Suggests more access to information
Editor:
Regarding the water discussion at the City Council meeting Wednesday night and in particular residential water use, I was pleased to see members of the public and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Barbose echo a suggestion I made a few weeks ago via the city’s website. Receiving the water bill monthly is a great start and additional information on the bill itself (as noted by Barbose) would greatly help understand personal water use. Having water use on the web would be a wonderful help as well.
Today it’s hard for me as a residential customer (we’re a family of two in a small house within the city limits) to monitor my water use except to “not do what I’ve been doing.” I also echo Council member [Joanne] Sanders’ concern that a unilateral approach may be unfair and counterproductive.
We need to find an effective way to monitor water use with respect to family size, etc.
Thank you.
Yvonne Bowers
Sonoma
Reasonable thought
Editor:
A reasonable thought:
Socrates to Greek in the street: “Is it true that we have decided to refurbish our local hospital?”
Greek in the street: “That’s what they say….”
Socrates: “Will there be a broad selection of services?”
Greek in the street: “That’s what they say …”
Socrates: “This new hospital will be self-supporting?”
Greek in the street: “Maybe … but we have only two hundred obstetric deliveries a year, so we’ll have to underwrite that particular department, a lot, and I mean a lot. You know, outside experts have recommended that this service be discontinued, since the expenses–twenty-four-hour coverage of doctors and nursing staff, special operating rooms–will vastly exceed the total reimbursement. Furthermore, there is not enough work to keep all the staff at a cutting edge of expertise. Seems wacky, but whadda I know? I guess they’ll just have to ask us to underwrite this by demanding more money.”
Socrates: “Well, according to that new logical system that everyone is talking about, it seems nonsensical”
Greek in the street: “You’re right, Socks, it’s all Greek to me”
William Reilly
Sonoma
Legalize Pot
Editor:
How about legalizing marijuana?
Assemblyman Tom Ammiano astutely makes his case; not only would State legalization of marijuana bring California at least $1 billion a year in taxes it would stop the insanity of arresting 75,000 of our citizens, 87% for simple possession only, for a plant prohibited by government bold-faced lies. It’s past time for equal rights. Nicotine cigarette toxicity kills 400,000 Americans annually. Lack of toxicity of pot has never, ever, caused one death. It’s much like catnip! Pot being a “Gateway drug” makes as much sense as saying prune juice leads to more dangerous laxatives. I’ve been a marijuana researcher for 60 years, and author of two books on this subject. Marijuana’s medical value has been scientifically proven for more than 30 years. Yet, the DEA says it has no medical value. I’m offering one million dollars cash to prove their lie. A dangerous drug is one that causes death, and/or mayhem. Pot causes neither. Pot prohibition is caused by ignorance, arrogance, politics, greed, power, money, corruption, outright lies, perjury, and racism. And shameful government betrayal against the world’s least harmful medicine. And high.
LEGALIZE IT!
David R. Ford
Sonoma
Circle of Life is must-see
Editor: Cat Austin’s ETC Theatre Troupe’s presentation of “The Circle of Life,” the story of the Lion King, is a show that touched me on so many levels … the story, the music, but most of all the talent and passion with which these remarkable professional children bring these beloved characters to life.
I got chills as the show began and the Women’s Theatre on 2nd Street East was filled with the incredible sounds of African chanting and dance. The costumes, the brilliant makeup and most of all the music … it was a spectacle on so many levels.
I’ve never seen an audience jump so quickly to their feet in spontaneous standing ovation like they did on opening night!
The show runs one more weekend, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (tickets at Readers Books and Pharmaca.)
We are very lucky to have ETC! and Cat Austin in Sonoma! She is a true Sonoma Treasure!
Jaime Love
Sonoma
Chain Mail
Editor: I recall there was a regular feature about the Springs at one point, and I’m not sure if or when it has disappeared. I would like to start a “chain mail” directed to residents and businesses of the Springs, inviting folks to write and share their favorite experiences of life in this neck of the woods. It’d be nice to see a letter once a week, hence the “chain”.
For my vote, nothing is finer than taking a nice stroll down to the Church Mouse at Boyes Blvd. and browsing the selection of books. With prices of hardbacks less than a buck and paperbacks even less, it’s not hard to find a good read at a great price. Then, with my new read in hand I head across the street to The Barking Dog and enjoy a nice latte and a breakfast bagel while the locals and then some come and hang out for a while to enjoy wireless access, camaraderie, and the old shoe comfort of our local coffee shop.
This for me is a little of the sweetness of life here in the Springs.
Kathy O’Neill
Boyes Hot Springs