The Press Democrat from Santa Rosa, California • 27

Friday, July 17, 1981 ii Let The Public Speak" 'Closer look' 'Shop downtown' 'Meet their needs' 'Heads rolled' EDITOR: During the past few years I have written letters-to-the-editor on subjects I thought would provoke a little general Interest. The horrible condition of our secondary roads. The heinous crimes committed in this county and the breakdown of our system of jurisprudence in dealing with those responsible. Years of delay in bringing even the open-and-shut cases to trial, and the moving of those trials into other counties at considerable taxpayer expense and another added penalty for those unfortunate enough to be involved. Then, as the cases grind their slow way through the system, we are forced to read, and re-read, the sordid details over and over again ad infinitum.

Senator Rob-bin's sex life being a case in point. Never have I had a follow-up on what I thought were important issues so I have often wondered just what were the priorities of the average P.D. reader. Well, now I know and I can sleep more soundly. High on the list of events that really bother the local folks is getting (or not getting) reserved seat tickets to a "concert" by a pop country Now THAT caused heads to roll! W.

W. MILLER Sebastopol 'Acquire CLC EDITOR: This is an open letter to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors: This is written to demonstrate the support and commitment of the Santa Rosa Active 20-30 Club to see the fulfillment of a performing arts center1 in Sonoma County in our lifetimes. To fulfill this objective, we believe it is necessary for the Board of Supervisors to take affirmative and immediate action to acquire the Christian Life Center complex in a public-private sector partnership. While we recognize that substantial expenditures will be necessary to adapt the Christian Life Center site to the new multipurpose uses, it appears there is not now an alternative more "ideal" site that in practical terms promises to attain the goal of a performing arts center in our lifetimes. This is an opportunity that may be irrevocably lost without the immediate and wholehearted support and leadership of the Board of Supervisors.

We urge you to coofdinate with the Santa Rosa Symphony, Redwood Empire Ballet Company, Luther Burbank Foundation, Sonoma County Arts Council, and other community groups to staff and formulate a bid to acquire and develop the Christian Life Center for the benfit of this generation as well as the future generations of Sonoma County. This club dedicated its sixth Annual Extravaganza in March, 1980, to the fulfillment of this goal. In a magnificent performance, Ben Ver-een launched the first major public challenge to develop the Center in our lifetimes. Our club plans to continue to do its part to meet this challenge by sponsoring another major fund-raiser with a Hollywood personality in February, 1982. Please give your best efforts to see that the opportunity of acquiring the site is not lost to our community.

CHARLES D. STARK President Santa Rosa Active 20-30 Club 'It's shameful EDITOR: This is an open letter to First District Supervisor Robert Adams: It is with regret I read of your absence during this crucial time of the county employees' strike. It makes one wonder whether you and the other supervisors are taking the matter seriously, or perhaps think1 of the strikers as naughty children who are having their say and then will meekly return to their Jobs at ridiculously low wages. As a former county employee (Yolo County), I know the workers consider themselves to be public servants that money isn't everything that they don't expect to become rich serving the public. But it is shameful this lovely and desirable county of ours will not permit its public employees an honorable cost of living increase, comparable to other counties.

I am a taxpayer and voter, and I would like to see our services resumed. A friend has been planning a marriage for late July, but cannot get a blood test or afford a private doctor. She perhaps can't get a judge to perform the ceremony. Another friend is with the video team at the county fair horse races and may be out of work for two weeks. Another friend has been turned away from the dumps with a truck load of garbage.

Yes, we want our services resumed, but the first order of the day is fairness to workers who perform the services. I understand the newspaper account of "bargaining progress" is inaccurate and that only the meag-erest of concessions have been made on your part, while the Board itself will get a substantial cost-of-living wage increase. This makes taxpayers think twice about the Board's capabilities and interests. The press also suppresses letters of this kind, so the public is not fully informed. The strikers are a dedicated group, picketing round the clock seven days a week.

Many are suffering and depleting their savings. There certainly will be much more trouble ahead if their demands are not met. They deserve your serious and fair consideration. MARILYN SUE BAKER Glen Ellen EDITOR: I decided to go downtown on a recent Saturday to check out the construction and see for myself what all the big fuss is about. I was pleasantly surprised.

