Columns

Tribune readers have advice and opinions, and sometimes they share them in our Letters column, published irregularly.

Shakespeare got it right, says Pierre Ratte. From her balcony, young Juliet laments her sweetheart’s name is Montague, an enemy. And yet at a tender age, she recognizes, “’Tis but thy name that is my enemy … What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Wouldst Juliet’s wisdom leap into our dangerous political rhetoric.

From our archives, April 25, 1901: "Beginning with next Sunday the Railroad Company will run an extra train to San Francisco during the summer season. The rate will be one fare for the round trip between any two points on the line. The train will leave Healdsburg at 7:30 a. m. and arrive in San Francisco at 10:40."

Approximately 20,000 bee species are recognized globally with 4,000 native to North America. Only about 10 species are true honeybees.

125 years ago the news was this: "The new county road up the west side of Dry Creek valley will afford a delightful drive along that beautiful section. The road will start from the Upson place and intersect the present county highway near the bridge at Lambert. The view from points along the road is enchanting at any season of the year, and is especially so in the spring time."

Nigerian Dwarfs often give birth to twins and triplets. The cuties in the photo here, two rams and a doe named “Hope,” were born last week and are seen here less than 12 hours after their birth.

With reactions akin to those of Mahomet watching the mountain come to him, the Healdsburg Fire Department tumbled out on Center street to quench a furiously blazing lumber truck that, spouting flame and smoke, rolled up to the firehouse for a spot of fire suppression Monday afternoon. 

"Visitors from California, the U.S. and around the world come to Healdsburg—yet our Plaza has no visible welcome or central place to answer their questions," begins one of two Letters we're publishing this week...

Famous and quirky chess players include: Jose Capablanca (1888-1942), a famous Cuban grandmaster who continuously smoked cigars while playing; Alexander Alakine (1892-1946), who brought and petted his cat named “Chess”; and Bobby Fischer (1943–2008) who had all of his dental fillings removed to escape radio transmissions.

The Healdsburg Museum is grateful for five decades of outstanding community support. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary all year with free special exhibitions and programming. With your support, we will continue to elevate local history for the next 50 years and beyond.