Page 2 - Sonoma County Gazette 11-19

Dear Readers,
In October I didn’t WANT to trigger PTSD around fire, but did anyway because we have important tax measures for parts of our community of which people need to be aware. Special Elections can easily get ignored but this is
an important one. The Kincade Fire should be a reminder of why our fire departments are vital to our survival and why they need to be funded.
In one community, Graton, there has never been a property tax to support the all-volunteer fire department. I think most of us would agree that anyone who owns property should pay to protect it. That department could use some paid personnel! If you have ever met Chief Bill Bullard, I had no idea what he does for a living until I asked. He is always in uniform for Graton Fire.
We can feel thankful for whatever Universal Forces erased the second Wine Event that could have changed the outcome of this year’s fire. Now it can rain - please! I know it’s unrealistic to consider fire danger past. Until rains begin we are still very much in danger. If you have not prepared yet and this latest emergency highlight holes in your emergency planning - fill them now.
We’re heading into holiday season when families gather and we go shopping for gifts. Our local economy suffered hugely with this latest fire event. Having no power for days took much-needed money out of the pockets of every person who depends upon a job or business to pay bills. This will interesting when the economic impact reports come in. I’d guess millions were lost across every part of our society.
It’s not just fire areas...it’s every area without power. If we needed an awareness of how we depend upon electricity, having it removed was the experience that taught us what we need to know.
What’s the solution? I guess we’re going to find out!
So please shop at merchants who are your neighbors who had to close their doors and lost income. They need whatever you have when you shop for necessary items as well as gifts for the holidays. This is where we take SHOP LOCAL to the next level!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
2 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 11/19