Mainstreet: Resistance

In my last column, I wrote of my intent to resist the reign of Trump “tooth and claw” and the primary response I received was: “OK, sounds good. How?”
Maybe the simplest way to resist the Grotesque-elect is to apply a little judo.
If he mocks a disabled reporter (he did) or threatens to use the power of the presidency to punish news organizations that report accurately about him (he did), donate to ProPublica, a nonprofit that supports investigative journalism.
If he shows no respect for the natural world (he doesn’t seem to get outdoors unless the putting green is freshly mowed), support the Sierra Club or the National Resources Defense Council.
If he attacks an ethnic or religious group (he did) donate to the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League, or La Raza.
If his administration attacks reproductive rights (his appointees are rabid on that point), support Planned Parenthood.
If all else fails, send a check to the ACLU or to Mother Jones, both of which have pledged to hold him accountable.
Maybe the best thing we can do to counteract the horror of the next president is simply to set a good example. If you’re a white native born American (and most of you reading this are, aren’t you?), treat people of differing backgrounds and ethnicities with the friendliness and respect you appreciate when it’s directed at you. Be honest, be thoughtful and be kind.
In other words, don’t be trumpy.
Last year, a group of enterprising Girl Scouts earned a Girl Scout Bronze Award for a community service project, a lifesize nativity scene which they set up outside St. John’s Church. The scene is up again, complete with a small wooden stable built by the girls and a few willing dads.
When Norma (Rafanelli) Cousins died in October, she left a hole in the hearts of family, friends and neighbors, especially at Healdsburg District Hospital, where she got things done as a volunteer and donor, helping hospital employees with continuining education scholarships and organizing (and funding) the purchase of key pieces of equipment.
Norma and her beloved dogs were a common sight on Healdsburg streets as she walked briskly along, always impeccably dressed and coiffed. At a memorial gatering in the hospital cafeteria, a hospital employee noted that, after a bad fall, “Norma checked into the hospital and she looked like she’d been 12 rounds with Joe Frazier, but her hair was perfect.”
Norma was a Healdsburg original and she’ll be missed.
The latest city hall drama is escalating. As of the end of this month, there will be an open seat on the Healdsburg City Council, after Eric Ziedrich resigns. Recently not-elected Gary Plass would like to be appointed, former councilmember Leah Gold would also like to serve and now planning commissioner Jeff Civian’s name is in play as well.
Gary is the only one who actually had the guts to campaign for the seat, but progressives think his conservative support and three terms are enough and are lining up behind Leah’s experience, gender, environmental credentials and willingness to speak her mind.
Jeff is smart and puts in his time as a volunteer. He may be seen by the council as a safer choice than a conservative retired cop with opinions and a progressive woman with opinions.
Truthfully, Healdsburg would be well-served by any of the three.
Gary’s legacy was on display Monday night when he stepped down after 12 years on the city council (40 years total, when you count his time as a Healdsburg cop). There were tears from his friends who came to see him off.
Leah would provide gender balance and a willingness to ask uncomfortable questions, along with a good relationship with neighborhood groups.
Jeff is a former planner and developer and is probably the candidate who might tussle most effectively with developers and ride herd on the planning commission.
The council meets again on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Don’t be surprised if it tries to settle the matter that night.
Ray Holley is curious about 2017. He can be reached at ra*@so********.com.