First of all, since I chose to park in the lot on Seventh Street, which had no construction around it, I found it necessary to walk about three blocks to Fourth Street. I'm glad I did. I discovered several new businesses I was unaware of the new beautiful stores in the Brickyard, a cute bagel place on Mendocino Avenue, and a lot of building renovations on the older stores. It is really heartwarming to see such care and optimism being put into our "original" city shopping area. I also discovered the construction itself quite interesting.

Although I am a senior citizen, I did not find it difficult to move around. It was all very safe for pedestrians. Several salespeople said business was way down. I would like to encourage all Santa Rosans to contin- -ue to shop downtown. The salespeople were as helpful and courteous as ever.

I know most of the businesses downtown are locally owned and operated not million dollar chain stores. They always have served us well and I feel we should support them! I have lived in Santa Rosa 32 years and have watched it change over the years. Never have I been disappointed shopping downtown. Especially not now! MRS. FEDERICK LE BLADE Santa Rosa 'Was outraged' EDITOR: There seem to be some glaring inconsistencies in recent actions by the Board of Supervisors and its responses to the current employee strike.

In the last few months it has been reported the Board: tl) Is considering the purchase of the Christian Life Center as a cultural site for the approximate figure of $7.7 million; (2) Has bailed out the mental health director, Dr. Stephen Frye, by subsidizing that department with nearly one quarter million dollars for what appears to be gross mismanagement; (3) Has granted itself a 37 percent salary increase; (4) Has accepted onto the Sonoma Tax roll the Geyser geothermal project for an increase in yearly revenues of $15 million at no cost to the county. While dealing in vast sums of money to the benefit of certain factions, the Board seems totally disinterested in considering the equitable pay concerns of its employees. I was outraged to see the Supervisors are asking full time county employees making $700 a month to accept a meager $77 raise. In the past I have been unwilling to support work actions, but I am even more opposed to condoning the kind of indecent, inhumane attitudes the Board is demonstrating toward its workers.

Sonoma County is no longer a sleepy rural community. Why then are we saddled with an administration still using horse and buggy tactics to run our local government? Unless the Board begins using sophisticated and innovative methods of contracting with its employees, I fear we are not only looking at the first county strike, but the first of many. As residents we can not long afford to support a Board of Supervisors that seems as far behind in administrative know how as it is in understanding human survival needs. ALEC TODD Santa Rosa 'Fair, equitable' EDITOR: I am writing in response to your editorial of Friday, July 10. The current labor dispute between the Board of Supervisors and the county employees is indeed unfortunate.

County services are being disrupted and, as is usually the case, the poor are the ones being hardest hit. It is important to remember the business of the county is to provide care and services to the community within its jurisdiction. It is also important to remember it is the county employees who provide that care and those services directly to the people, whether it is nursing road maintenance, or water distribution, not the Board of Supervisors or other high paid management personnel. How can those workers maintain a level of quality service to the people when they are getting a clear message from the Board of Supervisors that they are not important, that the Board does not care about them? County employees are citizens and taxpayers too. If the Board does not care about them, how are we to believe they care about the rest of us? I strongly urge the County Board of Supervisors to negotiate in good faith, and to settle this dispute in a fair and equitable manner as soon as possible.

BONNIE EISENBERG Santa Rosa EDITOR: This letter is in response to your July 3 article covering "Jesus West Coast III." The accusations made by the evangelist concerning connections between the game "Dungeons and Dragons" and satanic practices are patently absurd. The only way in which one could consider and a "cult" game is that it is popular among a specific category of people. Any unfounded associations with "devil worship" and "demonic posession" are made by persons completely ignorant of the beneficial aspects and harmless creativity of and The only possession it creates is from the fun and challenge it offers its players. And in this age of thoughtless amusement such as TV, where the viewer is reduced to a senseless receptacle of garbage, this sort of mind-challenging entertainment is in desperate need. To eondemn the game for its mythological roots (supernatural monsters, pagan barbarians, and otherwise unorthodox beings), is to condemn those great records of mythology themselves.

