LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Well met, Mr. Beauchamp
Editor: I heartily agree with Mr. Beauchamp’s thoughts 
regarding traffic problems in Sebastopol (“Diverse opinions around
‘Small Town Sebastopol’ ” June 10, 2010). He is right on the money.
Returning Main Street and Mckinley to their original two-way status
and closing off Petaluma Avenue  to vehicular traffic would
eliminate the two mini-freeways that evolved after the City made
Main St. and Petaluma Ave. one-way streets.
The small intersecting streets, Fannen,Walker and Palm are
frequently used as though they were freeway off ramps with vehicles
cutting the corners into the oncoming lane without slowing or, on
the other hand,  drivers honking at those who do slow down.
Since the Petaluma Homes Project has been built pedestrian
traffic has increased a great deal particularly parents with
children and seniors attempting to cross Petaluma Ave. at Walker.
When someone finally does stop for them the pedestrians must take
care that cars in the other lane also stop.
The signaled crosswalk in front of the post office is frequently
ignored and the crosswalks at Main and Walker and at Palm might
just as well not even be there. I realize that times are tough and
money tight, but it certainly isn’t too soon to begin planning for
the resolution of Sebastopol’s traffic problems.
Bill Yoes
Sebastopol
Careful what you wish for
Editor: Hello Sebastopol from up here in the foothills. I do
miss you all and the fun controversies that emerge in your
near-coast haven.
My favorite issue of the day is the plan to have a design
contest for new welcome signs for town. A wonderful sign could
result, or …  
It was not so long ago that we had a contest for a new city logo
that yielded no design that really exceeded the lovely Gravenstein
apple and yet the council I was part of felt compelled, after
initiating the process, to accept what we thought was the best
submission. Thankfully, after we approved the design, we
reconsidered and stuck it out with our good old striped fruit.
So, just a cautionary note to the current council, and municipal
department of art — be prepared to reject all submissions. If
nothing outstanding emerges, then reject all submissions, even if
you have put hundreds of staff, and volunteer hours into the
process. I do love public art, and maybe it is worth the risk. 
Good luck.
Former Mayor Sam Spooner
Nevada City
Thanks to the community
Editor: I would like to thank the wonderful Sonoma County
community for once again stepping up and supporting El Molino
Project Graduation. For 23 years, we have been providing an alcohol
and drug free party for our seniors. Without your incredible
generousity, this party would not be possible.
A very warm thank you to our wonderful Project Graduation
Chairs, who are the most organized group I have ever had the
pleasure of working with. Also, a big thank you to our 100 plus
parent volunteers. You are why El Molino Project Graduation is a
continued success, year after year.
Congratulations to the class of 2010.
Kimberly Lambert
President,
El Molino Project Graduation
Worst governor ever?
Editor: When the governor announced his proposal to cut all
subsidized child care in the state, it put thousands of people into
panic mode (estimated to be 300,000 state wide). These thousands of
people are either working or going to school to support their
children. These are not just people on welfare. They are the
parents trying to stay out of poverty by improving their economic
positions. Others are the caregivers who take care of the children
and still more are the non-profits who implement and monitor those
programs.
With the threat of losing jobs, closing small businesses (most
family child care homes are operated by women) and not being able
to work because they don’t have child care, these thousands of
people have stopped buying. They have decided not to get that new
refrigerator, they are not buying toys for their child care
program, they are putting off summer vacation plans around the
state.
This threat by the governor is causing chaos and losing the
state even more money in sales tax. If this is a positioning
tactic, it is certainly backfiring for the economy. Worst governor,
ever.
Donna Roper
Executive Director
River to Coast Children’s Services
Guerneville