Notes of Asphalt
Martyn Lee’s recent article in the Bohemian (“Local Legacy vs. Big Business in Quarry Quarrel,” March 26) sounds quaint and homey. “BUSINESS AS USUAL Trucks trundling along Highway 116.” The trucks “trundling” sounds so quaint; it’s actually quite the opposite.
The truth is the gravel trucks speed through town around 100 times a day stirring up dust, noise, exhaust and anxieties. Most citizens of Forestville are against Canyon Rock Quarry’s (CR) proposal to build an industrial asphalt facility one mile from our downtown tasting rooms, restaurants, schools, playgrounds, parks and tourism.
I’m a member of the Russian River Community Cares group that opposes CR’s idea. We’ve collected 700 contacts from people against, and the numbers keep growing. We aren’t NIMBYs; we know asphalt is necessary, but it belongs in an industrial area.
Lee’s article states, in 2010 CR was court ordered to pay litigation fees and $16,000 per year to mitigate the quarry’s impact on the town; it’s not out of the kindness of their hearts. CR’s proposal on scenic Hwy. 116 is in a designated high-risk fire area by Cal Fire. It’s in the middle of a forest, next to environmentally sensitive Green Valley Creek and would have significant environmental impacts. This is Wine Country, not Asphalt Country.
Mary Rand
Forestville
Mad Money
In Elon Musk we see the delusion that being rich gives him authority. The reality is that he pays for access to power. Musk has proven that he does not have the skill-set to head DOGE. He generates heartless chaos and destruction, not efficiency.
Donald Trump also generates heartless chaos and destruction. Those wanting to stay in Trump’s favor lie in defense of his lies. Trump is morally unfit to be president. We must stand in non-violent opposition to these two. We must demand moral leadership for our country.
Theresa R. Melia
Graton
