Election 2008 - Sonoma County & the Nation- LETTERS

Thank you for your comments - I will post them as they come in. This is an exciting time in all our lives for many reasons. We won some, we lost some - but the bottom line is we have a lot of work to do to heal our nation and bring our country closer to the values that established our government: Freedom and Justice for All. As the saying goes: be part of the solution.

I'll post new comments from the top down from here out - thanks for checking in!

Apparently we're still on hold for the 5th District Supervisor race - so when I know, I'll post the results.

Thank You!

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Newsflash!!! Santa Rosa! Sebastopol! The Scooter Lady is flying an American flag on her Yamaha! Could it be the election????

Love , Cecile Lusby

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Whoopee! Now I can dust off The Flag and hang it up proudly once again.
Yours in euphoria, Joyce

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Dear V,
Frankly with Barack Obama as President I am so elated that even the Prop 8 is not frightening -- now we don't have to fear about the Supreme Court for at least 4 years -- hopefully 8 -- and that, will ultimately be the way to make sure we all have equal rights...

I have received emails from my family all over the world with congratulations -- and mostly they are conservative -- but they are all elated about the US and the world's future now....

Oh, and California high speed rail -- about bloody time...

David ;)

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Dear Vesta:

I am disgusted now that Prop 8 did not pass. I want to encourage the gay community to not be so polite next time and bring up the fact that the in all the Bibles of the homophobic church people, that it states that "adulterers and fornicators do not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)." Also, in the Hebrew scriptures, those horny heterosexual busted in the act were stoned to death. Let us all create a new proposition and reinstate the Biblical stoning law for all the hypocritical church people that are shacking up-living in sin, having heterosexual sex before they are married, cheating on spouses, after years of having sex with family members who then resort to raping women, having sex with children and animals.

I mention the above crimes against humanity because I know of so many King Henry VIII inspired Protestant religions that "do not consider such atrocities as cheating on their spouses so that their partners do not have scriptural backing to get a divorce and get away from them." Especially "if their victims did not scream bloody murder with a gun pointed at their head in the middle of nowhere & had two to three witnesses to the act. (2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19) The same turn the other cheek to the pervert rule applies if more than one victim has been attacked by the same garden variety fruitcake, and statistically a Protestant Caucasian and heterosexual male. This makes their houses of worship a safe haven for sex offenders yet demonizes their victims. These are scriptures that we are told "are inspired of God" that were most likely written by horny old goats that could empathize with such swine to let them get away with it. I think an intelligent higher power would be insulted to have such low class laws be slanderously written in stone by imperfect men and have to take the blame for them.

Heterosexual "loose conduct" as Christians like to call it, cheapens their relationship with their creator and their marriage is not sacred in the eyes of God (Hebrews 13:4). I know my hypocritical horny Christian neighbors married and divorced a few times with several sets of kids will disagree with me as they say "what gay people do in the bedroom is unorthodox." They have taken a Sharpie and blacked out where it says next to homosexuals which they have highlighted in bright yellow, "Do not be misled...neither fornicators and adulterers will inherit the kingdom of God." Sorry Christians...you are on the same playing field as regards to "sin" as homosexuals. One sin is not greater than the other. Now back to that proposition, let's get the stoning of heterosexuals on the ballot next time. Who knows, maybe it can be made into one of those tacky American reality shows! I think that would be a big hit with a never ending supply of cast members! (humor)

I am a heterosexual woman that is sick of the hypocritical application of the scriptures that only benefits the majority of the population. Nine times of ten, homosexuals have nothing to do with heterosexual divorce or bringing down the scared institution of it. I think that "rafter" scripture should apply here since there is much husband and wife swapping and perversions in so called "Christian" churches among the heterosexuals in the congregation that account for about 95% of the moral atrophy in our society. Thanks for hearing me gripe!

Sincerely glad Obama won,

Rachele Ketchem
Sebastopol

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MY NEW MANTRA IS IF BARAK CAN DO IT THEN I WILL KEEP GOING TOO - Sandra

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Submitted by Carole and Big Man:

An Open Letter to Barack Obama - By Alice Walker (Nov. 5, 2008)
Today at
8:44am | Nov. 5, 2008

http://www.theroot.com/id/48726

Dear Brother Obama,

You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year,
decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay
runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our
strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.

I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and
lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world
really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.

I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have
enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which
I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.

A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.

We are the ones we have been waiting for.

In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker

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Obama's campaign, and its success, reminds me of how the Republican party laid claim to the American flag after 911. Democrats everywhere were saying “it's our flag, too!” Now whites are looking at Obama and saying - he's our white man, too. The beauty of this man - beyond his incredible intelligence, his calm demeanor and everything else exceptional about him - is that he is multi-racial. He IS the American melting pot. We can ALL claim to be in his blood - his blood in ours. We are all ONE! - Vesta

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PROFESSORS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
- POLITICAL, CULTURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES


DR. DON ROMESBURG, a historian and professor of Women's and Gender Studies, is available for discussion of political and cultural issues regarding same-sex marriage. Dr. Romesburg is currently teaching an entire undergraduate course framed around the social, economic, political and cultural issues related to same-sex marriage.

He is doing research on the relationship between political discourses about marriage equality and LGBT civil rights and cultural representations of queer youth. Romesburg has also lectured on issues of race and gender in the battle over Proposition 8.

Romesburg is one of the many same-sex couples married in San Francisco in 2004 and again in California after the state's Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. He lives with his husband and daughter in San Francisco.

Office: 707.664.2474
Cell: 415.850.8580
Email: romesbur@sonoma.edu



DR. JULIE SHULMAN, Assistant Professor of Counseilng and a licensed psychologist, is available for discussion regarding the mental health of individuals in same-sex couples.

She can comment on the challenges and stressors of people in same-sex relationships, and she can specificaly address the experiences of marriage legislation and marriage access among people who are in same-sex relationships, including those in legal marriages and domestic partnerships.

Dr. Shulman teaches master's students training to be professional counselors, specilalizing in women and sexual minorities. She has presented her research at regional and national conferences.on the mental health of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals as well as the psychological experiences among people in same-sex couples.

Office: 707.644.3395
Email: julie.shulman@sonoma.edu

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MORE Election Letters for Sonoma County Races

We're getting down to the wire - and even though many people have already voted - there's still plenty of discussion going around. This batch of letters is about the 5th District Supervisor race between Efren Carillo and Rue Furch (more!) and also about the Sebastopol City Council race.


Dear Community,

Please see the PD story below and tell me, what does having a "low carbon campaign" (no signs spoiling our view, or loads of printed material crammed in your mail box) have to do with my view of accountable development for the North East Area Plan?

Please share your views with a letter to the Editor of the Press Democrat (to paul.gullixson@pressdemocrat.com), Wacco, and any other form of community communication you feel appropriate.

What does "Sustainable Sebastopol" mean to you? Do you think the community group that once existed has been shanghaied for select political/development gain? What would you like that group to be now?

One thing that is clear, I will be elected, or I won't; I'm fine with either outcome; but it is the town itself that will win, or not, depending on what 2 candidates are chosen.

Elected, or not, I will continue to work with the cities in the county, the County of Sonoma, and the community to evolve what sustainability looks like for us.

I will remain committed to work towards legislating an end to the unconstitutional use of force the US is involved in. This is way beyond the obvious ethical and true national security reasons; we need our tax dollars to be used for our own country for all the pressing social and environmental challenges at stake, as well as the practical things like paving our roads.

I won't tell you how to vote; whether it's the 1 or 2 person strategy, or even which candidate. I will just suggest that you don't fall for a false shade of "green", that you probe both your heart and your head and vote for what is in Sebastopol's short and long term best interest.

In peace,
Colleen Fernald
Candidate for Sebastopol City Council
colleenfernald@earthlink.net
707.829.2243



'Bullet' voting could hit council races
By BLEYS W. ROSE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 11:39 a.m.

While slate advertising for like-minded city council candidates is all the rage at the moment, there's another theory called "bullet voting" that advocates say ensures your top choices get into office.

Proponents of voting by "bullet" say casting a ballot for only your top choice means everybody's second choice won't skate in and possibly knock off your pick.

Bullet voting comes into play in multiple candidate fields, including council elections in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg and Sebastopol where candidates in the philosophical center stand a good chance of getting elected by virtue of being popular second choices.

Here's how it could work in Sebastopol, where savvy experts are chatting up bullet voting as the only way to make sure their candidates get elected to the two open city council seats:

Jen Thille is viewed as the candidate most in favor of the city's Northeast Area Specific Plan; Guy Wilson as the most opposed and Kathleen Shaffer as somewhere in between. (A fourth candidate, Colleen Fernald, has demonstrated little evidence of financing, yard signs and literature, so she's not been a factor in this calculation.)

