Letters to the Editor

For the love of books
Editor: I want to thank the Cloverdale City Council for reappointing me Sonoma County Library Commissioner representing Cloverdale Regional Library.
I have always loved libraries, even though I could not read until the sixth grade. There was something magical in those books I faithfully checked out every two weeks and I eventually found out there was amazing information and fun. Now, although I am a slow reader, I have four or five books on varying subjects all going at once.
Libraries are such an important part of our lives and our community. Our library is no exception. Did you know over 86,000 people walked into the Cloverdale Library itself last year; that there were well over 97,000 virtual connections attributed to Cloverdale; and just short of 3,000 kids participated in the 81 programs held at the library? All of this from a community with 8,700 people plus 2,000-3,000 in the surrounding area.
Some say libraries are extinct, but these figures say something entirely different. And, all of this is for free DVDs, music, programs, newspapers, use of computers, databases for research, business sites/information, and, of course, books. Also, as part of the Sonoma County Library system, we can borrow any of the 836,000 items plus items from surrounding counties. All of this is attainable with a simple library card. (52 percent of us already have one.) Oh, don’t forget the new service of streaming movies and music or the help from the librarians when you have questions.
I am so happy to be a part of the library. Thank you again for the opportunity to be the commissioner from our community.
Reece Foxen,
Sonoma County Library Commissioner
Christmas in June a success
Editor: Cloverdale continues to amaze us! This town is so caring. What started out as a little idea to help raise much needed food items for the summer morphed into a full blown community event. The Cloverdale Food Pantry took in almost 1,300 pounds of rice and beans, bins and bins of canned items, especially much needed tuna, and well over $6,000 to help purchase additional produce and ongoing operations with donations still coming in.
While it is impossible to thank everyone here, the Pantry and its patrons thank you immensely. A special shout out goes to the American Legion for the use of the Veterans Hall, the generous service and church groups plus the wonderful people of Cloverdale who came out to bag, sort and party, plus the wineries who provided tasty wines.  
Please do not forget the Cloverdale Food Pantry.  As your gardens produce extra fruit or vegetables, drop them off on Fridays at the Food Pantry. The address is 202 Commercial Street. Volunteers are generally there starting late morning. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at the Clover Springs Lodge or call 396-8383 to arrange a time for larger donations.  Financial donations can be sent to Cloverdale Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1038, Cloverdale, CA 95425
MJ Dellaquila and Jean Herschede
Co-chairs Christmas in June
More information needed
Editor: I have been waiting to hear when the new Taco Bell was going to open, so I dropped by today and found out they have been open since June 11. They need a sign and some advertising.
There is a sign near the summer bridge requesting neighbors to contact the Alexander Valley Citizens League for information on how to get a permanent bridge built. But the web site listed doesn’t work. Where are they?
A new gas station is being built south of Cloverdale. Is it only for commercial vehicles? Do you have to be a member to use it?
Eileen West
Cloverdale