational services for the 4,500 school-aged children and preschoolers who use the Healdsburg library year-round. The library maintains up-to-date children’s books and materials and sponsors programs that stimulate youthful curiosity and educational growth. Library programs have evolved from the traditional preschool story hours, still a linchpin, to include Build Club, MyGym, Engineering for Kids and Music Time. As a volunteer for our library, I can attest to the busy, happy children I see streaming into the library every day.
All our kids benefit from this access to educational classes, books and computers. But these services are particularly important for families who can’t afford them any other way. While we know how important access is to libraries, unfortunately we have not been able to restore library hours since the funding cuts made in 2011 resulted in a 25 percent drop in open hours. This impacts Healdsburg citizens access to books, materials, classes and other transformative programs.
Our strategic plan makes identifying adequate funding to restore library access a key goal. Any solution needs to include funds that would be controlled locally, for use by our local library. The Sonoma County Library is completely separate from county government.  While the City of Healdsburg owns the library building, neither the city nor county provides funding for library services.
The strategic plan is a fluid document, and the Healdsburg Library wants to hear from you on your priorities for our library. We are scheduling visits with local community groups and clubs to talk more about the vision for Healdsburg’s Library. We want to hear your opinions and receive your input. Call Healdsburg Library Branch Manager Jon Haupt at 433-3772 to schedule a program.
Rebecca L. Goodsell
Healdsburg
Where were the flags?
Editor: We have been going to the Memorial Day services at Oak Mound Cemetery for 26 years. In the early years a Marine in full uniform, long in his years used to play Taps. On the mile or so drive I count the American flags in front of homes and then drive around the square and back home via Healdsburg Avenue.
This year there were only nine resident flags and not one in the town square or in front of any business the entire round trip. How sad, pathetic and disgraceful. The city council should be embarrassed. Many appreciations for those who do display the American flag.
Kevin J. McCann
Healdsburg
Public process
Editor: It’s that time of year again, the annual budget review, when two dozen Sonoma County departments make their funding requests. More often than not, this exercise lasts more than a week. Last year it was all done in just a day and half by bundling most departments into one affirming vote.
This year Supervisor James Gore requested each department present their case. Each highlighted their past accomplishments and plans for the coming year. Maybe not as quick, but a better public process.
Bob Anderson
Healdsburg