Page 2 - Sonoma County Gazette May 2020

Dear Readers,
Like you, I’m anxious to get on with life as we know it...BUT...I am immensely impressed with how this virus has brought people together all over the planet. My neighborhood started the 8pm howl and now, precisely at 8pm, I can hear howls out across the hills and valleys.
In cities, people lean out their windows, howl, clap, play musical instruments...any way to CONNECT with each other while we literally sing the praises of the heroes in healthcare and emergency services. One night, I was in the street howling when a very hard-working nurse (Toni) came home from her day. Good timing. I was able to thank her directly.
A Facebook page started View from my Window, where people post photos of where they live. Now up to 2.1 million members - 53,000 posts a day - in such a short time. This was one woman’s idea that took off. The way it connects us is amazing! It’s like traveling around the planet while sitting at home. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - San Diego, California - Tribeca, NYC - Marlothpark, South Africa - Mjøndalen, Norway...THIS MORNING!
Snakes on trees, sheep in pastures, motorcycles on quiet streets, bush baby (galagos) on a porch railing - people handing out food & supplies to total strangers, all protected with gloves and facial coverings, of course! People are cooperating! A message: “Where are you reading from? This is an amazing site - brilliant world snapshot during lockdown. One day how about a coffee table book? Stay safe everyone and please post where you are viewing from.” Traveling and connecting in ways we have never done before. :)
What do I HOPE we take from this virus? STAYING CONNECTED - Clean air - the notion that Climate Change IS created by humans...PROVEN to us by how FAST our planet responds - right down to pigs wandering city streets - elephants, Rhinos, strange animals I’ve never seen. It’s downright exciting!
Business isn’t so good with peple sheltered-in-place...but people are finding ways to survive. I have serious economic concerns for every business that is NOT considered “ESSENTIAL.” I know this will change day-by-day as we get past this particular virus that has EVERYONE’S attention.
People are getting creative with their survival actions. Restaurants that didn’t do Take-Out, ARE now. Retailers are finding a way to offer pickup services. Some finally got ther websites together because retailers WITH websites are makng ends meet, and those without are $#!! out of luck! The internet is SAVING people’s minds and wallets! Who knew!
And yes, some are losing it. The county started a Mental Health Warm Line (page 22) for people who need someone to TALK with! I feel fortunate to share my daily life with Alan. My daughter and her family live next door. We are all very careful so we can share hugs and life. People who live alone don’t have that physical touch that families have, unless they have Pets! Dr. Trapani covers the topic of COVID-19 for pet lovers (page 26). One of my friends got a dog to hug...he’s much happier now!
Mark Faviania is waiting for my files so I have to stop and get this to
press. THANK YOU Delivery crew for getting the Gazette everywhere, and CLEANING our newsstands...THANK YOU Readers for picking up a copy of the prit editon and supporting out advertisers. THANK YOU Sonoma Media Investments for putting together the INSERT Take-Out Guide to Restaurants culled from your online Business Directory. THANK YOU
Readers who send me information to update the Gazette’s
ONLINE Guide to OPEN Businesses and TakeOut Food @ SonomaCountyGazette.com. Keep it up...DON’T STOP
sending Updates to: editor@sonomacountygazette.com!
Support our LOCAL economy... PLEASE!
We’re ALL in this together!
2 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 5/20