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Sanders right on target

My apologies to (letter writer) Maggie Chenet. I can't find the article from May 13 (to which she referred) but could have sworn it said "Sonoma Rentals." We'll they are getting a lot of free publicity aren't they?

As far as the stores mentioned that have left the area, I am well aware that some were bought out by bigger corporations. Although some just sold out their Northern California operations and still exist in Southern California (like Ralph's market) or other parts of the county. There still is a Sears catalog store in Napa also ... the fact is, they were here.

I agree with you where large name stores should be located ... where else would we put them? And in order to stay green and for the economy, some are much-needed in our little community.

But an already large vacant building that Staples wants to come into shouldn't be a problem. The reason I pointed out the chain stores that already existed was that all that anyone was mentioned as Subway, McDonald's and Taco Bell, as if no other existed.

I have lived here all my life and have seen a lot of privately owned stores come and go. Also, Pioneer French Bakery, Martinson's Appliance, Lindley's Feed Store, Rubke's Gas Station and Ice Cream Stand, L&M Donut Shop, Hotz, Department store, Simmon's Pharmacy, Ruggles, Arden's Typewriter Store (Eve Arden's parents), A&D Market, the old pool hall on the Square with dog listening to the Victrola, just to name a few. I miss them all.

But people do retire or move to better locations and times change. One thing that has never changed is the heart of Sonoma, and we the people, are the heart of Sonoma.

And to Joanne Sanders, may I say your comments were right on ... Thanks.

Carmen Michels

Sonoma