Gifts for ourselves
What links the outcomes of recent news stories about schoolteacher pay and strikes, SMART train expansion, mental health services, Kincade Fire recovery, expanded fire protection services, future Highway 101 improvements and happier holidays? Would you believe local shopping dollars?
About obituaries
Probably every issue of this newspaper ever published has contained at least one story or item about a death. That’s because when we share our lives and community together, we also share our passings.
Time to stop scapegoating retirees
In the May 21 edition of this paper, in this space, a guest commentary from Sonoma County Taxpayers Association executive director Dan Drummond, appeared under the heading, “Problems with Measure A.” The article took particular, and we feel excessive, aim at county retirees by stating, “Unchecked pensions remain the greatest concern,” basically blaming county obligations to retirees for the condition of the roads, specifically asking, “Is there really any doubt why funding for roads, parks and other services has not kept up with our needs?”
Celebrating ‘Independence Month’
Americans have much to be grateful for. Freedom makes the top of the list for most of us because it’s expressed in so many aspects of our daily lives. Independence Day marks our celebration of freedom — it remembers we declared our independence from political and economic oppression by outsiders.
A new dynamic
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Annie Millar, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Healdsburg Unified School District, to discuss, among other things, how the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are affecting the way she goes about her work.
Boating safety is no accident
Each Year I try to write about boating safety, hopefully to help prevent an accident or possible fatality. Just last week a 7 year old boy got caught in a propeller, severely cutting both legs. How does this happen?