Letters to the Editor 7-31-14

Responsible water management
Editor:   
Regarding the July 17th Reveille article submitted by Randy Barron, Water Resources Technician for City of Santa Rosa:
What I was missing in that article was any mention of vineyard water management. I was born in Santa Rosa 66 years ago and moved to Cloverdale just 23 years ago. I had wanted to move to Ukiah, but they weren’t building due to the lack of necessary water. As I remember, Cloverdale had just enough water but it was an issue. Since then Cloverdale has pushed for growth and hunted for more and more water. In the meantime, the wine industry has flourished, as have all the support industries. However, it seems the water being consumed by the wine industry is rarely, if ever, discussed.
I’ve spoken with many vineyard owners and they have all informed me they use wells to irrigate. It is my understanding that some wineries are pumping directly from the Russian River. I have a small home, live alone and my yard is all drip irrigation. I can’t tell you how angry I get reading articles like Mr. Barron’s  or when I see that big sign above the freeway alerting me of the need for me to conserve water. Yes, we’re in drought conditions. But thousands of acres of grapes are going in every day and it all needs WATER. Ground water is not infinite. River and lake water is for fish, wildlife and human consumption. Wine will not quench my thirst.
Property taxes are another concern I have since I believe vineyards have been allowed to sit under the umbrella of agriculture. It is my understanding one receives a large tax reduction if one claims their operation is agricultural. Grapes raised for raisins would be agricultural since it is food for the masses. Grapes for wine are a luxury item and the land it’s grown on should not be considered agricultural land.
I don’t pretend to know all the facts and am sure some folks reading this are just frothing as the mouth and eager to set me straight. But I do believe we’re headed down a very greedy path. I so miss the agriculture we had in this state.
So, what say we have a serious discussion about vineyard water consumption and management?
Jane Hedlund,
Cloverdale
Thanking Cloverdale’s voters
Editor:   
As the old saying goes, “You learn everything you need to know in life while in Kindergarten.” Well, if that is the case, then I’d like to thank Mrs. Randolph, my kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary, and the rest of Cloverdale for preparing me for a life full of adventure, and service above self.
And now, many years later — as both a civic-minded resident and a candidate for County office — I’d like to thank the residents of Cloverdale for joining me on June 3rd by exercising our most basic right as citizens — voting to choose who represent us.
I am honored to have received so much support and am excited to be advancing to the General Election, set for November 4.
Over the next several months, I’m committed to working harder than ever to reach back out to the residents of the Fourth District to hear their voices, ideas and concerns about the future of Sonoma County.
For those voters who supported another candidate, I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to earn your support as I work to bring a fresh perspective and real leadership to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Thank you.
James Gore,
Healdsburg
Schools of Hope orientation Aug. 6
Editor:   
Last year, a new reading program began at Jefferson School. United Way’s Schools of Hope is an early intervention model for students who are beginning to read.  Local volunteers are matched with first and second graders to practice reading skills one-on-one. The children’s skills improve and friendships are formed between student and tutor.
Would you like to help emergent readers? You’ll commit to one or more half-hour sessions per week, starting in October. We offer training and support throughout the school year. To sign up or learn more, please attend the Schools of Hope Orientation at Cloverdale Library on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fingerprinting is provided free of charge at the orientation. For more information, visit unitedwaywinecountry.org.   
Debbie Myers and Brooke Greene,
Co-coordinators, Jefferson Schools of Hope
Dine and Donate at Mary’s Pizza Aug. 5
Editor:   
The Stock A Student Classroom drive for Washington and Jefferson schools here in Cloverdale is in full swing. Organizers hope you have noticed the colorful boxes around town and in some churches and have been filling them with school supplies for our local schools. This will continue through Aug. 15.
As a part of this project we are having a Dine & Donate event at Mary’s Pizza Shack in Cloverdale (in Furber Plaza) All you need to do is present a flyer, which are available at The Mail Center, Etc. or the United Church of Cloverdale office, when you eat at Mary’s Pizza Shack on Tuesday, Aug. 5th.Twenty percent of what you spend for your meal will be donated for purchase of school supplies. It is that easy and can make a big difference to our Cloverdale children.  
You can make as many copies of the flyer as you want, share them with your friends, encourage your organization members, and eat as many times as you wish on Aug. 5., presenting a flier each time.
Thank you for your support for this project! Every year you amaze the schools with your generosity!  
Marilyn Michelon,
Cloverdale