If voters inclined toward the northeast plan use both their votes, then Thille and Shaffer are their likely choices. Those opposed to the northeast plan would pick Wilson and Shaffer. Thus, Shaffer seems likely to benefit when voters exercise their right to make choices on the two open seats.

Which leaves Wilson and Thille fighting for second place - unless voters opt to use only one vote for their top choice.

Watch for literature prompting single-candidate, bullet-style voting coming to a city near you.


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!!VOTE FOR EFREN CARRILLO!!!

Thank God...36 hours to go and one of the nastiest elections in the Fifth District is over.

It's unfortunate the union bosses ($125,000 against Efren) and dark business interests ($55,000 against Rue) hijacked the election from two fine candidates, while stuffing our mailboxes with crap. Of note is neither candidate disavowed the "Independent Expenditure" monies directed at the other. I believe members of each campaign were closely involved with these efforts...there should be laws preventing individuals and organizations from donating $20,000-$120,000 spewing lies and distortions against other candidates.

Whoever wins will not escape my ire with what I feel we need to do working together toward a sustainable future. I believe we are close to a collapse of many of our institutions, and thus far I do not see the courage and resolve needed towards necessary reforms and changes. If I ever run for office again I will probably begin my stump speech with,"...after the collapse this is what we need to do in order to have a phoenix rise from the ashes..." Why is our political discourse so shy and timid to avoid addressing real solutions?

If in my zeal to save the world I have offended any of my friends, please accept my humble apology. If not...c'est la vie...such is life...

Peace and Love to ALL!!
Tom Lynch

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LETTERS - Sonoma County Politics

More letters keep coming in about the upcoming election. I will get every one up until the end of voting - then we will move back to our life as we know it - with a whole new collection of people in charge.

I'd like to extend appreciation to everyone who dares run for public office considering how they have to expose their personal lives to so much scrutiny. They are very brave people to be willing to be so vulnerable in order to govern - jobs that most of us wouldn't want to do - and certainly most of us would not be willing to have people know so much and criticize so thoroughly, how we run our lives.

I also want to say how much I appreciate how involved our electorate (us) is this election cycle. People really care and we have the freedom to express our opinions. We are blessed on both counts. Voting is privilege as much as a right - please VOTE!

"This is huge. This is bigger than life itself. When I was coming up, I always thought they put in who they wanted to put in. I didn't think my vote mattered. But I don't think that anymore."
- DEDDRICK BATTLE, who at age 55 registered to vote for the first time.

Read on…


Editor:

Rue Furch, in our view, is the most experienced, most prepared, and the only candidate who understands the complexity of county government, in the race for 5th District Supervisor. We are very confident that she will to listen to our issues, be open to our opinions and be willing and able to champion our causes when she is elected to the Board of Supervisors. There is a great deal at stake in this race for the future of Sonoma County. We need a leader who can listen to both sides, ascertain what the real issues are and can act and vote accordingly. We have watched Rue at the Planning Commission and know first hand that she asks the right questions and makes good decisions based on the answers. Rue has the knowledge required and the ability to work with the board in a collaborative manner. With respect to the environment, water and land use, Rue is the candidate best equipped to tackle these issues. At the same time, she will be a voice for working people and those of us fighting for human (including immigrant) rights. We are honored to strongly recommend Rue Furch for Fifth District Supervisor.

Casimiro Alvarez, United Farm Workers
Caroline Bañuelos, Sonoma County Latino Democratic Club
Raquel Gomez, Committee for Immigrant Rights

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Dear Editor:

During my 27 years as a resident of San Diego County, I witnessed local politicians - backed by developers - disregard the environment and bring progressive deterioration to the area's natural tranquil beauty, air quality, traffic flow, public safety, and economy. I do not want to see Sonoma County make similar mistakes. Each candidate for 5th District Supervisor would lead in a different direction: Ms. Rue Furch cares and values the unique cultural and natural diversity within Sonoma County. She has been committed to researching and discussing the issues for many years giving her the wisdom, insight, vision and professional network to quickly and effectively deal with current and future challenges. Her "knowledge of county development and planning issues is encyclopedic" (Press Democrat 9/24/08), because she has the perseverance and self-discipline to continue to educate herself and others.

I attended Graton's debate on Wednesday, October 8th with an open mind. During the debate, Ms. Furch questioned Mr. Efren Carillo on pertinent West County issues, he responded with trite political speeches never answering the original questions. He demonstrated an obvious lack of basic knowledge on such concepts as monitoring well-water usage. When asked about the drainage problems faced by current homeowners due to new development, Mr. Carillo laughed and started to make a joke then launched into another vapid political monologue. When asked his opinion on Measure Q - he asked the audience what Measure Q was. Mr. Carillo is like the student who does not bother to do their homework then talks a lot as a tactic to fool others. He does not seem overly concerned or aware that he lacks a vast amount of crucial information and maturity in order to shoulder the responsibilities and make major long-lasting decisions affecting each resident, especially land and property owners.

Mr. Carillo directed personally accusatory questions toward Ms. Furch, who calmly responded showing that his information was incorrect. Mr. Carillo spoke proudly of his work ethic, values and ability to work well with others, saying: "Everyone has a place at the table." However, while sitting at the same table less than three feet away from Ms. Furch, Mr. Carillo became agitated and accused her of lying. His closing statement was an angry tirade directed at Ms. Furch. Do we really need a County Supervisor who is disrespectful and unable to control his emotions? Verbally attacks those with whom he disagrees? Does not diligently study and understand how the county works? Do you want Sonoma County to look like Southern California? I hope not!

Ms. Rue Furch has the wisdom, education, experience, integrity and strong work ethic to be our next and very successful 5th District Sonoma County Supervisor. Please remember to vote intelligently and remind others to do so also! Thank you.

Sincerely,

Larysa Tanya Shmorhay
Sebastopol, CA
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During close to 15 years of advocating for Roseland at hundreds, and hundreds, of public meetings throughout Sonoma County I have NEVER seen Efren Carillo participate.

As a matter of fact I never heard of him, until a couple of years ago when I was told he had graduated from UC Berkeley.

Because I have also, I contacted him, first by email and then in person. He only responded by sending me emails for the Joe Nation political campaign.

When I met him and his girlfriend, he said he would get in contact with me about Roseland.

He shined me on.

At a recent meeting of the Santa Rosa City Council about the Parks plan he came but did not speak.

He left early before the Roseland advocates were able to speak to the issues of our underserved area.

I believe he is interested in being a well paid politician.

I do NOT believe he is interested in helping Roseland, or working to solve our environmental issues such as brownfields.

His actions speak louder than his words. He has done NOTHING for Roseland in 15 years.

Please do not vote for him yet, wait until actions prove his intentions. Talk is cheap.

Please vote for Rue Furch for County Supervisor in the Fifth District. She has consistently worked to help Roseland try to protect green open spaces for parks instead of development. also she has helped us in Roseland Creek Cleanups. She tries to help our disadvantaged neighborhood in spite of politics.

She walks the talk. Vote for her for a better Sonoma County and we will al be better off.

Sincerely,
Duane De Witt
Santa Rosa, Ca. 95402

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VOTE NO on Proosition 8

From Rachele Ketchem, Sebastopol - “I find it almost funny that 95% of the population is worried about the 5% gay population bringing down the institution of marriage and feel they need to make example of a small percentage of the population that nine times out of ten has nothing to do with a heterosexual divorce. What about the heterosexuals who cheapen the institution of biblical marriage…”


I find it almost funny that 95% of the population is worried about the 5% gay population bringing down the institution of marriage and feel they need to make example of a small percentage of the population that nine times out of ten has nothing to do with a heterosexual divorce. What about the heterosexuals who cheapen the institution of biblical marriage and have sex before they are married? You know fornicators!

What about those that like to have a number of people to sleep around with while married or the people that find it a sport to sleep with married individuals and break up marriages? You know adulterers! What about the sadists & masochists, exhibitionists, porn addicts, the folks who add to human trafficking and frequent prostitutes and strip clubs? What about the predominantly Caucasian Protestant rapists and pedophiles bringing down, not only the institution of marriage but add to the moral atrophy in our society? Not to mention it being a heterosexual societal vampire disease contributing to alcohol and substance abuse in their victims.

Of course if the churches behind the YES ON 8 campaign would talk to their members on "The way to be," these churches would be vacant on Sundays and flat broke from not receiving 10% of all the tithes of the sexually deviant parishioners. They would be mad that they were called down on their "sins." They would rather blame the homosexuals for what they are really doing.

I am guessing that in the YES ON 8 campaign member's Bibles, they have taken a Sharpie and crossed out where it says in their favorite scripture at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, "Neither fornicators, nor adulterers will inherit the Kingdom of God" next to the homosexuals. Notice in that scripture that the heterosexuals are lumped in the same category as the homosexuals and the murderers and thieves! One "sin" is not worse than the other.

