Letters to the Editor

Cat and owner are victims

Editor: As one who believes that animals as well as humans have a right to be free of torture, mistreatment, or painfully inflicted death, I was outraged when I read of a cat, Jake, living in Temelec, who was shot with a BB gun. This act – senseless, illegal, and dangerous to humans as well as animals – has also been costly for Jake’s owner, Barbara Rochester.
I have heard of cats being poisoned and have knowledge of cats being deliberately trapped. Perhaps it is time to consider a uniform policy governing the rights of felines that would be agreeable to the separate communities of homes in this area. I am aware that regulations governing cats in the residential areas that border Temelec are not uniform. In some communities, cats are allowed the freedom of the outdoors if they are wearing a bell, while other communities specify that cats must be kept within walls, or be walked on a leash.
Here is the problem with cats staying indoors: While it is true that kittens can be taught to accommodate to staying indoors permanently, it is a different story for cats who are used to being at large. People are encouraged to do their civic duty by adopting stray cats, as Jake was when he was adopted by Ms. Rochester. These cats have not been “imprinted” with the habit of staying indoors. To such a cat, being confined to a life indoors is punishment comparable to a life prison sentence for a human, except that the cat did not commit any crime. Nor can cats adapt well to walking on a leash. With regard to the rights of birds, hunting is not second nature to all cats, and cats normally go abroad after dark when birds are resting high in the trees.
Perhaps it would also be appropriate to think of the other victim of this senseless act, Ms. Rochester. Now she alone is shouldering the enormous cost of Jake’s medical bill, a cost well in excess of $4,000. I think it is appropriate to establish a fund for restitution with the cooperation of the Boards of the adjacent communities.

Catherine Beatty Holt
Sonoma

Editor: I am writing this letter to inform you and your readers about a fabulous program that could use our help. My son, who attends Flowery School, is currently in the process of “trying out” for an after-school program called “Kids Rock.” There were 40 students who showed interest. If he makes the cut, he will be taught how to play the guitar by teachers from his school who have been trained by the nonprofit organization, “Kids Rock.” In the past, Kids Rock has been able to provide participants with guitars. If students stayed with the program, practiced and met the criteria and goals, they got to keep the guitars. Unfortunately, due to economic hardship, “Kids Rock” is unable to provide guitars this year.
These truly dedicated teachers are doing everything they can to give these kids a musical experience and hopefully spark an interest or plant a musical seed that might not get nurtured otherwise. Our local music store, Sonoma Valley Music, has offered to help out by offering a special school rate. If this worthwhile experience strikes a chord, donations to Flowery School’s Kids Rock program would be greatly appreciated. Or maybe that guitar sitting in the back of the closet would be put to better use in the hands of a third grader. Functioning guitars can be donated to Flowery School, 17600 Sonoma Hwy.  I hope that all 40 of these eager and interested future musicians get the chance they deserve.

Janine Tommasi
Sonoma

Editor: A huge thank you to Jim and Angie Cahoon, owners of Cal-Italia and Gramma’s Pizza, for honoring the veterans on Veterans Day by providing a free dinner to any veteran who served in our armed forces. This was a great show of patriotism in a time when it is most needed. Thanks again Jim and Angie.

Bill and Rose Marie Randall
Sonoma