Letters to the Editor

Breathtakingly bad idea
Editor: It is time someone responded to the idea being bruted
about to return Main Street to two-way traffic and close a part of
Petaluma Ave. A breathtakingly bad idea. While one of the letter
writers seems to have been here in the bad old days, it must be
assumed that the other proposers and supporters of this asinine
idea either were not here before the one-way system was created, or
have very bad memories. There is simply no way to funnel the volume
of traffic we have through the downtown corridor on a two-way Main
Street. Even with the traffic of 20 years ago, the back up during
rush hour was deep and frustrating. Imagine how much worse it would
be now. Now, with the Healdsburg Ave. southbound traffic emptying
into two and then three lanes on Main Street, there is often a
several-block backup. Imagine a stop-and-go backup during the
commute hour (or when Analy High is letting out) from Bodega Avenue
up past the Fiesta Center, perhaps past the Redwood Center. No, no,
a thousand times no.
Aamil Targow,
Sebastopol
Don’t like it? Move
Editor: In regard to the Graton fire alarm: many of us “old
timers” appreciate the fire alarm. It lets us know when our friends
and neighbors are in trouble. Also, when you are in distress
yourself and are waiting for help, it is very comforting to hear
that they are on their way.
Our parents, and grandparents worked hard to get a fire
department and siren. (Our family has been here for five
generations.) And we don’t want it to be lost.
We are tired of having people move to our little town because
they like it and then proceed to try to change it. We like our
traditions that make us what we are — a small friendly town. We
appreciate our fire department — as Pogo said in an entirely
different context — “They is us!” Lots of us have served with them.
If you no longer like Graton as it is, move!
Betty Jo Davis
Sebastopol
Roventini’s spirit
Editor: Bill Roventini was, and in spirit is, a sparkling,
generous alive being. Service and a smile and a pat on your
shoulder. His spirit will live generations and if we choose to
commemorate him with a Bill Roventini day, I’ll smile.
Paul Toussant
Sebastopol
Thanks, from Passalacqua
Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my
supporters and the volunteers involved in my recent re-election
effort.
So many people volunteered countless hours to walk, make phone
calls, stuff envelopes, and host receptions in their homes. We are
very fortunate to live in a County where people care deeply about
our community and the safety of families, children, and seniors.
Over the past eight years, I truly have enjoyed the challenges as
District Attorney. I am proud of the work that we have done in
making our community safer, bringing innovative crime prevention
programs, and expanding services and outreach for crime
victims.
I have had a very special opportunity to serve the people of
Sonoma County as District Attorney for two consecutive four-year
terms. I truly appreciate the trust that you have placed in me. I
look forward to working with the DA-elect in her transition to
ensure that we continue to have one of the safest counties in the
state.
Stephan Passalacqua
Sonoma County District Attorney
Healdsburg
Thank you Democrats
Editor: Many thanks to the Democratic voters of the Fifth
District for re-electing me to the Sonoma County Democratic Central
Committee. On Election Day I was in sixth place and behind by 59
votes, but by the end of the counting last week I vaulted into
fifth place by 6 votes.
I am honored to be able to serve the Fifth District for another
two years. As many of you know, one of my priorities has been to
build better links between the Democratic Central Committee and our
communities. The process has been slow, but with persistence the
Committee has taken steps that should produce some results.
Thanks so much to those who helped the campaign. And special
thanks go to Kathleen Shaffer, Bob Green; Stephen Fuller-Rowell;
David Walls; Andy Whitholn; members of Progressive Democrats, and
the voters at Oak Grove School.
Deborah Dobish
Sebastopol
Free speech at Palm Drive
Editor: In response to “Conflict of Interest” in your paper on
July 8, 2010, written by Mr. Jim Horn, I agree that Palm Drive
Hospital is a great hospital. I personally know two people who are
alive today due to the professionalism of the staff there. I would
trust my life to them. I am concerned however about the free speech
issue. What makes U.S.A. different from other countries is our
right and obligation to speak up about issues of concern. I agree
with Mr. Horn that a board member should be able to talk with
employees about non-confidential matters while respecting
appropriate lines of authority. It is the ability of a free people
to say what others may not want to hear that makes us strong as a
nation. I have served my country, and I am still willing to defend
the U.S. Constitution for what we have is very sacred. Free speech
is very sacred!
Kevin B. Parsons
Forestville
VFW thanks Sebastopol
Editor: The veterans of Sebastopol VFW, Post 3919, wish to thank
all the people who supported our fireworks fund activity over the
4th of July. Your contributions, through fireworks purchases,
provides the means to fund 18 local school student scholarships.
They also provide funds to support active duty service personnel,
our police and fire-persons of the year, and help us support youth
activities. A special thanks to the individual who, anonymously,
picked up the check for 20 VFW members who were enjoying a
breakfast get-together at the Apple Tree Restaurant in Sebastopol
on July 10.
Last, but not least, we thank Ty Folk for letting us set up our
fireworks stand in his Foster Freeze parking lot. This ideal
location is a big factor in our successful sales.
Sebastopol is a great place to live and the Veterans of VFW Post
3919 thank all who help make that happen.
Wayne E. Miller, Lt. Col. USAF Ret.
Quartermaster VFW Post 3919