As I ponder on these words I am under the assumption that we are all on the same playing field. So why is there not a proposition on the ballot to demand that heterosexuals keep their legs crossed and keep their hands off the spouses of other people and not glorify this in the media and schools as our kids are taught about divorce? Why not have a proposition to admonish the heterosexuals who are men of violence...rapists and pedophiles and to keep their hands off other people's women and children? It all seems so hypocritical.

This all makes me think about that "rafter" scripture and to truthfully accept everyone and "be putting up with each other and to love one another." After all, the homosexual community has had to put up with heterosexuals committing crimes against humanity against them and their children and getting away with it.

In Sonoma County, we had a district attorney who cared more about keepinga man out of jail - a Caucasian church-going married man - because he did not want him to lose his wife, new baby and job for raping a virgin teenager of gay parents. They were told that the victim "would lose the case regardless of physical evidence because the victim has two mothers which would not be looked favorably upon in court." Ah the ugly truth nobody wants to listen to!

I am a heterosexual married woman and mother of two teenagers. I have talked openly about sex and homosexuality with them. My children and I have a pretty open dialogue compared to my "religious" friends and family around me whose kids sneak around on them behind their back (whose kids tell me everything!) and who are going to vote yes on 8.

I urge everyone to VOTE NO ON 8 because it promotes hate, discrimination on the basis of sexual preference, class distinctions, prejudice and ignorance.

Rachele Ketchem
Sebastopol

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NORA Proposition 5 Drug Treatment for Youth and Adults

As the Executive Director of the Drug Abuse Alternatives Center (DAAC), the largest provider of publicly funded alcohol and other drug treatment in Sonoma County, I have seen both the positives and negatives of Proposition 36, the precursor to Proposition 5. Overall, in my opinion, Prop. 36, the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000, has been a success in Sonoma County and the State as a whole.


Ironically, I, along with many other treatment professionals, opposed Prop. 36 before it was passed. We were concerned that it had been written by outsiders who did not consult with California’s treatment providers and that it did not have strong enough sanctions for non-compliance with treatment, a key argument today by those who oppose Prop. 5.

In fact, I, and many others, turned out to be wrong. In Sonoma County, thousands of individuals have benefited from treatment instead of incarceration and our Public Safety has not been compromised. Statewide, 200,000 have received treatment and UCLA’s study of Prop. 36 not only showed that treatment has worked, but also that it has saved California over $2 Billion since 2000. The only negatives I have seen are that Prop. 36 has been under-funded which has caused long treatment waits and that no provision was made for treatment for youth.

Prop. 5 will improve on Prop. 36 by:

• Providing a systematic treatment system for adults that will unify the current system of Diversion, Prop. 36 Treatment and Drug Courts into one system with three tracks. Track 3, Drug Court, will not be eliminated, as some have said, but will, in fact, be funded at twice the level it is now.

• Providing $65 Million state-wide for funding of treatment for adolescents which will meet the spectrum of youth needs including family therapy, educational and employment stipends, mental health interventions and much more. Prop. 5 will provide services to youth before they get into trouble with the law.

Prop. 5 will do all this without compromising public safety. Judges, not the offender, will determine whether to send the individual to treatment or to jail. Offenders convicted of serious and violent crimes and sex offences will not be eligible.

Prop. 5 will also reform the prison and parole systems. Currently California spends $46,000 per year to house each inmate (twice the national average) and yet our recidivism rate is almost 70%, while nation-wide recidivism is about 35%. By reducing the number of parolees who are returned to prison for dirty urinalysis tests and allowing them to receive treatment, Parole Agents will be able to concentrate their efforts on supervising parolees who were originally incarcerated for serious and violent crimes.

Prop. 5 will do all this with no new taxes and save the State an estimated $2.5 Billion in its first few years according to the impartial and non-partisan Legislative Analysts Office. Our current system is clearly not working. Please join me, the League of Women Voters, the California NAACP and many other organizations and individuals in voting yes on Proposition 5.

Michael Spielman, MFT
Executive Director
Drug Abuse Alternatives Center
2380 Professional Drive, Santa Rosa
(707) 571-2233 x 308

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LETTERS - Efren Carillio - Candidate for Sonoma County Supervisor

This collection of LETTERS comes through Mary Moore who recently co-hosted a Candidate Forum on Social Justice with Sonoma County 5th District Supervisor candidates, Efren Carillo and Rue Furch. One could say that Mary Moore has a career in volunteering on behalf of social justice. Her dedication to the cause is widely known and respected.


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To all: The letter below is from Davin Cardenas and is beautifully put. I’ve been an avowed “radical” myself for almost fifty years now and was probably one before that but didn’t have the insight or words to know it. I sincerely hope that if Efren is sincere in wanting the best for the community he will take these words (and others) to heart and become familiar with those in the past and present who push the system from the outside in order to make change. It is an honorable and effective path and should be respected not denigrated.

Mary Moore
Camp Meeker

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The Committee for Immigrant Rights of Sonoma County couldn't begin to undertake any of the work which we are involved in without a deep love for the people. We wouldn't have created a volunteer organization or 17 month campaign based on the volunteerism of the participants simply because we're "radicals". If one could understand the shared tears, the base building, the frustration and depression, the beauty of solidarity and direct action, the patience and small victories, the tiredness and doubt, the new leaders, the old energy, the hugs, the way we express our deep seated feelings of hope for an amazing future, if one could understand, they wouldn't verbalize false accusations and terrible names.

Our community is not divided in this election cycle, our dreams are simply too big to fit into a nice suit or a ballot box. The Committee for Immigrants Rights is an active (and often vocal) sector of our community, who tries to avoid hierarchies and maintain democratic processes. We are an open expression of civic participation, an ideal that should be embraced and not dismissed. We aren't flawless or immune to criticism, and we aren't radical. Radicals, when their hearts are collective, are much more magnificent. They change societies, they refuse to let ideas be divorced from action, they are relentless in their pursuit of humanity, and they see neutrality as mediocre. We have much work to go, but we are going on, and that's the point. We hope for the best, and that's the basis for our work.

Davin Cardenas
Director, Graton Labor Center

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To all: Here is Alicia's EXCELLENT letter about the recent encounter between Efren Carrillo and Rick Coshnear. I am speaking for more people than myself when I thank her for taking the time to write this. MM

Radical View

Efren Carrillo’s untrue attacks toward immigration rights attorney Richard Coshnear and “radicals” prompted me to set the record straight. Efren states that immigration rights issues are being pushed by “radicals” who were “taking advantage” of people in the Latino community.

I have worked in this community side by side with these “radicals” and in particular with Rick for more than 20 years—from getting workers rights/English classes (SCIU), immigration rights (Pueblo Unidos), education (PODER), safe communities (Sonoma County Faith Based Organizing Project), and community empowerment (Instituto Sanchez Mendoza), to name a few.

Unfortunately, Efren is too young to remember the history of the immigrant community in Sonoma County. He should learn from his elders. They will tell him it was “radicals” who led the fight for the amnesty program that allowed his family to remain in the USA and get their first home.

The Latino community needs a supervisor with a historical understanding of its issues and participation in those struggles to represent our community’s needs. A Hispanic surname is not enough. I support Rue Furch for the 5th District Supervisor.

Next time you have gains in education, housing, workers’ rights---Thank a Radical.

Alicia Sanchez
Sebastopol

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To all: For those of you following the 5th district race, it's now been revealed where the push polling campaign that favored Efren Carrillo was coming from. SURPRISE! The local Sheriff dept. union had to disclose that they spent $7,500 on this supposedly neutral phone polling. Several of us had been wondering who was behind it as anyone paying attention could tell
it was slanted to favor Carrillo. It's no secret that law enforcement is solidly behind Efren even though he loves to portray himself as just another grateful and concerned community member. Carrillo talks a lot about "bringing everyone together" which sounds inspiring and all that. I'd like to say to him that you can't bring people together until you deal with the serious issues that are keeping them apart. His hurtful response last Sat. to Rick was very revealing when we are trying to figure out who actually has the community's best interests in mind. Follow the money and know who the backers are of both candidates.

Mary Moore
Camp Meeker

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A recent letter commends Efren Carrillo as being a "gentleman," "a man of integrity," someone who "treats people with respect and listens to them." Then what are west county voters to make of a recent public forum where Mr. Carrillo personally attacked a fine member of the community, and called him liar while jabbing his finger in the air? No respect was evident there. What are we to make of his use of "push polls," which Wikipedia defines as "a form of telemarketing-based propaganda and rumor mongering, masquerading as a poll?" What of the new hit piece put out by "Friends of Efren Carrillo?" Where is the integrity in that?

