Friday’s Letters to the Editor

A Nobel for Lucas

EDITOR: So, the Nobel Prize was awarded to three physicists who proved that quantum entanglement (or “spooky action at a distance,” as Albert Einstein called it) is a fact. It was stated that the entire universe is therefore likely connected in some manner that is not understood at this time. I think “Star Wars” filmmaker George Lucas should have been included in the award, since he predicted that connection 56 years ago, so may the force be with him.

MIKE TUHTAN

Sebastopol

Clear choices in RP

EDITOR: It has been an honor to work collaboratively with Rohnert Park Vice Mayor Samantha Rodriguez and Councilwoman Susan Hollingsworth Adams. When I was elected in 2020 and became mayor, the council adopted 10 strategic goals, including purchasing the downtown property, addressing homelessness and climate change. We have made enormous progress on all. We have purchased the heart of Rohnert Park. We will cut the ribbon on our temporary supportive housing project, allowing us to legally reduce encampments. We have achieved the lowest greenhouse gas numbers in Sonoma County. A perfect addition to this collaborative council would be Emily Sanborn in the 2nd District.

There are candidates running who tout that they will make Rohnert Park great again and cure homelessness by shipping the unsheltered to other cities. This type of MAGA rhetoric comes from fear, exclusion and entitlement. Rohnert Park is leading the way on homelessness policy, and implementing our general plan with elements on climate change and racial, social and environmental justice. We don’t need provocateurs, we need legislators.

As a father, business owner and resident, I say don’t be fooled by false promises. Vote for Samantha Rodriguez, Susan Hollingsworth Adams and Emily Sanborn.

GERARD GIUDICE

Rohnert Park

Wholehearted support

EDITOR: As a public schoolteacher for 25 years and the parent of two Analy High graduates, I wholeheartedly endorse Debbie Ramirez for the West Sonoma County Union High School District board. I met her at Pine Crest Elementary when our children were young and was immediately impressed by her dedication to the children, the teachers and the school.

Years later, when Ramirez sat on the board of the Sebastopol Union School District, she supported my students’ efforts to get climate resolutions passed. When I learned she was running for the high school district board, I knew she was the right person for the job.

Over the years, I have attended countless school board meetings and observed numerous board members discussing governance issues. I have never seen a board member as informed, articulate, and compassionate as Ramirez proved herself to be. She has a strong handle on school governance and finance, is aware of the high schools’ challenges and growth areas and is supportive of teachers. Most importantly, she is a stalwart advocate for our community’s young people.

TANYA TURNEAURE

Sebastopol

Details matter

EDITOR: Like all presidents, Bill Clinton received unsolicited gifts during his eight years in office, which he properly reported according to the rules. The Clintons decided to donate most of them to the United States but kept about $190,000 worth when they left, as June England pointed out (“A look back,” Letters, Oct. 3).

The White House’s register said these were personal gifts, and hence the Clintons’ to keep. They had already paid the government $86,000 for gifts they had received in the previous year in response to criticism about accepting some of the gifts. Afterward, it was discovered that about $28,000 of the gifts had been intended for the White House, not the Clintons, and the Clintons promptly returned them.

Am I the only one who finds that including pertinent details paints a different picture from a description that omits important points? And, yes, former national security adviser Sandy Berger did steal documents from the National Archives, for which he was prosecuted and pleaded guilty, losing his security clearance in the process.

MATTHEW VAUGHAN

Santa Rosa

Will of the people

EDITOR: The community voiced its overwhelming support for greater oversight of the Sheriff’s Office’s use of force. Measure P was passed by a two-thirds vote, yet the sheriff and deputies’ unions continue to obstruct implementation. On top of this, the county allowed, via negotiations, restrictions on implementation of civilian oversight as Measure P dictated. When James Gore, the chairman of the Board of Supervisors, was pressed on this violation of the will of the voters, he called the criticism “complete crap” (“Measure P’s future still unclear,” Oct. 4).

Gore is a public servant. He needs to check his arrogance at the door and respect the will of the people to have a county where law enforcement can be relied upon to act in a just, empathetic and responsible manner. We need full implementation of Measure P.

TERRY WINTER

Sebastopol

You can send letters to the editor to letters@pressdemocrat.com.