Under this mode of thinking, we might just as well burn The Odyssey, Beowulf, The Lord of the Rings, and a library of other great literary works of the ages. I can only see "Dungeons and Dragons" and fantasy related movies, books, as more victims of repressive launches- by the new Right Wing conservatives that are gaining so much power. I hope more people will take a closer look at "Dungeons and Dragons" before declaring it "evil" and demon-inspired. DAVID LUOTO Rohnert Park 'In best EDITOR: I have been following the saga of the Sonoma County Fair Board vs. Ignazio Vella in The Press Democrat in recent weeks with a great deal of interest.

I must confess to a lot of confusion concerning the details of the whole affair, and feel there are still several unanswered question about the matter. As I understand it, the whole brouhaha developed as a consequence of a foiled ticket scam attempted by the fair board. Allegedly, the board attempted to purchase all of the preferred tickets to a Willie Nelson concert a proposed feature attraction at this year's fair with the purpose of making these tickets available to a select list of friends, rather than making them available to the general public on a first come, first served basis. If this is so (and I have heard no contradictions from the board), it would appear the fair board was guilty of gross misfeasance and deserves to be censured accordingly. Instead, the board, in righteous indignation, fired its manager, Mr.

Vella, on a multiplicity of charges. Why? Was Mr. Vella the instigator of the attempted ticket scam? And why did the board wait until the eve of the 1981 fair to allege their accusations against the incumbent manager? Is the board's frantic reaction an attempt to divert public interest and attention from their own inadequacies and deficiences? Perhaps it is time the Board of Supervisors, the media and the general public take a critical look at the fair board itself and determine whether it is functioning in the best interest of the people of Sonoma County. FRANK DOOLEY Sonoma 'Alive and weir EDITOR: I want to thank the community of Santa Rosa for supporting the Santa Rosa Little League in its recent fund drive to raise money for new baseball equipment. It is the participation of people directly or indirectly that makes our baseball program what it is today.

The contributions from our parents, friends and neighbors throughout the city was truly encouraging. The baseball season may have come to an abrupt end in our major cities; but it is alive and well in Santa Rosa because of your support. ROBERT A. BURPEE Fund Raising Chairman, Santa Rosa Little League 'More at risk' EDITOR: We have had several nuclear "accidents" in the past few months, the largest being the Three Mile Island incident In each case the site of operation had been declared "completely safe." Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant is not only susceptible to the dangers we know have led to near disasters in other areas, but has the enormous added risk of being in earthquake territory. There seems to be more at risk than suffering the breakdown of our air conditioners.

RETA LETNE Clearlake Park EDITOR: Most any person who has left the United States I am sure found that upon returning home they were grateful and at ease for our America with her freedoms and peace which are so often taken for granted. Any person who has fought for our country with his life at stake is in my opinion a person who deserves the citizens' welcome and gratitude expressed openly. The persons who were injured, persons whose family members gave their life, and the "lucky" person who served this time with no injury are all deserving of better attitudes from us in support of national freedoms and benefits sufficient to meet their moral, physical, mental and domestic tranquilities. In the case of Vietnam veterans these needs have been so ignored and classes these vets off by themselves, alienated and often referred to as "deranged." Citizens: These veterans are only asking for benefits and support well deserved just as other previous war veterans have had need of. These soldiers didn't lose what they stood for we did.

A decade has passed without support from our government. These men fought hard for us. How many have fought for them when they have humbled themselves to us? These men need uplifting spirits from us as they gave to us. The issue isn't whether they won what they sought and fought their lives for. It is time to reconcile their "deranged attitudes" with love and our "deranged attitudes" with love and gratefulness towards regaining a spirit of togetherness for us all.

Until more support is given to these veterans, our current issues of domestic tranquility and promotions of general welfare are being hindered. Please let us gather together gratefully to meet these veterans' needs. CHERYL BOVEE' Santa Rosa 'Glad they're back' EDITOR: On July 11 the midnight shift of correctional officers returned to work at the Sonoma County jail and what a relief it was for the inmates who had to experience a whole new system. I kind of wonder if the people out there on the streets realized what was really happening in here. I have never seen so many guards at one time in one place as I saw this last week.