Tom Lynch says "Efren Carrillo is being unfairly evaluated by the company he keeps." There is an old saying in Spanish: "Dime con quien andas, y te digo quien eres" (tell me who you hang out with, and I'll tell you who you are). What company does he keep? He doesn't list any endorsements on his website, probably because corporate interests like to keep a low profile; you certainly won't find any grassroots or Latino civic groups listed there. Sonoma County doesn't need corporate politicians. Sonoma County doesn't need Efren Carrillo.

Maria Canas
Santa Rosa

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Re: the Social Justice Forum recently held in Sebastopol.

It is sad that there is conflict in the Latino community over the candidacy of Efren Carrillo for 5th District Supervisor. Efren's rude and disrespectful comments to immigration attorney Rick Coshnear revealed deep anger at some in the community who have questioned his sincerity and positions. I was already leary about some of Efren’s financial and political backers. Nick
Tibbets and Doug Bosco are people we struggled with in the ‘80s when Bosco was Congressman and Tibbets was his aide and main pit bull. Efren’s supporters comprise much of the status quo business interests who have dominated the Bd. of Supervisors for years and have never shown any interest in solving the problems in the local Latino community which Efren claims to
represent. But I was surprised and offended when Efren used the word “radical” in a very unflattering way while referencing the people he thinks are giving him a hard time. I wonder if he has ever considered that radicals have been the engine of social change through out history. Many feel that Jesus was one in calling for more attention to the poor and oppressed. If he is leery of radicals now, one can only imagine how he’ll feel when he gets a little local power and folks get demanding.

When he was confronted by Coshnear he became extremely defensive and could not hide the flashes of anger. The conflict was over his position or non position on the County of Refuge campaign which several groups are trying to bring to Sonoma County. Over the past several months he has taken conflicting positions and Rick was trying to pin him down once and for all.
Because Efren is backed by local law enforcement it is a difficult position for him. But in the heat of anger he accused Rick of making thousands of dollars off of his clients which is simply not true. Rick is a longtime dedicated activist who became an attorney to help poor and oppressed people, not to join a corporate law firm and much of his work is pro bono and contingency cases. Rick is very much appreciated in the community that Efren claims to represent .

The point is that Efren has chosen to ally himself with the very status quo that many of us see as the problem. He is young and smart but he needs to get some living under his belt so that he truly understands the built in unfairness in our economic and political systems and get acquainted with the people who are trying to change that. If he truly wants to serve “the people” then he needs to LISTEN to some “radical” voices as well as those of the entrenched. If he really wants to bring us together he needs to understand and overcome the issues that are keeping us apart. It is that lack of understanding that truly concerns me.

Mary Moore
Camp Meeker

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Sonoma County 5th District Supervisor Race

As this tight race heats up, it's taking on some of the personality of the national presidential race - which is unfortunate in some respects. When did politics become more about accusations than about people wanting to serve the public? Our letters are currently focused on candidate promotions slinging mud - who is doing what to whom, individuals' past actions - prediction on future actions, etc. When judging a political mail piece, please take notice of what organization generated the material. These are not all candidate approved. - V

EDITOR:
A recent campaign mailer from Efren Carrillo, who is running against Rue Furch for County Supervisor from the 5th District, makes the point that because Rue Furch got a loan from a real estate developer, she is therefore a pawn of real estate developers in Sonoma County, and that’s the point I wish to address here.

It’s a fact that Rue got a loan from a developer; no one disputes that, nor the fact that she refinanced that loan as soon as she discovered the identity of the lender. The question is what does that really mean? If it’s supposed to prove that Rue is under the influence of the big real estate developers of Sonoma County, there is a very good place to look for evidence of that influence, and that is her voting record after 16 years on the Sonoma County Planning Commission. I challenge anyone to find that Rue voted for a big developer and against the environment on any project that came before her on the Planning Commission. Her voting record is irrefutable proof that she is not in the pockets of big real estate development interests in Sonoma County.

Contrast her record with the record of her opponent, the candidate who put out this hit-piece. If, as Efren implies, financial support is evidence of influence, where is the record that will reassure us that despite the tens of thousands of dollars in contributions flowing into his campaign from real-estate developers and other big business-advocacy groups, he will vote to preserve West County? He has no voting record at all that we can look at, and there, my friends, is the problem. Efren keeps saying that he “will listen,” but money talks, and when big money talks, that’s who Efren will listen to.

Alice Chan
Sebastopol

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To all: For those of you following the 5th district race, it's now been revealed where the push polling campaign that favored Efren Carrillo was coming from. SURPRISE! The local Sheriff dept. union had to disclose that they spent $7,500 on this supposedly neutral phone polling. Several of us had been wondering who was behind it as anyone paying attention could tell
it was slanted to favor Carrillo. It's no secret that law enforcement is solidly behind Efren even though he loves to portray himself as just another grateful and concerned community member. Carrillo talks a lot about "bringing everyone together" which sounds inspiring and all that. I'd like to say to him that you can't bring people together until you deal with the serious issues that are keeping them apart. His hurtful response last Sat. to Rick was very revealing when we are trying to figure out who actually has the community's best interests in mind. Follow the money and know who the backers are of both candidates.

Mary Moore
Monte Rio

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Letters to the Editor on politics, community & envirnoment

I'm grateful for this web site, especially right now when I counted the current collection of letters to go into the October print edition of WCG. Nearly 6,000 words right here - plus the previous collection of letters. Having WCG be the Voice of the Communities of West Sonoma County takes up a lot of room! Thank you every person who takes the time to put your opinions on paper to share with our readers. - V

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What kinds of people are from Sonoma? There were ten local Sonoma Old boys at the R Bar in San Francisco last Saturday night who Beat the @#$% out of my husband and cousin for no reason at all. These losers hit and kicked my husband breaking his nose and then running from the scene. The one in the red/black checked shirt with a green hat is getting married in one of your local churches this weekend and would love to get a message to him that we will find him, marriage license records are easy to come by. I have contacted the San Francisco Police Department and we will be settling damages in court!!! I will also be contacting all local churches of this disgusting behavior. Just thought I'd let your local Newspaper know what thugs are coming down to S.F. and causing problems. Stay in your side of the bridge!!
Bernadette Quigley
San Francisco

Aside from feeling compassion toward you, your husband and cousin – this makes me seriously concerned for the bride who is about to marry an abusive person. Straight or drunk, there is no excuse for abuse – on any level. I rather hope this incident is enough to make the bride call off the wedding. Love does not conquer all. - V

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Vote, Again and Again
If you happen to have read the Press Democrat last week, Efren Carrillo placed a very expensive 16 page campaign insert inside next to the Sports section. I discovered that two companies whose products I purchase and thought represented local, sustainable practices endorsed a candidate that has the major support of pro-growth industries and individuals. The companies are Taylor Maid and Traditional Medicinals. I am surprised and dismayed with this.

I am going to assume that TMaid’s head, Mark Inman, and Tmedicinal’s head, Drake Sadler, are not naïve; that they know Efren has financial support from development and large ag industries and know these interests don’t financially support a candidate and then just leave them alone. I assume they know that those industries and their lobbyists are present at the Supervisor’s meetings, Planning Commission meetings, and Board of Zoning Adjustment’s meetings as well as private meetings. Therefore, it is likely that Inman and Sadler are aware of the undue political influence of big money and have accepted this.

This is counter to the Sonoma County I see in the future. The other candidate, Rue Furch, has kept her distance from undue influence from industry by not accepting large amounts of money from them in the first place. A once local, progressive politician answered the question, “How did big industry get to you?”, by answering, “Propinquity” (proximity). That’s what can happen and we see it time and again. Who else but industry “consultants” are being paid to sit at those meetings day in and day out to influence the outcome? Instead, we have a unique opportunity in this election to elect someone in Rue Furch who you not only can go to but will likely come to you, even if you didn’t dole out thousands of dollars in her campaign. The question that it comes down to is, who will my supervisor really represent?

For me, at this point, I cannot wait to vote for Rue Furch, who will represent the interests of the public on concerns about the sustainability of our environment and our quality of life. In the meantime, I will vote another way today. That’s right. Cesar Chavez said that every time you make a purchase, you are voting. You vote with your dollars and it is a vote that counts every time. Today I vote to buy coffee from Ecco or Thanksgiving and tea from Guayaki or Celestial Seasonings. Why wait? Go vote today and every day for what you want your world to be and look like. You know it will count.
Larry Hanson

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Dear Editor,
October 8th was International Walk and Roll to School Day, and 32 schools in Sonoma County participated in the event. But none had to take such extraordinary safety measures as the schools on Watertrough Road in the Twin Hills School District, west of Sebastopol. Ours was probably the most dangerous route, especially the section heading out of town on Bodega Hwy, where traffic moves fast, there is no shoulder, and a big curve limits visibility. That over 86 walkers and 35 bicyclists made the harrowing route of less than one mile that morning shows how strongly the community needs this route improved. Participants were from Sunridge Waldorf Charter School, Apple Blossom, Twin Hills, Tree House Hollow Preschool, and Willow Spring School.

