Letters to the Editor
hrift shops need subsidized rent
Editor: The closing of both the Goodwill and the Salvation Army thrift stores is a great loss to Sonoma. I do not blame the property owners for wanting to get a fair price for their investment. But it was because of huge increases in rent that the above institutions were forced out of town.
Both shops were almost a necessity to the many poor families residing here. Not only were they a great resource for these families but a wonderful outlet for the more fortunate to donate all the clothes and furniture and everything else that was no longer needed.
I sincerely believe that this town can afford to buy a building and lease it at a most reasonable rent to one or both of the above-mentioned agencies.
I feel certain that a large percentage of the citizens of Sonoma would be delighted to see the return of these shops.
Joan Bard
‘Multiple personality’
a better headline
Editor: Donna Hays wrote an article in the Sun’s March 22 Spring in the Springs section with the headline “My schizophrenic backyard.” I think if you check the description of this disease, you’ll find that “multiple personality” is a more accurate choice. Though the word “schizophrenia” is often used this way, those of us close to people suffering from this illness know it to be something else entirely.
Otherwise, the article was charming.
Gail Wolf
Doctor hates to leave
Editor: It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Sonoma and change my practice location. I have accepted a position in New Jersey, the state in which I grew up and where my family still resides. This has not been an easy decision for me, and I will miss being in Sonoma. This is a wonderful place to live and I loved being part of a special small town. I will say it has been a privilege taking care of all you who have sought my care and you will all be missed. I am grateful to Dr. Robert Harf and his family who made this experience possible.
I want to make it very clear that I was happy here, however the needs of my family have become very important and I feel that my life is best served by moving back to the East Coast. I hope that this community understands that you have helped me as I helped you. I have grown immensely as a person and physician in the years I was here, and hope someday to return.
I would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Sonoma Valley Hospital, particularly the OR staff, because without you all, I would clearly not have been successful. I know I will likely not find such camaraderie in my travels east. It has been a blessing to have worked with such caring people. I will miss you all. Thank you.
Dr. Margaret Meyer
All kids need
swimming lessons
Editor: As a former Red Cross senior lifeguard, this is the time of year to offer lifesaving suggestions. My heart sinks each time I read of a drowning death; almost all such deaths are preventable. As a high school and college student, I worked summer vacation at Stinson Beach with one other lifeguard. Our red jeep was well-equipped, much like those in the TV series “Baywatch.” Stinson beach can be tranquil (like Bodega Bay), with friendly seagulls gliding over gentle waves; but generally, the water at those beaches can be far from placid.
Each day we helped several people out of trouble.
Panic arrives when people get tangled up in seaweed. Don’t panic. If an undertow pulls you out to sea, swim parallel to the beach! (An undertow, or riptide, is generally only 50 or 100 feet wide. If you are exhausted, float on your back, it will soon stop the “pulling” from shore.)
Unless you have adequate experience in life-saving, do not try to save someone who is drowning. Yell out for qualified help. If there is no lifeguard available, and you are a strong swimmer, use a long piece of driftwood. Do not come in physical contact with the drowning person. Never try to pull a person in yourself. A drowning panicked person will climb on top of you, frequently causing both of you to drown.
It’s my conviction that children should be taught to swim, without a life jacket, before graduating the third grade. Good luck, and have a safe fun summer.
David R. Ford
