<b>Thompson's vote</b>
EDITOR: In his statements regarding Syria, it appears that Rep. Mike Thompson is deciding for himself what actions should be taken ("N. Coast politicos weigh in on Syria," Thursday). He isn't representing his constituents because he isn't responding to what his constituents want and expect him to do in their behalf.
I have contacted Thompson's office, as have many others I know, and told him to vote against attacking Syria. We are ignored by him. People are demonstrating in Santa Rosa against attacking Syria. A program is being held at Santa Rosa Junior College against attacking Syria. Do our representatives hear what we are saying?
I am troubled that my so-called representatives don't represent the people who voted them into office. In future elections, this will definitely be a significant factor. I will not vote for somebody to be my representative if he or she does not follow through and act as a representative, but, once elected, goes on to do his or her own thing.
PHYLLIS J. FITZGERALD
Santa Rosa
<b>A helping hand</b>
EDITOR: I strongly support Social Advocates for Youth's plan to convert the Warrack Hospital site to the Dream Center, transitional affordable housing for at-risk kids who have aged out of foster care.
For the past five years, I have been involved with VOICES, a nonprofit group that provides services for the same population that SAY serves. VOICES was a tenant in one of my office buildings for three years. The program outgrew my space and moved to a larger office at the corner of Mendocino and College avenues, but I maintain frequent contact with VOICES staff and the young adults they serve. They are amazing young people and were excellent tenants. They were always polite and respectful to me and to the five other businesses in my office complex.
All these young people want is a safe, affordable place to live and some guidance and adult support to get them started in the right direction as they begin their adult lives. They deserve a helping hand, not a slap in the face. Let's all do our part so that this wonderful Dream Center project becomes a reality in the near future.
(page 2 of 3)
FRED PTUCHA
Santa Rosa
<b>One victim</b>
EDITOR: Our homes are our sanctuaries; asleep in our beds we should feel only safety and security as we close our eyes to the trials and tribulations of the day. The woman who awoke to the sounds of someone trying to break into her window in the middle of the night was denied that luxury. She awoke to a fear, a terror that many of us can't even imagine; so scared that she called 911 not once, but twice. There is only one victim in this scenario, and it is not Supervisor Efren Carrillo. How anyone could continue to support him as a public official is beyond my comprehension.
LAURA LITTMAN-LANGENBORG
Santa Rosa
<b>Senior meals</b>
EDITOR: Recently, the Council on Aging Services for Seniors was asked to close the Santa Rosa Senior Center dining site because of a new non-negotiable fee requirement. This would end our more than 25-year relationship with the senior center to provide hot, nutritious meals to seniors in that neighborhood. We are concerned that this closure will impact many of these elderly citizens who will miss out on the social and nutritional aspects that create an environment that allows ever the frailest to thrive.
We are continuing our dialogue with city officials with the hope that they will recognize the benefit that the Council on Aging has been providing at no charge for this overlooked population. It is so very important that seniors have a place to gather, socialize and get the daily nutrition they need to maintain independence and quality of life.
Until this decision can be reversed, our on-site manager is working closely with clients to relocate them to other dining options at Bethlehem Tower and Silvercrest. The Santa Rosa Senior Center is providing seniors with a map, directions and other sites serving meals.
(page 3 of 3)
LAURA COLGATE
Director nutrition services, Council on Aging Services for Seniors
<b>Chouteau's order</b>
EDITOR: Judge Ren?Chouteau has got to be kidding with "General Order Re: Expressive Activity," which bans protests on the courthouse steps.
While he does have the right to prevent Supervisor Efren Carrillo from showing up to court in his underwear, he doesn't have the authority to disregard the First Amendment. He cannot forbid peaceful demonstrations.
Chouteau should be ashamed of himself for attempting to deny the people's right to free speech.
EILEEN MORABITO
Sebastopol
<b>Thompson's vote</b>
EDITOR: In his statements regarding Syria, it appears that Rep. Mike Thompson is deciding for himself what actions should be taken ("N. Coast politicos weigh in on Syria," Thursday). He isn't representing his constituents because he isn't responding to what his constituents want and expect him to do in their behalf.
I have contacted Thompson's office, as have many others I know, and told him to vote against attacking Syria. We are ignored by him. People are demonstrating in Santa Rosa against attacking Syria. A program is being held at Santa Rosa Junior College against attacking Syria. Do our representatives hear what we are saying?
I am troubled that my so-called representatives don't represent the people who voted them into office. In future elections, this will definitely be a significant factor. I will not vote for somebody to be my representative if he or she does not follow through and act as a representative, but, once elected, goes on to do his or her own thing.
PHYLLIS J. FITZGERALD
Santa Rosa
<b>A helping hand</b>
EDITOR: I strongly support Social Advocates for Youth's plan to convert the Warrack Hospital site to the Dream Center, transitional affordable housing for at-risk kids who have aged out of foster care.
For the past five years, I have been involved with VOICES, a nonprofit group that provides services for the same population that SAY serves. VOICES was a tenant in one of my office buildings for three years. The program outgrew my space and moved to a larger office at the corner of Mendocino and College avenues, but I maintain frequent contact with VOICES staff and the young adults they serve. They are amazing young people and were excellent tenants. They were always polite and respectful to me and to the five other businesses in my office complex.
All these young people want is a safe, affordable place to live and some guidance and adult support to get them started in the right direction as they begin their adult lives. They deserve a helping hand, not a slap in the face. Let's all do our part so that this wonderful Dream Center project becomes a reality in the near future.
FRED PTUCHA
Santa Rosa
<b>One victim</b>
EDITOR: Our homes are our sanctuaries; asleep in our beds we should feel only safety and security as we close our eyes to the trials and tribulations of the day. The woman who awoke to the sounds of someone trying to break into her window in the middle of the night was denied that luxury. She awoke to a fear, a terror that many of us can't even imagine; so scared that she called 911 not once, but twice. There is only one victim in this scenario, and it is not Supervisor Efren Carrillo. How anyone could continue to support him as a public official is beyond my comprehension.
LAURA LITTMAN-LANGENBORG
Santa Rosa
<b>Senior meals</b>
EDITOR: Recently, the Council on Aging Services for Seniors was asked to close the Santa Rosa Senior Center dining site because of a new non-negotiable fee requirement. This would end our more than 25-year relationship with the senior center to provide hot, nutritious meals to seniors in that neighborhood. We are concerned that this closure will impact many of these elderly citizens who will miss out on the social and nutritional aspects that create an environment that allows ever the frailest to thrive.
We are continuing our dialogue with city officials with the hope that they will recognize the benefit that the Council on Aging has been providing at no charge for this overlooked population. It is so very important that seniors have a place to gather, socialize and get the daily nutrition they need to maintain independence and quality of life.
Until this decision can be reversed, our on-site manager is working closely with clients to relocate them to other dining options at Bethlehem Tower and Silvercrest. The Santa Rosa Senior Center is providing seniors with a map, directions and other sites serving meals.
LAURA COLGATE
Director nutrition services, Council on Aging Services for Seniors
<b>Chouteau's order</b>
EDITOR: Judge Ren?Chouteau has got to be kidding with "General Order Re: Expressive Activity," which bans protests on the courthouse steps.
While he does have the right to prevent Supervisor Efren Carrillo from showing up to court in his underwear, he doesn't have the authority to disregard the First Amendment. He cannot forbid peaceful demonstrations.
Chouteau should be ashamed of himself for attempting to deny the people's right to free speech.
EILEEN MORABITO
Sebastopol
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