Big thanks go out to the Sheriffs department, the Sebastopol Police Department, and the CHP for being on the scene slowing traffic. Also kudos to Sebastopol Mayor Craig Litwin and family, and Supervior candidate Rue Furch for joining our walking bus. While the various jurisdictions who oversee this stretch of road, figure out how to fund improvements, a handful of kids and bike commuters are out there every day, at risk, without the police and parent protectors waving signs and holding caution tape. I hope community actions like this can prevent a tragedy and inspire road engineers to get in gear. The old fashioned mom and pop barn-raising sidewalk making committee like the one who organized this event without the Safe Routes to Schools grant money, will continue to trail blaze with monthly Wednesday walks, and asks the community to be aware on the road and join the cause. Studies have shown that exercise before school boosts learning and test scores. And it was just plain fun.
Our group can be reached at WSASRS@yahoogroups.com
Laura Shafer
Sebastopol

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Vesta ,
Obviously I have too much time on my hands....
I have the answer to our country's problems! We re elect the thugs that run our country!
The poor will get poorer and the rich will get richer after all the alternative is socialism.
Use all our natural resources as fast as possible. After its all said and done- we can hitch up the indigent and homeless to the dead gas guzzlers for transportation, use the rest of the poor and sick ( no health care) in the fields to grow food . We ( the rich )will have plenty of workers because we will out law birth control and any related education. Oh yes we will all be vegetarians because our oceans will be a polluted cesspool from oil spills and garbage dumping.
After all saving the environment will not be PROFITABLE AND MOTIVATED BY SOCIALISTS.
YOUR LIBERAL FRIEND
Larry Conover

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Thanks, Vesta, for putting my story on the front page and for getting such colorful photos, which certainly add to the story. I have already been getting positive comments, including from people yesterday at Quicksilver's opening. I am glad to see copies around Sebastopol here.
Shepherd Bliss

Glad you like it - It's up on the web site as well - I have numerous stands in Sebastopol so beyond the mailings - the paper gets a pretty broad audience there. It amazes me how many Sebastopol readers I have since most have to go out to get a copy. But I have to fill my newsstands two - sometimes three times a month. - V

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To the Editor:
After a great deal of thought I have decided to support Rue Furch for Fifth District Supervisor. We are all familiar with Rue’s environmental credentials. In addition, I have had in-depth discussions with Rue about the county’s financial situation and am now convinced that she both understands it and is prepared to take the necessary actions to fix the problems.

But that is only part of the reason for my decision. It is not only important that Rue wins, it is important that the people behind Efren Carrillo be taught that they cannot sell us a Trojan horse. Efren is an intelligent, charming, and articulate young man. But his support comes primarily from the coalition of large home developers, gravel miners, and corporate agriculture that has, for decades, demonstrated their willingness to put their own economic gain above of the good of the county as a whole. The idea that an inexperienced 27 year old could accept more than $100,000 in support of these interests and then not be beholden to them after he is in office is just too much of a stretch to accept. Electing Efren would be like asking the fox to guard the henhouse.

Some of my supporters, disappointed in the outcome of the primary, have told me they would either write my name in or refrain from voting in the supervisor election. I ask them, please not to do either. The stakes are too high to allow for symbolic gestures. Vote for Rue Furch for 5th District Supervisor.
Jim Maresca
Guerneville

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An Open Letter to Lloyd Guccione
Dear Lloyd,
I have owned property in Villa Grande for seven years. As I came to know the area I would read the papers, talk to my neighbors, attend community functions. Your name would come up time and again; my curiosity would be piqued, and people would roll their eyes and say "Oh, its just Lloyd being Lloyd!"

Listening to you speak at meetings may have been entertaining at first, but so is listening to Rush Limbaugh. You speak down to elected representatives in a patronizing manner that is as irritating and irrelevant as the content of your words. Worse, you take up an inordinate amount of staff time with requests for documents. Worse still, your lawsuits having to do with government transparency and the Brown Act have taken $70,000 out of budgets for the work of RRROC. You, more than any other factor, have caused the county to rein in the power of the RRROC, as enunciated by Mike Reilly and board members I have spoken with.

In Monte Rio I have been active with a group of ordinary citizens for almost a year trying to work out a solution for the septic and sewer issues that face our community. We got the Monte Rio Park and Recreation Department to sponsor the creation of a subcommittee to try to involve community input and eventually get a grant for a request for proposal for septic and sewer solutions. Lloyd, your participation was limited to sniping from the sidelines with requests for documents and not so veiled threats of one of your patented Brown Act lawsuits. Park and Rec, "on advice of counsel", pulled the plug on the subcommittee. It's not easy being an unincorporated area subject to the rule of be Board of Supervisors. Now, thanks to you, decisions affecting us are becoming more centralized, decided in Santa Rosa instead of locally. Is this what you want?

I am tired of your baleful, presence. It seems you hate the admittedly imperfect methods of a free citizenry trying to work out local issues that affect our daily lives. You may be a bright man but you use your "towering" intellect for the self-gratification of being an aspiring vexatious litigant. What a waste! What a pity!
Jon Box
Villa Grande

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Letter to the Editor:
On Oct. 2nd the City of Santa Rosa’s Board of Public Utilities voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on their Discharge Compliance Project. This project originally examined three indirect and four direct discharges into the Russian River and also continued Laguna discharge. Five of the alternatives were eliminated over time and now only two direct discharges (Healdsburg and Steelhead Beach Park in Forestville) and the Laguna discharge remain.

Each discharge option was sized to accommodate dry weather flows of 26 million gallons a day (mgd) even though actual flows have averaged 16 mgd for the last 14 years. This is clearly an over-sized project meant to accommodate large amounts of future growth at a time when the economy, especially the credit and mortgage industries are suffering enormous setbacks.
The Steelhead Beach option would cause major degradation to a popular County Park and has been strongly opposed. A new group, Friends of Steelhead Beach, have already collected 2500 signatures opposing the project. The original proposal would have destroyed a popular trail and caused major impacts to the highly used beaches in order to install a 48” pipeline that would turn a trail into road and destroy major amounts of riparian habitat. It would also include installing enormous discharge infrastructure under the riverbed.

The project would have major impacts on a very popular swimming beach, including possible long-term contamination by unregulated chemicals. This popular canoeing and boating recreation area would be greatly constrained, if not eliminated for an 18-month construction period. The project would also cost the City about $140 million dollars at a time when City officials are considering the elimination of basic and essential city services, and would guarantee direct wastewater discharges into a cherished river forever.

Park lovers repeatedly requested the City to drop the Steelhead Beach option from consideration. Numerous comment letters and testimony at the meetings extensively challenged City plans. The County Parks Department voiced strong protests about this proposed use through a letter they delivered in person at the meeting. The BPU questioned why the Parks Department didn’t get the letter in sooner. Parks staff alluded to the City’s extremely short turn around period for Final EIR comments.

The Final EIR had been released on September 22nd, giving the affected agencies and concerned citizens only ten days to review its contents. The final EIR included a major revision to the Steelhead Beach proposal moving the pipeline down one half mile further on River Road and impacting a different part of Steelhead Beach Park. The Final EIR reviewed impacts on the Park of the new route but said nothing about impacts to River Rd. This section of River Road is highly compromised environmentally. It is subject to frequent flooding, there is a very narrow shoulder with barriers most of the way to protect drivers from the steep drop next to the road.

There was absolutely no discussion of flooding, riparian (possibly tree cutting), or traffic impacts to River Road in the Final EIR. There was some discussion of further impacts to the Park, but there was no response to the letter submitted by Parks expressing their concerns. It was also announced at the meeting that if the project were selected, there would be no further opportunities for environmental examination or review.

The City had made no contact to discuss any of this with either local citizens, County Parks Department or the Department of Fish and Game. They allowed the public to speak at the meeting, but made it clear that they were under no obligation to consider what anyone had to say in their final decision. In the end, they offered up some contingent opportunities for future citizen input if the project is selected, but none of this was satisfactory in the moment. The truth is they now have a certified EIR for an extremely undesireable project having major impacts.
Project selection is the next step and it is on a fast track. Future meetings include:
BPU Study Session on Project Selection: Nov. 6, 2008
SR Council Review Study Session Results: Nov. 18, 2008
BPU Project Selection/Approval: Dec. 4, 2008
Please try to attend, especially the Dec. 4th meeting.
Brenda Adelman can be contacted at rrwpc@comcast.net


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Hello Voters!!
I'm usually not one to get too politically involved but this is one issue that affects me very personally. The issue is Proposition 8.

