Page 3 - Sonoma County Gazette January 2017

CORRECTION:
Vesta, the content below was left out of the column, Springs Splash, in the December edition. That gives the appearance of support for the project and that’s not necessarily the case. When those assembled were asked to raise their hands if they supported this project there seemed near unanimous approval. There was no request for hand raising of those who might be opposed. Re., Trump victory/Student Protest, the high school demonstration was significant for the number of students involved.
- Thomas Martin
Hate Crimes
I am a student at San Jose State University writing in response to the article, “Op-ed On Hate Crime and Homelessness”, published November 27th, 2016. The article discusses a rise in hate crime, especially as we move into a new presidency under Donald Trump. A solution brought forth in response to this issue is to implement the “National Hate Crime Hotline Act”, which will allow people to re- port a hate crime committed towards them or others. I would like to take this opportunity to state that I feel this is a great step towards cracking down on hate crimes.
THIS was left out....
In my own city and on the univer- sity campus (where hate crimes often occur), we are instructed to contact police. However, as someone who has experienced a few hate crimes, it did not feel worth it to get police in- volved. I feel as though the police do not have time to legitimately investi- gate these types of crimes. I believe it will be helpful and more effective if there is an organization that specifi- cally adheres to these issues. This is especially true if there are people like me who are skeptical of reporting a hate crime at all. It would be great for more cities and states, as well as col- lege campuses, to get on board with this policy!
Another view...At least one respondent commented that it appeared to her this will be a “glorified food truck” stuck in the middle of the Springs. She went on to say that after five years, “What then?” Will the container trucks for housing be dismantled? Or, will the owners move on and the Springs left with an eyesore across from the hoped for Springs Plaza?
Press reports indicate that Ken and Stacy Mattson who are partners in this venture have also invested elsewhere in Sonoma in recent months. They purchased the Boyes Food Center (Callé del Monte and Hwy 12), Sonoma’s Best Deli and Cottages (E. Napa Rd), as well as a home in Sonoma.
Sincerely, Londyn Pitts, San Jose
We will follow this new development in the midst of the Springs with great interest. Will it be a first move to improve the quality of life in the Springs or is it simply an investor’s experiment in a community of need? We shall be interested to see.
Local racism & bigotry
Springs neighbors join Trump
protest...Following the election 300-400 Sonoma Valley High School students marched up Broadway to the Plaza to announce their opposition to the election of the Trumpster. On Friday evening of the same week the mostly adult Trump Protest at the Plaza included many Springs’ residents. They waved flags, banners, and signs were met with resounding support from horn honking citizens passing in front of the Plaza/City Hall. Among those participating was a family that included students from Flowery School.
Thank you, Betty Meritt for calling out the verbal assault incident at the Starbucks. You are correct, it’s the passive bystanders, the non-allies to whom we have to address ourselves. We cannot pride ourselves on any liberal or progressive identity if it is not backed with action. Take it personal folks! An assault on one is an assault on all the rest of us. Stand up, be at each others’ backs, or don’t crow or complain. If we are not bringing in the light through the crack, it isn’t getting in at all, it’s just an illusion.
Laurie B. Lippin
LETTERS cont’d on page 4
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