Reconfigured highway
EDITOR: I’m frustrated with the decision by Caltrans to eliminate the off- and on-ramps between Highway 101 and Fulton Road. Isn’t Caltrans supposed to be trying to ease our traffic woes?
Many people use the exits on Airport Boulevard to get to work. Eventually, more flights will be coming into the airport, which will create more traffic, and the SMART train will be stopping nearby, so people will be coming and going to the station. It is now, and will be, a very busy intersection.
To get on Fulton Road from Highway 101, cars heading south now must take the Airport exit, go through two stop lights and make two turns, instead of driving a half-mile south and taking the Fulton exit, as they did before. The new configuration adds to the congestion on Airport Boulevard and takes quite a bit of extra time.
So, why not reopen the Fulton off- and on-ramps to ease the congestion? Maybe Caltrans doesn’t understand how many people use these ramps.
The number of redwood trees taken down to create the new Airport Boulevard interchange already frustrated me, but eliminating off- and on-ramps compounds the frustration.
CLAIRE CONNORS
Healdsburg
Domestic violence
EDITOR: This past week the NFL released a game-changing new policy to prevent domestic violence and to hold players accountable for their violent or abusive behavior. In a letter announcing the new policy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: “Much of the criticism stemmed from a fundamental recognition that the NFL is a leader, that we do stand for important values, and that we can project those values in ways that have a positive impact beyond professional football.”
The NFL’s new policy will apply to all personnel — players, coaches and staff and invests in education, training. It also develops programs to teach young men playing in youth leagues, high school and college to respect women as “Coaching Boys Into Men” does, facilitated locally by YWCA Sonoma County and Verity.
The NFL listened to advocates against domestic violence, such as YWCA Sonoma County, in offering confidential services to families affected by domestic violence. This new policy is an important step toward a culture shift that will help reduce violence against women.
YWCA Sonoma County operates the county’s only 24/7 domestic violence hotline at 546-1234. We’re here to help. Log on to ywcasc.org to learn more.
MISHEL KAUFMAN
Board president, YWCA Sonoma County
Roundabout debate
EDITOR: Any reasonably intelligent driver who can read, count to 10 and beyond and has a valid license to operate a vehicle should be able to figure out the deep, mysterious complexities of a roundabout. One would hope an adult driver wouldn’t be dumber than a simple traffic circle. But apparently there is one exception right here in Petaluma. It appears that perhaps it is time for him to stop endangering the general public and start taking public transportation. And for the record, I neither like nor dislike roundabouts, but I certainly cannot tolerate such irrational fear and incompetence behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
BOB CANNING
Petaluma
Fudge’s record
EDITOR: I am glad The Press Democrat looked into Deb Fudge possibly being influenced in a recent vote (“Fudge’s vote stirs conflict questions,” Sunday). Accountability by public servants is essential and, given Fudge’s long history of service, this may not be the last vote to be reviewed. That’s part of being active in local politics.