California legalized same-sex marriages and while this is a huge forward step for the gay community, it is possibly about to be taken away!

I realize that not everyone morally agrees with the idea of same-sex couples. Having been with both men and women in my life, I have experienced the unfairness, harassment, ignorance, and openness to being in a same-sex relationship. Who I am is NOT defined by who I am partnered with. I believe that I have always lived my life with dignity, compassion, and respect for others.

When I was in my relationship with Amy for almost 13 years, we did nothing different than everyone else in our day to day lives. We both worked to help keep the household going, we cooked together, we cleaned the house together, we socialized with our friends, we worried about finances and the economy, we took hikes & bike rides, we enjoyed our families, and we had our share of arguments...just like everyone else...straight or gay!!

I am a loving, compassionate, giving, honest, loyal person. Whether I am with a man or a woman does not change that about me. I do not become someone else when I am in a relationship with a woman or with a man. I AM ME!!! And I believe that I deserve the same rights as everyone else in California and on this planet!! Why should I not have the right to marry if I choose to be with a woman? Why should I not be able to benefit from the same laws as my brothers and their wives? Why should not be able to choose my partner in life like everyone else and still be able to take advantage of the family plan at the gym or with my healthcare, or with my partner at her work events, or in making those so difficult decisions about each other in times of serious illness??

I believe that I SHOULD have these rights and be able to stand side by side with all other Americans who have these rights. I believe that I may be different in some of my thoughts, opinions, ideas, and beliefs than others, but aren't YOU!?!?!?

So, what I am getting to here is that I would really appreciate it if each of you would consider what Proposition 8 would mean to the hundreds of thousands of us who are really not that much different than you are, and base your decision on the fact that each of us (me and you and everyone) is entitled to the same rights, the same privileges, the same financial, social and emotional benefits of marriage!

PLEASE VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 8!!!!
And if you believe we all deserve the same rights as human beings...please encourage others to vote no as well!!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and go out and vote!!!
Love,
Sheri

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REGARDING: BYPASS
Perhaps I am mistaken in remembering that this county voted for increased gravel extraction with the provision that there would be built a bypass from the intersection of Mirabel Rd. to 6220 HWY 116 in order to reduce the amount of gravel trucks passing through downtown. There was much written in the local papers and a lot of people talking about it. The house at 6220 HWY 116 has been removed in anticipation of making room for the bypass.

What I'd like to know, where is the bypass? In recent publications of the WCG there has been a lot of talk about a roundabout at the intersection of Mirabel Rd. and HWY 116, which is a good thing, but the articles say nothing about how the bypass will be tied into the roundabout. Since passing the proposition for increase in gravel mining, there has been the increase in truck traffic along with the noise and air pollution in downtown Forestville. Where is the bypass?

Perhaps you can let us know where it is in the planning stage and how close it is to actual construction.
Thank you,
Loni Doucette
Forestville

Like most county road projects – this one has a long way to go before it can be constructed. When we voted for measure M, we got some of the money we need for the bypass. It brings us up to about half of the total we need. With budget constraints – it’s hard to say how long it will take to get the other half.

Then there is the sequence of events that is in play. The roundabout will go in first. You can tell how badly it’s needed by trying to get through the Mirabal/116 intersection in the morning school rush. How lovely it will be when traffic doesn’t stop!

Somewhere in there is the Thiessen Forestville Town Square project – which in the current economic climate doesn’t look like a good bet it will be any time soon even though it’s slated for the next few years. The bypass will extend the Mirabel/116 intersection around the back of Forestville Town Square, curve past Meadowlark Homes and come out below Packinghouse Road where the blue house used to be. Yes, that property was purchased by the county and they still have a few more lots to purchase before they have the complete set. Another step in the way.

In the mean time, we are in heavy gravel truck season as roads get repaired in preparation for winter. This is always the highest truck trip time of year because of those necessary repairs. So when you see a truck go by, or many as there are these days, just remember how much you appreciate those repaired roads and bridges on a dark and stormy night. – V

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EDITOR:
Tom Lynch has been accusing me of portraying Efren Carrillo's candidacy as the creation of professional handlers, powerful developers, and the agribusiness elite. Yep, I did say those things. Consider how the financing for Efren's campaign first came together. Candidates like Rue Furch and Maddy Hirschfield had been working a long time getting endorsements and contributions prior to launching their campaigns. As the primary contest started up, Rue and Maddy apparently were thought too liberal or too green by the developers and the agribusiness community. Suddenly, after the first candidate forums had already happened, Efren Carrillo catapulted out of relative obscurity to become one of the leading contenders. How? By raising over $45,000 in two months. Suddenly his big signs were on all the fences of Farm Bureau members.

Apparently Efren is worried about what people would think if the saw the short list of his contributors and endorsers, because so far he hasn't published that list on his website. Credible candidates always list their endorsers and contributors. That glaring omission speaks for itself. Rue Furch has stepped out to take clear and reasoned positions on the issues Efren say’s he’s still studying. Check out Rue's website to view all her awards and endorsements. Efren obviously doesn’t want us to see where his key support comes from.

Taking aim at her current opponent for the Third District seat, development cheerleader Sharon Wright has said that a supervisor's job is not for rookies. But Sharon Wright supports Efren, so obviously some rookies are okay with her, so long as the rookie is willing to be a cooperative member of a voting block that puts the interests of upstream developers ahead of the West County's. What we need in the Fifth District is a supervisor who will stand up to Sharon Wright when its time to do that, not one who plants his election signs next to hers, as Efren does. If our Fifth District supervisor should turn out to be a good team player in a Santa Rosa voting bloc on the Board of Supervisors, that's bad news for us. We need a supe who's on OUR team, not theirs, because upstream development will always be a potential threat to our environment, our tourism and our health. Pavement always threatens sustainable agriculture and clean water.

In the final month of this campaign, it will become increasingly clear that the developers have locked arms and opened their wallets to endorse Valery Brown, Sharon Wright and Efren Carrillo as a team. They promote those three to give the Santa Rosa-based power elite control over the future of this county. It’s sad to me that Tom Lynch is helping make that happen.
Tom accuses me of trying to destroy Efren. I'm not. I hope Efren grows up to become an independent future leader. Right now I just don't want him to be our next supervisor.
Scott Kersnar
Guerneville

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Kellie Noe, a member of the West County Union High School District Board, announced her support today for Rue Furch, candidate for Fifth District Supervisor. Noe said she was impressed with Furch's knowledge of the issues and her ability to work with diverse interests in the community.

"I look forward to working with her at the county level," said Noe, a long-time volunteer in county schools. "Rue will be a leader our young people can look to for wisdom, and her willingness to work collaboratively with Sonoma County schools is admirable. She is committed to the community and will bring continuity to the county Board of Supervisors."

Noe, who was the top vote getter in the 2006 high school board election, ran a grassroots campaign similar to Furch's. "I know that through these efforts, Rue has her finger on the pulse of the needs of West County. I know many young leaders in West County who are stepping up to work on her campaign. The stakes are high, and we want to preserve our quality of life for future generations."

Furch said she was proud to receive Noe's endorsement. "Kellie's support is special because it comes from a younger generation of leaders. a generation I am committed to working with and mentoring for the future of a healthy Sonoma County," Furch said.

Furch has a record of leadership in education, and raised her two sons in West County schools.
She served as Project Manager for the Sonoma County Community Foundation’s Parent Education Project, Los Ninos Bien Educados, and was Executive Director of the Sonoma County Business Education Roundtable. She served on the site councils for El Molino High School, Analy High School and the Sebastopol Union School District. She also served on the committees that brought New Ways Workers and the West County School to Career programs to our local schools. She also has a background in land use and planning, and has served for 16 years as a county planning commissioner.
Annie Dobbs-Krame
Sebastopol

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Dear Editor:
Thank you for publishing information about our Car Seat Event held last Saturday in Guerneville.

At this very successful event we inspected 30 car seats. Out of 30 we found the majority misused and/or installed improperly, some to such a degree that the child would not have remained securely buckled in the car seat in the event of an accident. We replaced 22 child safety seats with age/weight appropriate and properly fitted ones.

It is worth noting that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death of children, ages 3-14. Many of these deaths can be prevented however, through the proper use of child safety seats. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers, ages 1-4.
Even though 96 percent of parents and caregivers believe their child safety seats are installed correctly, NHTSA research shows that seven out of 10 children are improperly restrained, putting them at risk for serious injury or death in a crash.