The sudden changeover affected the inmates in a lot of ways, such as exercise, showers, mail, meals, clothing exchange, it goes on and on. I'm used to seeing one officer on my floor to handle every thing. During the strike there were four or five, and what's sad is they couldn't do anything right. On the second floor we usually have two officers. During the strike there were many, hands in pockets in a daze.

We really hated to see the officers go on strike, but they have their reasons and I sure hope they get something. I never thought I'd say it's good to see you cops back, but now I did. Oh, what a relief it is knowing the regulars have got the jail back in their hands. DOMENIC HALL Sonoma County Jail Santa Rosa 'Ban fireworks' EDITOR: On July 4 a brush fire began on Highway 12 across from the fairgrounds (and across from a fireworks stand.) I saw a bottle rocket whiz across the street, set off by some innocent but careless kids. The brush was so dry that within the matter of 15 seconds the flame grew a foot in each direction of the rocket.

Fortunately, the fire caused minimal damage, maybe 100 square yards. This incident could have happened anywhere and with a good chance of doing much more damage. I want to protect the Sonoma County countryside and protest the sale and use of fireworks on the Fourth of July or any day in the dry season. MICHAEL LYSTERN Santa Rosa 'In your debt' EDITOR: Cats really dont have nine lives, and I'm only a year-old black kitten so would like very much to say thank you to the two kind gentlemen who rescued me in Franklin Park recently. It was a traumatic experience hanging upside down with my leg caught in Frances Zell's fence and no om could see or hear me.

The veterinary fixed me up with shots and stitches and I'm almost a good as new. I do appreciate the trouble you went to. I'm forever in your debt MRS. JOSEPH ZELL for "Phoebe" Santa Rosa 'People do care' EDITOR: I read the July 8 iue of The Press Democrat, an issue whose cover page and continuing page 16A I intend to keep for my children and grandchildren so they will not forget there are people in this day and age who really do care for their fellow man. In this dog-eat-dog world of "I'll get mine and let the devil take the hindmost" attitude, a world of dollar worship, a world of personal and corporate greed, a world of materialism and the virtual abandonment of the ancient philosophy of "being my brothers keeper" this issue spotlights the basis of hope for mankind.

I quote: "Picket spirits high," byline Chris Coursey. Page 1, column 2: "I feel like I'm doing this to help the Little Guy," said Florence Baird, a county worker for nine years. "I voted to not strike, but I'll go along with the majority; there are a lot of people making less money than me that need the help." Page 16A, column 5: "I've worked here for 21 years, so I could retire said a Municipal Court clerk, "but I believe in fair pay and benefits for everyone." Page 16A, column 6: "I'd have taken the 9 percent," said Charles Rowlands, a sanitation Supervisor for the Public Works Department, "but what about the low paid people? We owe this to them. I don't think anyone out here is greedy, we just want things to be fair." My heartfelt thanks to Florence Baird, Charles Rowland, the Municipal Court clerk, and all those who did not "have" to walk the picket line for a survival wage for themselves, but did so because they care for their fellow man. RUTH LUND Santa Rosa 'Services denied' EDITOR: When was the last time you or anyone you know has tried to file a civil or small claims action, pay a parking or traffic fine, tried to clear a warrant, get a passport or get a marriage license? If you have tried in the last two weeks, I imagine you haven't had much luck, or if you did, it was after a lengthy wait.

These are just a few of the services that are your right as a taxpayer that is being denied you by a handful of people the Supervisors With their unwillingness to grant the county employee a decent livable wage, by taking away some of the benefits they granted two years ago and by turning a deaf ear to those who are the backbone of county government, they are denying you these services. Are you going to allow this to continue? You are their employer! As a striking municipal court deputy clerk I say let the Supervisors hear from you! MELINDA SUTTON Santa Rosa 'Shameful way' EDITOR: As a gay man and frequent reader of your paper, I had to write and protest the shameful way you chose to ignore the June 28 Gay Freedom Day parade in San Francisco. The following day's paper headlined yet another story about Iran's internal troubles on Page One while relegating the parade coverage to Page 11. Suppose 200,000 people had marched in support of farmers, blacks or Catholics. Would you still have chosen to bury a canned Associated Press story on the back pages then? Think about it.

