Editorial

"Every local government is unique in the range of services it provides and how those services are delivered," writes the city's Finance Director. "For example, while both Healdsburg and Petaluma provide police, fire, water and sewer services, Sonoma does not. Additionally, Healdsburg is the only one of the three that provides electric services... These differences among many factors influence the total size of the city budgets and lead to inaccurate comparisons if not considered."

Writes a former mayor, "This letter is not hyperbolic or overly dramatic. Our governmental system, our vital Checks and Balances, our Human Rights, our economic freedom and most important to me, our beloved, hard-earned Democracy, erodes in front of our eyes. We have to do more than observe, hope, pray and just believe it will get better. This time invites action. As a lifelong learner, a career secondary educator and a public servant, I write to appeal to you... "

Dear Editor: I don’t know about you, but when I’m sitting shotgun, driving down the highway, I like to hang my head way out the window, suck up those sniffs and really let my ears fly. It’s both invigorating and relaxing at the same time.

The Planning Commission works in a collaborative way with the Planning Department and the City Council. Commissioners are selected by the council and advise the city on the merit of upcoming projects. We keep in mind the wishes of the residents and protect the environment and our tree inventory.

I’m so happy to read of this ("The Row", July 3). What a fantastic use of the area and keeping within the historical “spirit” of Healdsburg and not selling out to a huge hospitality operation. As a business owner and tenant from 1995 through 2003 I have a great respect and affection for the Humphrey family....

"Your fraudulent letter confirms you don’t intend to do the job the American people have given you. That job can only be done by someone with thorough expertise in the field, and a passion to serve and protect our fellow Americans. You have neither. You only have the competence to do the job you’ve really been assigned: destroy Social Security."

"I was so happy to see that the City of Healdsburg has given us a chance to suggest an official City flower, plant or tree as representative of Healdsburg," writes reader Mary Kelley. "I was especially pleased to see that all of the options are California Native Plants. There are five different plants from which to choose, and the sixth option is a category which encompasses a variety of species of Oak trees."

"What happened on Senior Prank Day was deeply disappointing and caused real harm—there’s no denying that," said school counselor Mr. Flores. "But I want to acknowledge something else just as important: the courage and integrity it took for this student’s father, Mr. Clow, to share such a raw and honest reflection with our community."

The father of a high school senior writes, "My child’s mother and I were promptly notified by HHS Principal Tait Danhausen that our child would not be allowed to walk for the graduation ceremony as a consequence of their actions. Walking for graduation is a privilege that signifies a major milestone in any child’s life. Needless to say, friends, family members and community members who know my child were devastated and mortified by the horrible choice my child made."

"There’s a rhythm to it all: the harvest, the heat, the soft plunk of fruit into baskets and the bubbling whisper of molten strawberries on the stove, " writes columnist Liza Gershman. She goes on explain that the gift of the 'Farm + Market: Healdsburg' book she's working on is in the people she's meeting, the friends reconnected with, and the beauty of walking through gardens, farms, ranches..."