www cioverdaiereveiile.com May 3, 2018 The Cloverdale Reveille Page 5
EDiTORiAL
Tariffs on your news
Without trees there would be no newspapers, including this
one you're holding in your hands. That's because the
paper we print the local news on is processed from trees.
Books, magazines and pamphlets also come from trees. And,
come to think of it, so do dollar bills and other paper money.
If only money grew on trees, instead of being made from cut-
down trees, we might not be writing this editorial right now. That
is because our newspaper industry just got hit with a whopping
tariff increase of 32 percent. It's a complicated -- mostly political
-- story but some newspapers already have laid off workers and
are warning their public they might not survive.
Here at our newspaper, we'd rather spend our money on more
reporters, more news and more news pages. It's a big waste and
insult to get hit with this tariff when it does nobody any good.
The timing for newspapers everywhere is bad because we were
already being challenged by declining advertising revenues and
other rising expenses.
Like thousands of other newspapers, we are left with no choice
but to increase our subscription rates. We hope our readers will
understand this necessity, as we do not take this action lightly.
If money really did grow on trees then we wouldn't have to
raise our subscription prices. If we could harvest dollars off low-
hanging limbs the way we pick grapes around here we could print
lots more pages of news, pay our reporters a livable wage and
hand out copies of the newspaper like they were free wine tastes.
Unfortunately, we all live in a world without money-bearing
trees. Our industry is not alone. That's why gasoline, milk and
bread don't cost what they used to either.
Effective next month (June 2018) our annual subscription rate
will increase to $60 per year, up from $50. We will be offering all
current subscribers a special offer to renew at the current rate for
two more years. We hope many of you take advantage of this cost
break.
The added weekly cost we are facing here at this newspaper is
like going to the gas pump on your next visit and being shocked
by a new per-gallon price of $5.01, up from last week's $3.80.
The story-behind-the-story is that new hedge fund owners of a
single pulp mill (Norpac) in Washington State lobbied the Trump
Commerce Department to issue "protective tariffs" against its
Canadian competitors. Newspaper publishers, all other U.S. and
Canadian paper producers, the Book Manufacturers Institute and
34 members of Congress oppose the Norpac move.
There is still time for Congressional action to overturn these
catastrophic cost increases. The current tariffs are being assessed
at the border under temporary orders and could be rescinded by
Congress.
This favorable treatment of a single company and its stock-
holders is a travesty to newspapers like ours. This is the reverse
of the Trump Administration trying to protect American steel
and aluminum jobs. This is a no-win situation.
Printing newspapers is very expensive. No wonder so many
publishers and readers are moving to the internet and newspaper
websites. That's happening here, too.
But many of our readers have told us loud and clear they want
their weekly news delivered the old-fashioned way -- on paper.
We like paper, too, and are committed to serving all our readers
-- in print and online. But everyone must now accept that the
print version just got more precious.
We are fighting against these tariffs and hope to avoid other
price increases to our readers and advertisers. We are asking for
your support and for your subscription renewals. Compared to
local gas prices and the cost of coffee or a good bottle of wine, our
local newspaper is still a very good deal.
-- Rollie Atkinson
HISTORY
Through the Years in
the Reveille
rl he following items are selected from
I "archived issues of the Cloverdale
.i Reveille.
April 27, 1906 - 112 years ago
Joyce Mann The Northwestern Pacific Railroad
announces that the University of
California's agricultural and horticultural
demonstration train will arrive in Cloverdale Wednesday
morning. A meeting will be held immediately upon arrival of
the train. The farmers of this section will be addressed by pro-
fessors from the state university's experiment stations and
farms upon such agricultural, horticultural and viticultural
topics as may seem best suited to the locality. Californians are
each year showing a greater interest in the demonstration
train, and the attendance increases as the benefits to the rural
citizen becomes better known. The instructions are of consid-
erable importance to all interested in agricultural, horticultur-
al or kindred topics.
Last Saturday evening the members of the Fraternal
Brotherhood gave a dance at Humbert's Opera House. The
Cloverdale Orchestra of eight pieces furnished the music. The
affair was well patronized and was a distinct success in every
way.