If you would like your car safety seat inspected, please email me at vpatino@rccservices.org.
Thank you.
Vikki Patiño
River to Coast Children’s Services

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Hi Vesta,
It's Rob from the Sonoma County Trails Council. I want to thank you for doing a fine job with our press releases. It makes a huge difference when we get in the paper. The West County Gazette accurately and enthusiastically conveys our message to the public.
Thanks for the good work!
Rob Helms
Sonoma County Trails Council

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Dear Vesta
Regarding the August 14 – Sept. 18 (Vol. 5, No. 8) issue of WCG. I am extremely disappointed to see/read Tish Levee’s Mitzvah Moments, which is nothing more than much the same unworkable, ineffective, pacifistic silly crap that’s been vomited over the media for decades by deluded people who’s egos convince them they “have the answers.”

I’m not trying to bash her personally, although I’ve succeeded in doing this; you’ve been interested in truth and facts since I’ve known you, and this particular column installment does neither to any appreciable degree. Example: “Greater Good network participation can help six causes including…preserving the rain forest.” (Paraphrased yet with context retained.)

In my files I have hundreds of titles of books, magazine articles, and web sites relating to so-called “global warming and climate change.” I’m enclosing a file card with three listed to assist her in getting into the 21st Century, should you care to give it to her. Feel free to give my name and/or let her read this letter.

Action pays dividends, not pacifism. Nowhere does she say “ACT!{ Where’s the demand Sonoma County citizens group together with legal counsel and law officers to arrest corrupt county supervisors and close down Syar! This “they,” the corrupt people, understand…this, not weak words and inaction on pacifist levels. This is local, and easier than national actions.

Talk is just talk and dissolves into the winds. Action, coupled with the current knowledge, works, providing you can get apathetic/denialist/fearful Americans to turn off their television sets.
To try to clean up the environment without cleaning up those corrupt people involved and responsible is sheer idiosy. It will not, it cannot, work to any degree even remotely effective.

The internal combustion engine has been obsolete for decades, yet idiotic, uneducated consumers keep demanding and buying them. How stupid! They should stop purchasing new motor vehicles until the manufacturers develop alternatives – things that have existed for years that are far better then the “hybrid” approach. What’s it going to take for mainstream citizens to grow up – surely not riding bicycles, which they won’t do in mass numbers!!!!
Thanks for your time,
Karl Bosselman
Forestville

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-Dear Vesta...
It’s unfortunate Democratic Central Committee member Lynn Hamilton, has joined the orchestrated “Follow the Money” attacks against a fellow progressive Democrat, Efren Carrillo. It appears Rue Furch’s campaign is revolving around others fronting negative distortions about Efren’s positions and contributors. We need honest debate about solutions reversing the continuing demise of Sonoma County’s essential services, not negative campaigning!

Efren’s running a clean, honest, issues oriented campaign. Lynn knows Efren opposed the campaign contribution increase, capping his contributions at $1000 per person. She knows he is opposed to gravel mining in the River. Shame on her for trying to paint a fine young Democrat with “Burn Baby Burn” associations. Should his supporters start a campaign heralding all of Rue Furch’s foibles and personal support from owners of Garbage Companies, Casinos, Land Developers, Vineyards and Ag-interests? Let’s campaign on the issues!

To suggest Efren will support “privatization of public works”; rank and file know better. He sees the approaching collapse of “enhanced benefits” paid by current workers to the upper tier. He doesn’t pander, he offers courageous leadership and vision. Efren will save more County jobs and secure retirement benefits with vigorous, creative solutions. Vote for Efren Carrillo for a sustainable future!!

Tom Lynch
Guerneville

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Dear Editor,
I have been appalled and distressed in recent weeks by over 15 separate reports of sign vandalism on Rue Furch signs. The assaults have occurred all over the district, in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, the Russian River area, and along the coast. Rue Furch signs have been ripped up, torn off businesses, and uprooted and driven over with cars.

This behavior is unacceptable and illegal. It is petulant, unfair, and above all, very nasty. We all live here- we all want the best for our community, and we are all entitled to our own opinion. We will all have to live together after November 4, no matter who is elected. I am aghast that people are using such intimidation tactics in this election, and it makes me wonder who is behind these actions.

It is very important to the future of our district that this is a fair election, free from intimidation. Because of the frequency and range of this vandalism, I have to wonder if it is a coordinated effort to frighten people. Who, I wonder, in this crazy season, has hours to spend vandalizing Rue Furch signs all over the district?
Sincerely,
Annie Dobbs-Kramer
Sebastopol

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Dear Forestville,
To all the generous donors to the Emergency Aid Fund of the Forestville Chamber of Commerce, I cannot adequately express my sincere, heartfelt gratitude to be the recipient of such generosity in my family’s time of need. I am so appreciative to live in a community that gives so much support.
I’d like to specifically give Vesta a huge thanks for getting this all going for me, John and Chris Mason EMTU-Labyrinth Vineyards for their generous donation and those that gave anonymously. It has been a very challenging time for my family and for many individuals at this time , it’s a comfort to know that kindness and generosity still abound.
In Gratitude,
Kat Ripley and Family

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Readers Endorse Candidates and Share Opinions

This is a collection of LETTERS I have received since the September 18th issue of WCG. The particular collection refers to the upcoming election for Board of Supervisors. For Letters that refer to material in that edition, please go to the HOME PAGE at http://www.westcountygazette.com/, click on CURRENT EDITION and scroll down to the Table of Contents to the LETTERS pages. - V


Dear Vesta,
I read Tom Lynch’s letter accusing Rue Furch’s campaign of slandering, misrepresenting and trying to destroy Efren Carrillo (his words, not mine) in the race for Fifth District Supervisor. Although Lynch’s letter was passionate, it didn’t ring true with me. I know Rue and I have worked for her campaign. In all the time I have spent with her and her supporters, I have never heard any of them speak in a way to “destroy” or badmouth Efren or his character. Quite the opposite, my sense is that Rue and her supporters highly respect Efren and find him to be a personable, charismatic, and intelligent opponent.

I think what Tom Lynch may be sensing, is not so much something that the Furch campaign is doing, but the fact that there are a number of us who live in 5th District who recognize that Efren is strongly supported by powerful groups who, in the past, have lobbied hard against issues we supported. For example, Efren is supported by groups who fought hard to defeat the GE-free initiative and also strongly opposed badly needed riparian (creek) protections during public hearings for the General Pan 2020 Update. Lynch is right when he says West County voters aren’t naive, because people like me, who actually attend Board of Supervisor and Sonoma County Planning Commission hearings, know that the very groups who support Efren are powerful opponents of the environment.

Efren has told me personally that “he will listen” to all sides of an issue before making a decision. This is admirable, but it is not the listening I am worried about, it is the decisions he will make if elected as Supervisor. The 5th District has historically been the most left leaning of the five Board of Sups seats and this is because the 5th District constituency is also the most left leaning. Important land use decisions are ultimately decided by the Board of Sups. For example, if elected, I am concerned how Efren would determine “substantial benefit” on Preservation Ranch, one of the worst environmental and precedent setting (agricultural conversion of timber to vineyard) projects to come before the County in a long time.

Rue is overwhelmingly supported by those of us in the environmental community. Rue has concerns about water, sustainability, the environment, health care, worker benefits and quality of life that are similar to many of us who live here. Rue has a 16 year voting record on the Planning Commission where she has proved herself as a knowledgeable, capable and experienced decision maker. She is supported by the current Supervisor Mike Reilly who has done a great job for 11 years supporting 5th District interests on the Board. It may also interest 5th District voters that Rue is supported by both the United Farm Workers and Centro Laboral de Graton (Graton Labor Hall).

Simply put, although Efren represents himself as “environmental” (in the 5th District it would be political suicide not to), he is strongly supported by groups who are not. He is also young, inexperienced, politically green and does not have a voting record I can look at to figure out where he really stands on the issues that are important to me. In my opinion, Efren is a wild card, and I really have no idea how he will vote if elected.

In the coming years, I would be delighted to see Efren represent the 5th District on a commission, like the Planning Commission, as Rue has done, so we can see what this ambitious young man is all about. But with the facts at hand, I feel that Rue is hands down the best qualified and the more transparent of the two candidates. Please consider supporting her with your vote in November.

Jo Bentz
Sebastopol

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Dear Editor:

When I read Jo Bentz' letter in this weeks Sonoma West Times and News regarding the campaign tactics of her candidate, Rue Furch, I did so with disbelief. Ms Bentz stood in my front yard prior to the primary last Spring and did exactly the bad mouthing about Efren Carrillo and his supposed backing by “evil” business interests that she claims she has never seen or heard in her time in the campaign!

Wow! I've no doubt that Ms. Bentz has good intentions...but the way to elect someone that you believe in should not be to tear down the other candidate and then claim that it never happens...

