Providing a safe place for teens
In Sonoma County, the second-leading cause of death among girls age 15-19 is suicide. The third-leading cause of death in that age group is homicide. These sobering figures come from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teen dating violence plays a role in these deaths. 1.5 million teens in the U.S. are victims of physical, emotional, sexual and verbal abuse at the hands of a dating partner. In the Bay Area, about one out of every three teens experience this abuse. The rate of dating violence far exceeds any other type of violence experienced by youth.
To fish or not to fish
At least that was the question until it rained last week. Till then, the fish were holed up in pools of the lower Russian River, unable to go on their spawning runs because there wasn’t enough water in the river to allow it. I expect the rushing brown water from several creeks and tributaries has raised the river flow enough for the fish to be on their lusty way. Â
Wastewater treatment
For centuries, civilized peoples recognized the need for removal of bodily wastes from the human environment. Apart from the obvious odors and appearance of this waste, either on land or in bodies of water, the disease-causing germs were also present. Dysentery, Typhoid Fever, Cholera, and other public health issues were often found to be caused by the presence of bacteria and parasites in drinking water sources which were contaminated by wastewater. In areas where populations are concentrated, and where there is more wastewater to treat, communities construct wastewater collection systems that collect the wastewater and convey it to a treatment facility. The wastewater collection system typically consists of gravity-fed and pressurized underground piping which allows the unobstructed flow of wastewater to treatment facilities. Â
Arts & Entertainment
Healdsburg stakes claim as year-round jazz destination
This year brings the second Healdsburg Winter Jazz Festival, which starts Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Harmon Guest House’s Merritt Hall and concludes Sunday night, Feb. 1, at the Healdsburg Community Church. It once again showcases a diverse line-up of jazz talent, genres and venues. A total of six programs are being presented at off-beat stages, with a suitably wide-ranging menu of music.