May 2, 1968 - 50 years ago
California's redwoods, renowned the world over, each year
attract many thousands of visitors from out of state as well as
California. Visitors are an important source of sales tax rev-
enue to the counties where these beautiful trees grow, there-
fore a means to stimulate the motoring public into touring
northern California redwood areas is bound to help the econo-
my of Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt and Del Norte. A coastal
redwood route could be given distinctive highway markers and
be tied together from one end to the other with special facilities
for the attraction and comfort of the tourist.
April 28, 1995 - 23 years ago
The Furber Community Park Committee has resolved the
issue of the species of trees to be planted along Elbridge
Avenue. The committee voted to recommend that the species
along Elbridge be changed to Bradford pear trees, which are
smaller than tulip trees. The committee also approved a plan to
recommend that the style of the bridge over Muscat Creek be
changed from a rail flatcar to a culvert-style crossing. A cul-
vert-style span could represent a significant cost savings.
The sound berm at the intersection of River and Geysers
roads has been scheduled to be fLxed. The berm obstructs the
view of motorists heading north on River Road and turning left
onto Geyser Road. The berm was created during recent work
that realigned Geysers Road and also placed a new stop sign at
Geysers Road for those heading east. The berm was made a
part of a land exchange agreement with an adjacent property
owner to cut down on traffic noise. County public works offi-
cials admit the berm was built higher than was planned and
will be taken care of within the next couple of weeks.
LETTERS
Efforts paid off for our kids
EDITOR: On behalf of the Kiwanis Club, I would like to thank
all for making One Day for Kids a truly magical day.
I was touched by everyone's staying power when we opened
early, stayed open after panic-inducing downpour, stayed calm
and efficient during another downpour and stayed open late for
the last family. Your commitment to this event paid off in a big
way.
Thank you to our moving crew who picked up everything from
storage and the Catholic Church who put it all back.
Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore came and read stories
in the story time area, CUSD Superintendent Jeremy Decker took
time out to visit us and a number of local celebs dropped by too.
Key Club did a great job at the Save the Rain and Builders Club
handled the stuffed animal and toy giveaway.
The only required result was kids' smiles and there were plen-
ty of them.
But let's do the numbers. For our partners: We gave Books to
the Rescue $120. We gave Friends of the Library $100. We gave
Little Free Libraries 20 new books and a bunch of used kids'
books. We are giving Free Mobile Library 80 new kids' books, two
boxes of used kids' books and five bags of adult used books.
We registered 11 kids for the Imagination Library. Registration
for this preschool project is open to all kids in Cloverdale under
five years old. Registration forms are at The Mail Center or email
Julie@JulieCarter.org
Attendance numbers are a best guess but based on a quick
inventory of supplies, we gave away at least 200 book bags, 350 to
375-plus books, and we ran out of Spanish books. Looking forward
to next year.
Julie Carter
Kiwanis Club of Cloverdale
Feeding frenzy
EDITOR: Wow. What a feeding frenzy by the sharks at the
April 24 Cloverdale City Council meeting, who self-righteously
tore off big chunks of Cloverdale Planning Commissioner Shawn
Bovee's hide and reputation, and gnawed on them in a gruesome
public spectacle. It was a hit job from the get-go and a first-rate
character assassination. It couldn't have happened to a nicer
man.
It's interesting to note that while Mayor Palla apparently
didn't have to give Shawn due process, he chose not to ask ques-
tions or investigate the validity of claims against Shawn. Why
would he not be interested in finding out more information?
Also interesting is that two of the people writing letters and
testifying at the meeting against Shawn recently wrote letters to
the council, excoriating Shawn's business partner, Mary Ann
Brigham, in relation to their application for a cannabis dispen-
sary permit.
Earlier in the council meeting, the "two touch" method of deal-
ing with resolutions was effusively extolled; in fact, the council
had used it just recently to reexamine the awarding of cannabis
dispensary permits, to the detriment of Shawn and Mary Ann's
application. Yet Ms. Bagby and Mr. Palla seemed to be in a hurry
to get rid of Shawn, and voted to terminate him that night.
What was the big rush? Why not revisit it as part of the
favored "two touch" at the next meeting? Why not consider a 30-
day suspension? Council member Wolter suggested waiting and
seeing if there were alternatives. But, no.
Apparently Shawn's biggest sin was that he caused some peo-
ple concern when he bounded up the stairs of the CPAC room, at
a council meeting on March 27, when a man yelled at him that he
was a "liar."
