Unhappy with council
Editor: On July 15 at the Sonoma City Council meeting, I expressed my disappointment of their vote to “condoize” Rancho de Sonoma.
After I sat down, I was quickly attacked by three council members and, of course, one cannot respond once you have taken your seat.
I was told that state law obligated them to vote YES, but not one of them would ride to Sacramento with me in support of AB566, which will strengthen our Condo Ordinance.
I was told to “tone down” my rhetoric. Mayor Brown told me he would continue to “reach out” to me, but it has been almost two years since he had me on his radio show as a representative of GSMOL (Golden State Mobilehome Owners Association) to present our point of view.
Three City Council Meetings, I asked for a letter in support of AB566; it fell on deaf ears with no comment. So much for reaching out to me!
While other cities in California, including the County Supervisors, fight for their ordinances and people, ours threw in the towel after the first round, the promises to protect our affordable housing, low-income citizens and seniors, was not kept or even attempted. The promise to defend our ordinance was quickly set aside.
But, the council tries to tell you that I am the bad guy!
I never expressed my disappointment without reason.
Sam Di Giacomo
GSMOL Associate Manager – Region 2
Sonoma
Just one?
Editor: Single payer? “Single,” as in one-and-only, monolithic, no competition, no choice?
Like the post office before UPS and FedEx? Like IBM computers before the PC and Macintosh?
Like the command and control Soviet economy?
Like Britain and Canada, with rationed care and grievous delays and your personal health decisions made by bureaucrats?
As McEnroe would exclaim, “You can’t be serious!”
Alden Brosseau
Sonoma
Prop. 2 concerns
Editor: Kudos and appreciation to Arnold Riebli for his dedication and hard work on the Hospital Board for the benefit of Sonoma Valley.
In an editorial praising Arnie’s work, I was disturbed to find him and Palin mentioned in the same category – not fulfilling their elected terms. Palin’s exclusive concern is Palin, Arnie is striving to maintain a national industry.
The irresponsible voters who choose to have television do their thinking created an economically impossible situation for egg producers. Unless Proposition 2 is abolished it can insidiously spread across the entire nation.
Arnie’s integrity, business acumen and good, common sense made his resignation from the Board necessary to deviate his time and leadership to our country’s welfare.
If Proposition 2 goes unchallenged our “fresh eggs” will come from either Mexico or China!
Is that what you good citizens who supported Proposition 2 really want?
Lauraine Wedikind
Sonoma
Read your labels
Editor: Joan, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your writing on this important subject. Having just seen the film “Food, Inc.,” the dangers of “hidden” ingredients in our food, and what we can do about it, is very much in the forefront of my mind.
Your column met my needs for information and inspiration. I recently discovered that several brands of sweetened iced teas that are touted as “natural” contain HFCS. I now diligently read the labels, and I’m going to expand that practice for salad dressings and other foods that I previously bought without thinking.
I have enjoyed receiving your columns over the years; I feel I have “followed along” on your travels to India and South America. Please keep up the good work.
Tina Michel
Newport, KY