When I got the local Sonoma West Times and News, I always turned first to the “Letters to the Editor” to read what was on the minds of people around town. Sometimes outrageous, sometimes plodding, the letters were always amusing, if not thoughtful.

Here, at Sebastopol Times, we’d like to bring back the “Letters” as a regular feature. However, we don’t accept typewritten letters, as the Times and News once preferred. You can use the Community comments feature to write a post that others can respond to.

Be Wacco. Don’t be Wacco

The local bulletin board, WaccoBB, founded by Barry Chertov, closed during Covid. In article about the closing, written by Laura Hagar Rush for the Sonoma West Times and News and posted on WaccoBB, Barry talked about the discouraging rise in conspiracy theories and misinformation exchanged on the open platform. It contributed to his decision to shut it down.

Out of respect for WaccoBB, I say, let’s be better than that. Be the Wacco that for many years was a useful forum for many, just like the “Letters to the editor” section. Don’t be the Wacco that became such a “sh*tshow” that it shut down.

Be kind. Keep it local. Be respectful.

As the Chinese saying goes, “May You Live in Interesting Times.” Talk about what you find interesting in these times. We’d love to hear what’s on your mind.