Letters to the Editor

Pets Lifeline
moving forward

Editor: Times of transition are always subject to interpretation depending upon your perspective as a volunteer, staff or board member. What is “in the best interest” of any organization is almost always subject to such interpretation. And while everyone is entitled to his or her unique perspective, what remain constant are facts. When revealed, they often lend clarity during times of transition.
The annual fundraiser, Bone Appétit, has not been cancelled but postponed to the spring at the recommendation of the Bone Appétit planning committee and approval of the board of directors. This will give PLL the opportunity to evaluate this important event to ensure its success at a time of the year when there are not as many other charity events held. The fiscal year budget that started on July 1, 2008 will not be negatively affected by this postponement since Bone Appétit will be held before the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2009.
The mood and spirit at PLL is very upbeat among staff and board members. Communication is open and forthcoming, new ideas are encouraged and exchanged freely as to how best to continue improving all aspects of PLL. The existing staff and board members, as well as many volunteers, have stepped up to assure there is no lapse of attention given to the animals or the programs of PLL.
Currently, the board of directors is working with an executive search firm to find a new executive director, with the expectation this position will be filled by September. Most importantly, through the support and involvement of all, we seek to move forward with the existing programs and future plans that promise to make PLL a vital and expanding shelter for our community. We encourage community members to stop by the shelter to visit the animals and us at any time.

Tom Cygnar
President, Board of Directors of Pets Lifeline

Editor: Thanks for printing this [July 10 editorial, “Life Ain’t Fair”]. I too get caught up in expecting life to be fair for all. I have an exceedingly wonderful life and I want that for everyone. Some things I can affect, but there are many I can’t – it is a dilemma. My best way through the milieu is remembering to be grateful for all the gifts. I was lucky enough to have a mother who taught me, “The greatest luxury you will ever know is clean, hot, running water.” At 11 years old, I couldn’t fathom it, but at 57 I am grateful for every drop.

Valerie (Hagerty) Hudson
Montrose

Editor: Your article regarding the light brown apple moth (LBAM) and twist ties encapsulated the basics of the controversy – trade quarantines – and the struggle that Sonoma farmers have in meeting those quarantines should eradication of the moth fail. However, a key piece of the issue is missing – that the primary countries of concern (Canada and Mexico) regarding trade practices maintain quarantines primarily to export into the U.S. because of our quarantines, not necessarily because they consider LBAM to be damaging to crops.
This is a case where U.S. quarantines have come back to bite us. As independent experts attest, controls used against similar pests such as the orange tortrix, codling moth, and omnivorous leafroller, among others, will control LBAM; eradication will fail; and the U.S. will eventually have to consider domestic reclassification as well as negotiate the same with trading partners. Mexico has already expressed a willingness to change their quarantine policies should we change ours. It is time U.S. officials stop pitting agriculture against the public and put our tax dollars to work for a change that will provide our farmers with long-term protection.
Your article also called for those who oppose pesticides in our backyards to become part of the solution. We have done so in the only way that has been available; up until now USDA and CDFA have mandated an action plan without meaningful input from local communities, ignoring the wishes of local governments and completely dismissing the concerns of citizens. There has been no forum provided by CDFA and USDA in creating a forum of cooperation with the public to find a solution. Perhaps Assemblyman Huffman is willing to organize such a forum.

Roy Upton, LBAM Liaison
Citizens For Health
Soquel