Letters to the Editor 6-4-15

Water concerns
Editor: I would like to respond to Anne Berry’s letter titled ‘No on Saggio’ (May 28 issue) in which she asks where is the water coming from? Well, to answer her question all you have to do is ask the planning commission and they will tell you Healdsburg has no water crisis, we have plenty of water. I attended the planning commission meeting regarding the new Midtown Healdsburg housing development on Healdsburg Avenue, which will impact our adjoining neighborhood. A lot of folks that night cited water concern issues and we were told flatly to not consider water as a valid opposition point as Healdsburg has plenty of water. I did not buy it then and I don’t now. If we have plenty of water why are we on a two-day-a-week watering schedule and saving our shower water for other uses? I agree with Anne that our water concerns are being ignored by City of Healdsburg.
Terry Rochioli
Healdsburg
Huffman, why?
Editor: Activity regarding the Lytton Band of Pomo land holdings west of Windsor being put into federal trust is accelerating. Jared Huffman is planning to introduce legislation to do just that in the near future. I do not take issue with a landowner developing their property under the county’s general plan. However, if the process of putting their land into trust goes forward, local control and regulation is no longer guaranteed. I have written to Congressman Huffman for an explanation as to why he feels their holdings should go into federal trust. As follows: “I understand the Congressman is proposing legislation that would change the status of lands owned by the Lytton tribe in the vicinity of Windsor. I live in Healdsburg. I would really appreciate understanding the Congressman’s thinking on why this is necessary. Why can’t they follow all existing rules and regulations regarding what can be done on that land? If their uses are not consistent with the county general plan, they should buy land that is zoned for the uses they desire. We are facing severe water restrictions here, and intense development on those acres will create out-of-jurisdiction uses and demands on natural resources, with no regulatory oversight or control by local agencies. This is entirely objectionable. They clearly have the financial resources to solve the functional needs they plan to meet through the development of these parcels – elsewhere. And my concern does not address any of the ecological or environmental impacts development there will have. Please explain.” Perhaps some of the readers of the Healdsburg Tribune would also like to ask Congressman Huffman, “Why?” To reach his district office: Je************@ma**.gov.
Richard Burg
Healdsburg
Prune Packers opener Saturday
Editor: The Healdsburg Prune Packers are honoring Big John’s Market at the home opener on Saturday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at Recreation Park. Big John’s has been a major supporter of the latest incarnation of the Prune Packers as a college summer team, now in its second season. The Prune Packers began as a pro team in the 1920s and were considered at the time as the premier baseball team on the West Coast. In the 1950s the team was revived as a semi-pro organization and often played and defeated PCL teams (at the time the Major Leagues of the West Coast) such as the San Francisco Seals. The newest version of the Packers attracts college players from around the country to come to Healdsburg and learn the elite form of the game under the tutelage of former pro Joey Gomes. Big John’s has played a significant role in the return of elite baseball to Healdsburg and the Prune Packers would like to recognize that fact this weekend at its home opener. We invite all fans of baseball to come out to the ballpark to honor Big John’s contributions to our community, enjoy some of the fine fare served by The Wurst, the Prune Packers concessionaire, and witness some of the most exciting baseball in the North Bay. Go Packers.
Gerry North
Healdsburg
HES library renovation
Editor: The Healdsburg Education Foundation (HEF) is raising funds to bring the Healdsburg Elementary School Campus (HES) library into the 21st Century. Following previous renovations of the Healdsburg High School and Junior High School libraries, HEF is capitalizing on its strong partnership with the Healdsburg Unified School District (HUSD) and our generous community to bring much-needed modernization to the Healdsburg Elementary Library. HEF will supply $85,000 to transform the space into a dynamic, multi-functional “Learning Commons.” The library will undergo substantial physical renovations, including new carpet, paint and lighting and a full technology upgrade. Furnishings will include a whiteboard wall and movable, comfortable furniture that is flexible and easy to re-configure to create a collaborative and participatory learning environment for Healdsburg’s youngest students. As HES Principal Stephanie Feith explains; “The Healdsburg Elementary School Campus Learning Commons will be an innovative space for students and teachers to “think out loud,” investigate ideas and successfully collaborate. The physical space will be able to adjust to the group size; to the learner; and to the learning objective. We are extremely excited to redesign this area for our school and appreciate the community support.” The 21st Century Library/Learning Lab at HES will be an integral part of the K-12 Library/Technology program and the expansion of technology throughout the District. The work is expected to be completed this summer. The Healdsburg Education Foundation (HEF) fundraising efforts received substantial help from both the Healdsburg Rotary Club and the Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary Club, who joined forces to fund 100 percent of the technology upgrades for the renovation. Other donations have come in from generous community members committed to sustaining the role of Healdsburg’s school libraries as innovative learning centers for Healdsburg’s students. HEF is seeking additional donations to complete funding for furniture expenditures. If you would like to make a donation to the Healdsburg Education Foundation (HEF) to help create the Healdsburg Elementary “Learning Commons,” please contact HEF Executive Bette Perez at 433-1223. HEF’s mailing address is PO Box 1668, Healdsburg, CA 95448. Or visit our website: www.hefschools.com.
Bette Perez
Healdsburg Education Foundation