Will we destroy our town in order to save it?
The March 10 commentary piece “The elephant in the room” brought to mind a quote attributed to a U.S. Army officer in Vietnam concerning a military operation there. “It became necessary to destroy the town in order to save it.”
Luminarias, homelessness and heart
I worked at the Healdsburg Library for over 25 years before I retired last year. Something I always wanted to try with the library was to bring world class literary talent to Healdsburg.
Commentary: Limit hotels downtown
The Healdsburg City Council is having a discussion on potentially changing the permitted use of hotels in the Downtown and Plaza Commercial Districts at 5 p.m. on Monday, December 4, at city hall.
What is freedom?
What is freedom? Is everyone entitled to his or her own definition of freedom or do all of us have to agree on a single definition to have a functioning society? Why does the question about freedom seem so relevant now?
Market Report: Continuing through ‘perilous times’
August is usually a broiling time of year, but as I write this it’s gray and kind of drizzly outside; a welcome relief for all of us concerned with fires and drought. Fires and drought: It sounds like some biblical warning of imminent disaster. In truth, our world does seem to feel more and more like we’re living in perilous times. The likelihood of those natural disasters happening to us in any given year has grown to be an accepted reality, living here in all this splendor.
The son also rises
I gotta be honest here. Don’t you love it when people say that? It implies that, up until that moment, he or she has been less than honest, calling into question your entire relationship with said apparent serial liar.
Animal Shelter Answers
The Healdsburg Animal Shelter is in the business of saving lives, and we do it well. National averages show approximately 50% of dogs and 70% of cats entering shelters are euthanized. The Healdsburg Animal Shelter’s rate is 7%. Additionally, in 2011, our dog adoptions tripled; cat adoptions increased by 29%; medical expenses decreased by 75%; professional fees decreased by 53%; income from fundraising events increased by 358%; charitable giving doubled and volunteers contributed 1,500 more volunteer hours. These are amazing accomplishments. Operationally our shelter ranks among the top in the nation.
Wish you were here
It’s exciting to see county planning commissioners stepping up to the plate this week to address the county’s booming vacation rental market.
Arts & Entertainment
Stage face-off: Revenge vs. rivalry
Local audiences seeking a solid presentation of an American theatrical classic have two very diverse options right now. The Raven Performing Arts Theater hosts Stephen Sondheim’s massive macabre musical, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," while The 222 offers Sam Shepard’s more intimate fraternal drama, "True West." Both run in Healdsburg through Nov. 8.











