History and heritage

EDITOR: Please add my name to the list of native Santa Rosans who are incensed over the plan to develop land surrounding the Carrillo Adobe. I would say that I am appalled this proposal was even being considered, but given the elected official's past and present record of disregard for all things historical, I am certainly not surprised.

Growing up in Santa Rosa I have witnessed the shams that local government has used to raze the remnants of our heritage in favor of a more modern city. While most communities revere their places of history, our elected officials have used the guise of urban renewal to demolish anything that reeks of the past or isn't contemporary enough. Most notable was when officials determined the potential for falling debris was hazardous and stripped the old Courthouse of its neo-classical facade, creating such an eyesore that demolition was preferable. Where the box we call a library now stands was once a beautiful old ivy-covered, stone wall Carnegie Library, also deemed as unsafe to the public. Add to that, two remnants of the movie palace age, the California and Roxy theatres, as well as the Scottish Rite Temple.

Most progressive communities have been able to balance the preservation of their history while still meeting the needs of a growing community. Native Santa Rosans should be ashamed of themselves for allowing the desecration of yet more history and heritage without vehement protest.

CARY YERVES

Santa Rosa