Letters to the Editor Debate Education Funding, Airport Noise, and Billionaire Wealth Tax

Readers weigh in on issues facing Santa Rosa and Sonoma County communities.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In a series of letters to the editor, readers discuss the need for increased funding for public education, concerns about noise and pollution from the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, and support for a proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on California billionaires to support healthcare access.

Why it matters

These letters highlight key issues impacting local communities, from the quality of public schools to the environmental and quality of life concerns around airport expansion, as well as the debate over how to fund critical public services like healthcare. The perspectives shared reflect the diverse views and priorities of residents in the region.

The details

The letters cover a range of topics, with one reader urging for more funding and support for public education, arguing that it is "about creating a community and safe place for kids, fostering their ability to grow up with hope for future opportunities." Another letter raises questions about the transparency and effectiveness of the SMART train system, suggesting voters should "look at the details and make an informed vote" on a proposed tax extension. A third letter calls for compensation for Forestville residents impacted by noise and pollution from the Sonoma County airport, while a fourth supports a proposed wealth tax on California billionaires to fund healthcare access.

  • The letters were published on February 25, 2026.

The players

Keith Donaldson

A resident of Hidden Valley Lake who is disappointed in the state of Santa Rosa City Schools and calls for making funding for public education a higher priority.

Ken Richter

A Santa Rosa resident who read a book critical of the SMART train system and encourages voters to look closely at the details before deciding on a tax measure extension.

Kevin Parsons

A Forestville resident who is concerned about the impacts of the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport on the local community and believes residents should be compensated.

Lisa Rice

A Santa Rosa resident living with cancer who supports a proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on California billionaires to fund healthcare access.

Hans Beerbaum

A Petaluma resident who shares his perspective on the anti-Trump movement and the future of American democracy after Trump leaves office.

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What they’re saying

“Education is so much more than just teaching subject matter to young people. It's about creating a community and safe place for kids, fostering their ability to grow up with hope for future opportunities.”

— Keith Donaldson, Resident, Hidden Valley Lake (Press Democrat)

“Looking ahead to the June election, the question is whether we continue to fund a publicly subsidized financial liability by extending a sales tax. Encourage everyone to look at the details and make an informed vote.”

— Ken Richter, Resident, Santa Rosa (Press Democrat)

“The corporations and businesses around the airport and those who want to visit other places can take a bus to Oakland or San Francisco. We would also lose our small airport feeling. Change is not always the better.”

— Kevin Parsons, Resident, Forestville (Press Democrat)

“This isn't about working families or small businesses — it targets individuals with billions in wealth. For ordinary families, every dollar counts. For billionaires, a one-time 5% tax is negligible.”

— Lisa Rice, Resident, Santa Rosa (Press Democrat)

What’s next

The proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on California billionaires will be on the ballot in the June 2026 election, giving voters the chance to weigh in on the measure.

The takeaway

These letters highlight the diverse range of issues and perspectives within the Santa Rosa and Sonoma County communities, from the need for increased education funding to concerns over airport expansion and support for taxing the ultra-wealthy to fund critical public services. The debate over these local issues reflects the broader political and social divides playing out across the country.