Page 6 - Sonoma County Gazette - August 2017

LETTERS cont’d from page 5
SMART Train is Ready to Roll with Passenger Schedule
I took the third run on the first day of the Preview Rides Thursday, June 29. I must say the staff is more than accommodating and the ride was jam-packed with friendly riders. If the train system isn’t simply moving people from location to location, it is certainly building community. When approaching Petaluma, take a look at a metal artist’s studio to the west side of the train. There are 3 cranes on site with metal works as tall as 30 feet. Anyone know who this is? Have fun on the train and I wish you a seat with delightful, talkative people at the chairs with the tables. Therapets only, so my pug could not make friends that day.
Brian Burke
His name is Kevin Clarke. His sculpture caught my eye when I was in Petaluma to ride SMART. The two lions facing the adjacent parking lot are amazing. Michelle, Kevin’s partner, invited me in to take a look around. They are preparing for this years Burning man with a tower of metal flowers that shoots flames into the towers. Here’s a Facebook post of an event coming up July 15t: Summer of Love Flower Tower Party - 6:30 PM - 12 AM on the property at Reared In Steel, 110 Copeland St, Petaluma. It’s a benefit to raise money to complete this sculpture in time for this year’s Burning Man. https://www.facebook. com/rearedinsteel/ ~ Vesta
SMART Train Link to Larkspur
Ferry
I’ve been waiting so long for this wonderful train. Let’s hope it helps alleviate the traffic!
Plastic Free July - Recycling
Making Dollars and Sense in
Guerneville - River Community
Advocates
I’m very impressed with the solution oriented work that has been done by the Guerneville Community Alliance. These articles, the social media presence and meetings organized by them both with the public and especially the merchants has not only impacted how the county thinks about the problem, it caused the County and the CDC to abandon any project. This is a huge accomplishment and after two years of nothing getting done it is very welcome. The next step is to understand why the merchants don’t use the chamber? No one should fear retaliation by anyone. We’re all in this together. The chamber of commerce is there for the merchants and the community. The message sent by the community to county applies to the chamber too. Change course. Listen to your members. No one person speaks for this community. Its time for new leadership and to mend fences with the merchants. A lot of change will happen if our community works together.
Bob Young
OPINION: The Right to Die -
End of Life Option by Susan
UpChurch
As a hospice nurse, I really appreciated your beautifully written column, pointing out the difficulties our patients still face in accessing the Aid in Dying. As a friend and DPOA, who wanted to honor your friend’s wishes, it must have been painful and frustrating to watch your dying friend, not only in pain but let down by an unfulfilled promise. I am sharing your story at a conference for nurses on “AID one year later” in August. We need to make the process simpler and more supportive for patients and their loved ones.
Hanne Jensen
When I saw that bundle of kelp on the picture with the seals it made my heart leap until I thought that must be an old picture. Tell me it isn’t so. From what I’ve heard the bulb kelp is decimated. Let’s make a market for those voracious little tiny purple urchins scouring the rocks for any bit to eat. – Marc Hunt
LETTERS cont’d on page 7
Leigh McCutcheon
starts at home
It’s sad how many people don’t make any effort at all.
Donna Roses
Monte Rio Beach Closed due to
Bacterial Testing Results - now
I liked the straight forward, scientific presentation of this article. Not only is this a great Public Health Service, it allows people to make informed decisions about recreation activities.
There’s a lot to know. Back in 2015 the State recommended upgrading all the septic systems along the river - all rivers, to keep effluent from seeping into the water. Problem is funding. Many people live in what were vacation homes and they have not been upgraded over the years. For many, this is their only home, paid for, and they are on limited incomes. Once the state makes the upgrades mandatory, there will need to be funding in place to help those who qualify. Stay tuned - it will hapen and probably sooner rather than later since pathogen levels have such an imnpact on the river’s health, and therefore people and animals. ~ Vesta
Bark in the Park Dog Parks in
Sonoma County
My two black pugs don’t make it long during operating hours at most parks because of a lack of shade. Glen Ellen’s has good tree shade and the gazebo is an excellent touch. Anyone know of any shade coverage along the Russian River? The River Bend Resort (next to Russian River Pub) has a $5 dog fee plus the parking fee. It’s a good place for Spot to run, swim and play ball with other dogs. Leashes seem optional but don’t quote me on that. Shade doesn’t set in until about 5pm.
Brian Burke
Great article about the total eclipse. Looking forward to seeing it since you made it even more exciting! Love your paper and online. Sure be great to
OPEN Again
James Shubin
SMART Train FREE Rides in July
Good information and I hope to do a trial run sometime this month to see what the train is all about. How long until it makes it to Larkspur ferry?
Lydia Villescas
On June 21 we posted an update on the contract awarded: (http:// www.sonomacountygazette.com/ sonoma-county-news/smart-train- will-build-link-to-larkspur-ferry) The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) has awarded the contract to build the Larkspur Extension and is expected to be completed in early 2019. The $36.3 million contract includes construction of the 2.2 mile extension, the center platform station, two new bridges, rebuilding a trestle, and interim improvements to the Bettini Transit Center in downtown San Rafael. Construction on the extension will begin later this summer and is expected to be completed in early 2019.
Jenner Jottings – July 2017
Night Sky - July
win free tickets also to the Accordian Festival. Keep up the good work! Thanks - Rod Dean
6 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 8/17