Efren Carrillo is an intelligent young man with a background that includes political experience, an environmental policy degree from UC Berkeley, and community service in the areas of health care and Santa Rosa's gang task force. The fact that he has support from the business community should only strengthen his desirability. These are the people who write our paychecks and make tough economic decisions on a daily basis...

Watching Efren at our local candidates night, he struck me as energetic, knowledgeable, brave, and open...I believe that he'll be a fine advocate for our district and nobody's pawn.

It is the fact that Ms. Furch showed poor business acumen in her decision to withold property taxes for 5 years and thus incur high penalties and jeopardize her home that makes her unqualified to be our Supervisor. Our County is a leading employer, and their huge budget requires oversight by intelligent people with stamina and business acumen in these very scary economic times.

Efren Carrillo is the most qualified candidate for this vital position in our county government.

Susan Upchurch
Graton

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Dear Editor,

On Sept. 16th, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, with two strokes of the pen, showed us the future of Sonoma County, if voters don’t elect Rue Furch and Shirlee Zane for Supervisors in the 5th and 3rd Districts.

First, the Supervisors passed an ordinance that raises the limit on campaign contributions from $1,000 to up to $5,000 per year, to take effect after the final filing date for public disclosure before the election in November. This change of the rules will disproportionately benefit candidates whose supporters have deep pockets: the natural resource-extraction and big development companies supporting Efren Carrillo and Sharon Wright for Supervisor. By establishing the effective date of October 16th, the supporters of these two candidates, who have already maxed out their $1,000 donation limit, would be able to pour as much as an additional $440,000 into those campaigns in the last 19 days before the election. There would be no public disclosure about the identity of the corporations and special financial interest making the contributions until after the election.

Second, the Supervisors completed the picture by giving permission to Syar Industries (a big contributor to Wright’s campaign) to resume gravel mining in the Russian River, despite the fact that their permit ran out in 2006. Retiring Supervisor Tim Smith, who endorses Sharon Wright, voted for Syar’s request. Retiring Supervisor Mike Reilly, who endorses Rue Furch, voted against the request, joined by Supervisor Valerie Brown. If Wright and Carrillo are elected in November to join business-interest-controlled Supervisors Kelley and Kerns, our County Supervisors will tear up the current vision of Sonoma County and replace it with one of gravel mines, rock quarries, industrial vineyards, and rampant commercial real estate developments without restrictions.

Sonoma County is at a crossroads. If you do not want to have “drill baby drill”, “log baby log”, “convert the forests to subdivisions”, privatization of pubic works, services and the commons, then Act Now to protect the quality of life in Sonoma County. Please get involved.
Volunteer and vote for Rue Furch - rue@ruefurchforsupervisor.com and Shirlee
Zane-shirlee@zaneforsupervisor.com

Lynn Hamilton
Chair, Progressive Democrats Sonoma County
Occidental

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Dear Editor:

It was interesting to read Tom Manure Man Lynch’s response to Scott Kersnar’s condemnation of candidate Carrillo for alleged ills as a stealth candidate for land rapers, in stream gravel miners, and timber fallers. Since Manure Man raised the spectacle of Ernie Carpenter working on the former Preservation Ranch land as an example of how his candidate is not controlled by nefarious interest because Rue Furch is supported by Ernie and after all he worked on a project that didn’t presumably meet environmental muster. Got it?

Firstly, the conversion project was for 5,000 acres of which roughly 2,500 was bare land and exempt from forest practice rules as there was no standing timber. This includes the land that Preservation Ranch has converted and already planted into vineyards. So, the net effect is that for a 2,500 acre conversion of marginal forest, there was to be extensive controls on 80,000 acres in two counties. That is, the ability to plan 80,000 acres to protect water sheds, do forest renovations, game trails, and so on. Then, 400 existing parcels were to be reduced to 40 parcels. All oak forest and streams including Class 3 were to be protected by easements. I continue to be interested in seeing if Preservation Ranch meets this stringent mitigation and raises the bar on preservation. It is a rare opportunity to plan a large unit to the betterment of the environment and the bar must be high. Oh, the former owner sold 20,000 acres of timber at lower than market to a community based trust in Willits, leaving 60,000 acres sold to Preservation Ranch.

As to "being naive enough to believe the big lie "about his candidate as Manure Man characterizes it, I respond, "Follow the money." Regardless of what any candidate says about position or what any other person states for them, the source of campaign money is a tell-tell sign in the twisting winds of politics. Money from development interest, gravel operators and timber companies do not find a candidate by accident. I am supporting Rue Furch because she is tried and true in the world of environmental politics.

Sincerely,
Ernie Carpenter
Sebastopol

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Open letter to Efren Carillo,

Dear Efren,

When you and Rue Furch appeared together at a candidate's night in Monte Rio, she stepped back and made you take the first shot at answering the opening question. Why? Because during the primary election she had gotten very tired of giving informed answers and hearing all the other candidates take tutelage from her on the crucial issues for the West County. But this time, by making you go first, Rue was able to follow you with a more informed answer. After that Monte Rio debate, I heard listeners say that while they found you very likeable, you obviously knew less than Rue.

I want to remind you of something your friend Sharon Wright said. Sharon has been around for a long time, as mayor of Santa Rosa, as a member with Rue of the Planning Commission, as a friend of the developers in her long tenure with the Sonoma County Alliance. She has been an unwavering ally of your handler Nick Tibbets and the other professional lobbyists of the upstream developer community. Taking aim at her current opponent, Sharon said a supervisor's job is not for rookies. If that's true in Santa Rosa, it is far truer out here in the West County.

Let me stress that you are a nice guy, Efren, a decent guy, and I hope you will stay involved in county politics for a long time. I understand you are an expert kick boxer, so I'd always want to be on your side in a dark alley. But right now I don't want you for my supervisor. Why not? For the same reason I'd look for a surgeon, rather than a promising medical student, if I needed an operation.

What we need in the Fifth District is a supervisor who doesn't have to be tutored, who will stand up to the Sharon Wrights of the world, not one who plants his election signs next to hers, as you do. Sharon Wright supports you, so that means some rookies are okay with her, as long as the rookie is willing to be a cooperative member of a voting block that puts the interests of upstream developers ahead of the West County's. If our Fifth District supervisor should turn out to be a good team player in a Santa Rosa voting bloc on the Board of Supervisors, that's bad news for us. We need a supe who's on OUR team, not theirs, because upstream development will always be a potential threat to our environment, our tourism and our health.

If it ever came time to make Sharon, Nick and the Sonoma County Alliance furious with you, would you do that? I really doubt it, Efren. At critical moments your knee has seemed to jerk in the wrong direction. Here's a case in point: When you showed up at Steelhead Beach and talked to concerned citizens who were gathering signatures on a petition to head off plans to use it as a wastewater discharge site, you shook hands all around. Then you took a petition home with you, but you didn't sign it. That says more than you can take back, though by now you may have signed one. What you should have done, what we expect our supervisor to do in protecting our Russian River, is say, "Over my dead body!" to a proposal like that sewage discharge plan. Rue Furch wouldn't tolerate that plan for a split second. But you went off to study the matter. Only after it became clear that the agencies would turn thumbs down on that discharge site did you say you flatly oppose the plan. You can't be our leader, Efren, if you don't step out in FRONT on an issue like that. Sometimes you can't hesitate before you start kicking the right butts.

Lets talk sustainability. When you've come from Santa Rosa to campaign over here, I've heard you say you are for a sustainable environment, for sustainable agriculture, for a sustainable economy. But when asked what you would actually DO to promote sustainability your answers are extremely vague. For years Rue had worked to encourage healthy and profitable farming practices by protecting agricultural zoning. Why? Because developers and farmers alike love flat land.

If you want to sustain agriculture, that means you defend it from development. Are you prepared to do that? If you are, don't let the Farm Bureau hear you say so, because they want a supervisor who will work to change the zoning for them any time they want to stop farming and start building subdivisions there instead. Agribusiness people like short-term profits as much as Wall Street does. Sustainability is a dirty word to the Farm Bureau, as their positions on past ballot measures have shown. To prove you are in favor of sustainability, what are you prepared to DO, Efren? Since the Farm Bureau had such an important role in creating your candidacy, sustainability is not likely to stay very high on your agenda. Rue, on the other hand, has worked hard over the years to preserve sustainable agriculture. That's why upstream developers and corporate agriculture are fighting so hard to defeat her.

Look, you're nice, and Rue is nice. If this election is about niceness, it's a dead heat. But there's more at stake here than a popularity contest. This is a contest about electing a supervisor who will protect the West County. Rue will do that. I see no concrete evidence that you would, because to do that, sometimes you'd have throw some hard political punches at your developer friends.

Scott Kersnar
Guerneville

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