I don't know about you, but I would've taken this rather per-
sonally. Shawn's explanation was that he wanted to get the per-
son out of the chamber, so they wouldn't disrupt the meeting, and
this person could yell at Shawn outside.
Those of you who know Shawn realize this fits perfectly with
his personality; he wouldn't want to be a cause of disruption, No
one bothered to ask Shawn what his intent was in going up the
stairs. Perhaps his mistake was trying to engage an obviously
angry and agitated person. But, that shouldn't be a firing offense.
Shawn is not someone to be aggressive and a threat. If you've
seen him at council meetings, he is extremely polite and respect-
ful. By all reports (except for the dubious accusations), he is a
gentle, hardworking and respected member of the planning com-
mission.
So what was this fiasco really all about? Was it an orchestrated
effort? It did feel like it was prearranged, and no information was
going to change the decision. It reminded me of the Iraq War: no
matter what the facts were, the powers that be wanted it to hap-
pen.
In this case, Mayor Palla wanted it to happen; in fact, he placed
it on the agenda himself. Was Joe offended by Shawn's beard? His
connection to the cannabis industry? His willingness to consider
alternative ideas on the planning commission? Or was it just
unsubstantiated accusations?
We'll probably never know. But what went down at that meet-
ing reflects more negatively on his accusers, and elements of the
city council, than it does on Shawn. He didn't deserve this. It
should never have happened.
What did happen was unfair and cruel. Too bad Shawn isn't
wealthy; he could hire an attorney to seek justice. Who would vol-
unteer to be on a city committee or commission, when those who
do are treated with such complete disrespect?
Eric Noel
Cloverdale
EDITORIAL POLICY: The Cloverdale Reveille welcomes letters to the
editor and commentaries. All acceptable submissions are published
online weekly and in print as space allows. Letters should not exceed
400 words. Commentaries should not exceed 700 words.
Submissions must include a telephone number for verification.
Emait to news@cloverdalereveille.com.
The First Amendment to the
United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof; or abridging
the freedom of speech, or of the
press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a
redress of grievances."
Commentary
Community preparedness
-ost places that you travel to,
Sonoma County included, have
.something called a hazard mitiga-
tion plan. It's required by federal law, and
local governments won't qualify federal and
James {lore state funds if they don't have a hazard miti-
gation plan.
The word mitigation is one that a lot of
people in the preparedness world use. The unfortunate part is
that people don't understand it. It's a government term. So it's
peculiar to have people in emergency services say, "The
future needs to be about a movement around mitigation."
Mitigation is really about causing less harm, or removing
all of the negative consequences of an action. For emergency
services, it's really synonymous with preparedness. It's fixing
potential problems before they happen.
Sonoma County had a hazard mitigation plan prior to Oct.
8, 2017, but we were really prepared for the disasters we had
encountered in the past, which were all slow moving. When
the river would flood we became more and more resilient,
time and time again. After those floods, we built houses up
higher. We required places that flood to build up to an addi-
tional 10 feet. We had incremental changes that amounted to
significant improvement over time. If we were to analyze
Sonoma County over the past four or five floods on the lower
river, you would find drastic differences, tens of thousands of
units of difference between a non-resilient community, which
flooded all the time, and what is now a resilient community.
Sonoma County has a long history of fire, but not as much
recently. We'd gotten just far enough away from the 30- and
40-year fire cycle, that we weren't paying as much attention.
In 1964, the Hanley and the Nunn's fires were basically equiva-
lent to the Tubbs and the Nunn's fires of 2017. But the major
difference was that the ferocity of this storm was so different,
so people can say: "You should have known," right? But you
say: "Yeah, it took two to four days for the fire to burn in the
past, and it took four hours for it to burn this time."
Going forward, let's start by looking to the past again and
realize that a year after the Hanley and Nunn's fires of'64,
there were more fires that destroyed more acreage than those.
More than 120,000 acres burned in 1965. This region still has
far more areas ready to burn, slide, flood and shake.
A report called the Community Wildfire Protection Plan by
a group called Fire Safe Sonoma shows that a full third of the
county's population of 500,000 lives in the wildland urban
interface. It's where everybody wants to live. Everybody
wants beautiful trees and landscapes. They want to be embed-
ded with nature, but with no risk.
