Editorial

Plenty of us like to blame the government for all sorts of

Congratulations to us, it must be time to party. We just

Red will be the dominant color for this weekend’s many red, white and blue Fourth of July celebrations, holiday picnics and weekend outdoor adventures. That is because we are now under a summer-long Red Flag fire safety alert issued by CalFire and others. Hot weather, busy humans and dumb moments are dangerous ingredients for tragedy and loss.

Bacteria are a natural part of the environment, but some bacteria like those found in human or animal waste can be a hazard when we are exposed to it in the rivers where we work and play. These microscopic single-celled organisms are found virtually everywhere, including water, soil, plants, animals and the human body. Bacteria provide numerous benefits to the environment, including the decomposition of organic matter, like breaking down leaves and plants to nourish the soil. Bacteria also serve several functions in the human body, including assisting with digestion, aiding the immune system and protecting against harmful and disease-causing invaders, known as pathogenic microbes.

Most of us are still adjusting to Daylight Saving Time, trying to get our biological clocks re-set to early morning darkness and droopy eyelids. All this to save an hour of evening sunlight? We can think of better things worth saving.

It has been an honor serving as your Mayor and Councilmember over the past eight years. I have lived in Healdsburg my entire life. I attended local public schools and have served our community for more than 35 years: 28 years with the Healdsburg Police Department, and eight years as a Councilmember and Mayor.  

With a 30-year professional background in the local wine industry, including marketing positions at leading Sonoma-Napa wineries, as well as directing tasting rooms and wine clubs, and organizing special events by the score, I would like to make some observations in the context of the current debate over special events at Sonoma County wineries.

I have logged over 70,000 miles in the last 30 years at sea. In this time, I have seen many dangerous situations as well as unnecessary accidents as well as deaths, that could have been prevented with a bit of common sense as well as preventative measures. By writing this article I hope it helps to give a helping hand to all that enters the water this year, by boat or simply just swimming in our waters.

One of the more publicized events to have come out of Sacramento

Not all of the news reported last week in the annual “State of