ALEX BACAS Santa Rosa 'Let us help' EDITOR: Who knows when a draft of young men may become a reality? Contradictory stories are heard on the news media: "The President has decided to hold off until the end of the year," or "The President may scrap the idea altogether" or "The President is being convinced that it may become necessary to have a draft to meet the demands for a contingency force due to an emergency abroad." Thpse who have witnessed several wars can identify the pattern here: the public is presented with the "need" (details never given); then it is indoctrinated with the "loyalty" myth: "When vour country needs you, surely you will respond." If enough respond, the Pentagon declares the volunteers are not "top calibre" (that is, they lack formal education or there are too many minorities or women). Then the public is advised a draft is needed to have enough men for emergencies (but more likely to secure the doctors and officers who didn't volunteer), but Selective Service said it could find the men quickly for emergencies without a draft. With drafted men, the armed services can fight a war without asking Congress to declare war. (Vietnam, S. Korea).

Is the next target El Salvador? For those who are turning 18 or who have questions about deferments or conscientious status or the penalties for resistance to registration, the Draft Counseling Center of Sonoma County invites you to come for free counseling on a personal basis from 5:15 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays at 1717 Yulupa Ave. (off Hoen), Room 3 next to the Christ Church United Methodist parking lot. You may phone anytime and leave a message at 526-3906. Let us help you with your questions and fears.

Other telephone numbers are Sebastopol, 823-7971; Forestville, 887-2020; Petaluma, 763-9868; Healdsburg, 433-7740, and in Spanish, 829-0594 or 526-0541. BETSY EBERHARDT Sebastopol 'Makes one sick' EDITOR: President Reagan's talk about a shortage in Social Security funds makes one sick. He works a few days, then spends thousands for guards in California and that's taxpayers' money. That would go a long way in helping the poor and elderly. He wanted to be President Well, why doesn't he stay in Washington, DC? If he needs a rest, find a place nearby.

Since he has been in. more jobs have been lost, there are more strikes, and more elderly get less care in hospitals. Let him practice what he preach- NAME WITHHELD Sonoma Isn't enough' EDITOR: am one of the citizens who wholeheartedly support our Vietnam vet heroes from the guys who camped out on the Federal Building lawn all the way across the U.S. to our Capitol. I've watched thousands of people sign their names to the letter to President Reagan honk their car horns in support make donations, whether it be with dollars or food, etc.

But this isn't enough. How many people drove by and saw the words on the guys shirts, "Hunger Strike," and truly realized that there were 12 men who were near death and might have died if the public doesn't come through and actively speak out for these men? If 3,000 people can march for gay rights, then where in the hell are the thousands to march for our American heroes of the Vietnam War? People please open your hearts and minds to what has been done (or not done) for these great guys and make this the year for the Vietnam vet to receive what is long overdue them his dignity and that we all thank them for a job well done and welcome them with open, loving arms! MISTY HAY Sebastopol 'Very inadequate' EDITOR: After reading the "Let the Public Speak" section July 9 I can no longer contain my wrath. I find your coverage of the county workers' strike appalling and very inadequate. In the past 12 months this city has experienced two other such actions by teachers and nurses. The coverage provided these workers outweighed that given us by an enormous amount.

I personally know of many letters written to the editor by fellow county employees. To open the paper and find only the letter written by Dr. Norman which solely addresses his personal uninformed opinion is truly a clear commentary on the bias of The Press Democrat. As a labor and delivery nurse who is damn proud to be a part of the largest and finest OB unit north of San Francisco, it makes me angry to see your reporters state that the "OB department is open" day after day. The OB department is open.

However, business (200 plus deliveries per month) is not as usual. It is absurd to assume it can be when all but one of the entire and staff are on strike and all the Intensive Care Nursery staff has joined us. I think you owe the public better, more accurate accounts of the situation. You certainly owe those of us who are fighting to keep our OB unit one to be proud of an apology. NYLA 1UTTLE, RN, Santa Rosa.