We have a system to protect those 150,000 residents of
Sonoma County in the wildland urban interface. That system
isn't simply local government, but also includes community
organizations, churches, nonprofits and a close analysis of
other communities; those who are the best of best at being able
to organizationally manage preparedness, response, and
recovery. There are lessons to be learned from San Diego,
Santa Barbara, Lake County, Napa, further afield in
Oklahoma, the Florida Keys, New York and Harris County in
Texas. Even though those places encountered different types
of events, we need to look to see who has excelled at adapting
to systematically improve our operations.
Dissemination of information is vital, as is the understand-
ing that people get information from a wide variety of frag-
mented sources. The issue we face these days is that if you
send out an emergency alert, maybe some people have their
cell phone on, maybe others don't. We want to be issuing
alerts and making sure people know what's going on, but if
you send out too much information and alert people too often,
they become numb to it. For example, Santa Barbara sent a
series of alerts, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, during
the winter flooding in Montecito and only had 15 percent com-
pliance with a mandatory evacuation notice. Preparedness
has to be something that is embedded in the culture where you
live.
Ten thousand of the 77,000 people who live on the Florida
Keys decided not to evacuate during Hurricane Irma despite
the mandatory evacuation notice. They opted to ride it out
because they think, "I'm strong, I've been through this
before." This infuriates emergency managers because then
they have far more people left in harm's way.
But in the case of San Diego County, which saw four evacu-
ation orders in one winter, there's a saturation effect.
Potential evacuees might say, "I'm going to wait and see what
happens." Then all of a sudden, they're buried in mud.
Preparedness cannot live in a plan, or in an office. It has to
be threaded throughout a community, and it's on local leader-
ship to fix the gaps in our system that did not work. The first
of those was our alert system. The second was the lack of coor-
dination between entities.
We also need to focus on something called VOAD,
Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster. That would be
our churches and nonprofits all pulling together with a plan
for when there is an earthquake in Sonoma County like we
anticipate there being in the next 20 years.
In Oklahoma, there's an Emergency Health Corps, compris-
ing 2,000 people who can deploy at any time. These are all well-
trained people with certification and are highly organized vol-
unteers. Why? Because Oklahoma County has had 23 declared
disasters in the last 10 years. The system of preparedness
needs to be strong. It needs to be one that empowers communi-
ties to depend on themselves, because there's a certain
amount of people who would like to say, "I expect the most out
of government, but I trust it the least."
The reality is that the system of government is only going
to go so far. True resilience has to start at the individual and
community level, because people on the ground will know and
see what the dangers are around them and they will demand
more out of their government. It is a self-feeding, positive
cycle. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure.
James Gore is the Fourth District (north county) Supervisor
and the 2018 chair of the Sonoma County Board of
Supervisors.
OBITUARIES & MILESTONES Policy
The Cloverdale Reveille offers our readers and all others
the opportunity to have obituaries, memorials and other
important milestone events published in the newspaper
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information on how to submit, visit cloverdalereveille.com
and click on Obituaries. To be published in the weekly
edition, forms and information must be submitted no later
than Wednesdays for the following week's edition. For
further information, call (707) 894-3339.
CLOVERDALE REVEILLE
207 N. Cloverdale Blvd.
PO Box 157 CIoverdale, CA.
95425 (707) 894-3339
Adjudicated a newspaper of
general circulation by the
Superior Court of the County
of Sonoma, State of
California, under the date of
March 3, 1879, Case No.
36106.
FOR THE RECORD:
In last week's paper, our editorial
incorrectly stated that there are
58 national parks, four of which
are in California. There are 59
national parks and nine are in
California.
The Cloverdale Reveille reserves
space each week for corrections
and clarifications; for details email
news@cloverdalereveille.com.
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WEATHER LOG
DAY DATE HI LO RAIN
Mon Apr 2386 46 0
Tue Apr 2481 48 0
Wed Apr 2581 45 0
Thu Apr26 75 46 0
Fri Apr27 64 46 .011
Sat Apt 2859 48 .052
Sun Apr 2964 46 .001
Rain: 18.53 inches since Oct. 1,2017
California News
Publishers Association
"Better Newspapers
Contest" winner.
