LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - OCTOBER 1995

ANOTHER GUNSLINGER

Editor:
After reading Marie Gravelle's extremely interesting article on "Fund-raising Top Guns" of Humboldt County and your related editorial (September), I am prompted to advise you of another great gunslinger -- our own secret weapon.

I refer to Dee Daneri of Fortuna. A charter life member of Humboldt Botanical Gardens Foundation, she has been directly responsible for programs generating over $81,000 for our project, which is aimed at bringing a world-class botanical garden to the region.

How does she do it?

Dee uses a powerful combination of creative thinking, enthusiasm and the ability to mobilize others. Her direct efforts have brought in $50,000 this year alone through a direct-mail campaign that increased our membership by about 250 in just two months and raised $5,000, and a bench campaign that has raised $45,000 in just six months. The other $31,000 represents proceeds during the past three years from our annual Garden Tour, Tea and Plant Sale, initially conceived and orchestrated by Daneri in 1993.

The bench campaign has a $100,000 goal. We have no doubt that Dee will bring in the remaining $55,000 in 1996. And she has more fund-raising programs germinating.

Irene Van Natter
Executive vice president, Humboldt Botanical Gardens Foundation

TO THE PILLORY

Editor:
While I think the article was well-written and showed diligent research in the subject, I want to express by displeasure with your cover story title.

"Top Guns" is a phrase that belongs in the military, and it is best left there. To refer to people who raise funds for humanitarian purposes as top guns is both incongruous and insensitive, and it is a bad metaphor to boot.

Go spend a week in the editorial pillory and may you be cleansed before the next issue is out.

Lance Hardie, Arcata

DEDICATION, ZEAL

Editor:
Let's not forget Helen Everett, who had been chief librarian at Humboldt State University and a long time member of the Friends of the Redwoods Libraries.

It was her persistence and devotion to the cause of a central building for the County Library, needed since 1972, that encouraged the Friends to pursue after initiating the fund-raising drive.

Under her direction and against many odds, from 1972 until her death, her dedication and zeal kept the Friends energized and supportive of the effort with many thousands of dollars ($33,450) and finally the gift of the fine Hallenbeck table in her memory.

With many thanks for the fine September issue,

Evelyn Bennett, president
Friends of the Redwood Libraries

POLITICAL WINDS

Editor:
The vote by the Eureka City Council on Sept. 19 to overturn laws already carefully crafted in regard to planned development of Woodley Island for maritime usage is a clear indication of a lack of vision and commitment toward developing the Eureka City waterfront.

I think it should be self-evident that there is a correlation between the alarming increase in predatory vagrants, who are driving potential customers from our city, and our disgraceful waterfront that lies in ruins.

What kind of message does this send to the citizens who have invested their dollars, time and knowledge to create the businesses that are the core of existence of this community?

The primary rule of business is location, location, location. And this vote breaks that rule in every way possible.

If a motel and restaurant are built on the end of Woodley Island, the congestion will result in everybody being dissatisfied. Motel guests will be isolated from easy access to all other services. Anyone not staying in this motel or eating in the restaurant -- in other words, people who don't pay for it -- will be denied the view and the open space that their taxes already paid for to develop for all to enjoy.

What about the commercial and recreational boating public? No more space, forever, for maritime-related services?

The existing road will be insufficient and who will pay for the upgrades? This is one of the last ungated marinas in California. Will gates have to be added? Who pays?

This marina presently closes to the public at 11 each night for the safety of the boating public. Who pays for the additional security?

I thought that one of Eureka's stated goals was to develop services and facilities for the boating public. We have a huge advantage and opportunity over other communities via our Humboldt Bay and access to the oceans of the world through our port.

Does Eureka have a plan or are we to be blown hither and yon by the political winds of the moment?

Bruce Braly, Eureka

OUR MONEY'S WORTH

Editor:
It is not often that voters have the opportunity to bring about great community improvement without having to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for it.

This letter is written because of a strong wish to garner all possible concerned interest in and voting support for Measure J on the November ballot. The McKinleyville Community Services District is asking the voters' approval to build a McKinleyville Public Library.ä

MCSD can build the library using existing funding from the property tax increment now available.

McKinleyville citizens' taxes help pay for public library services. Let's got to the polls and make possible a way to really get our money's worth.

Robert and Colleen Hedrick, McKinleyville

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