Columns

Fun facts: The word “yet” has a few meanings. As an adverb it references “a continuing state or condition.” As a conjunction, it introduces a contrasting fact or thought. As a modifier, it intensifies meaning, as in “yet again.” Another column of observation from Pierre Ratte.

In my last column I wrote about how I was responding to stress by sewing. I guess the current totals can attest to my method being a) soothing, b) proactive, and c) extremely productive: in four weeks I have started and completed one quilt (for a Christmas present), two dog blankets, two flannel comfort blankets for teens who lost their homes — and started another two — and I’m halfway through another comfort quilt for a friend who lost her home. I’m in rhythms of cutting, pinning, sewing, and it’s incredibly meditative.

COMMENTARY — On Jan. 21, the Healdsburg City Council met to consider a $7 million donation from the Foley Family Foundation to build the approved community space, performance center and farmers market at 3 North. Over 100 citizens attended, and many walked away embarrassed and dismayed by our elected’s performance. Based on a show of hands, an overwhelming majority was eager to embrace this unique and generous offer and was excited to see the city finally move forward with a project that was years in the planning and adopted by council in 2017, but lacked funding. All with virtually no strings attached.

Pumpkins

Vote for change on June 5

Last Wednesday, the Windsor Town Council on a 4-1 vote accepted $2 million in affordable housing monies from developer Bob Bisno in return for withdrawing the condition that he provide 77 apartment units with rents limited to median income tenants for a 10-year period.

Fun facts: The chances of finding a four-leaf clover are reportedly about 1 in 5,000. Luck is involved. Clovers, or trefoils, can have more than three leaves. Five-leaf clovers are two times rarer than four-leaf, and the most leaves ever found on a clover was 63, discovered in Japan in 2023.

The murder of George Floyd has shone a bright light on America’s systemic racism, and particularly on how some police officers routinely treat BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) people with bias, abuse and violence. There is tremendous momentum for substantive change, and I welcome it. I fully support the Black Lives Matter movement and am eager to consider and adopt policies that advance its goals.