Letters to the Editor Debate Investigative Journalism, SMART Train, and Retirement COLAs

Readers weigh in on the role of the press, public transit funding, and compensation for retired county workers.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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In a series of letters to the editor, readers discuss the importance of investigative journalism in defending democracy, express support for the SMART train and its funding, and call on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to reinstate cost-of-living adjustments for retired county employees.

Why it matters

These letters highlight ongoing debates around the role of the media, the future of public transportation, and the financial security of retired public sector workers - all issues that impact the local community.

The details

The letters cover a range of topics, including the vital role of investigative reporting in uncovering government corruption and misconduct, the controversy over the SMART train's funding and a book criticizing the system, and the financial struggles faced by retired county workers due to the lack of cost-of-living adjustments since 2008.

  • The letters were published on February 28, 2026.

The players

Linda Robinett

A resident of Sebastopol who argues that investigative journalism is the "bulwark of democracy" and provides examples of important investigative reporting throughout history.

Valerie White

A resident of Healdsburg who expresses strong support for the SMART train and encourages people to read a book about the Tubbs Fire, which she says highlights the role of the Gallaher family, who are opposed to the train.

Denny Olmsted

A resident of Napa who criticizes what he sees as a lack of balance in an opinion piece about the Justice Department's pursuit of Trump's enemies, arguing that the Biden administration has also engaged in similar tactics.

Jane Weiskopf

A retired Sonoma County employee who is struggling financially due to the lack of cost-of-living adjustments for retirees since 2008, and is calling on the Board of Supervisors to reconsider their denials of these adjustments.

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What they’re saying

“Good investigative reporters do. They are the bulwark of democracy.”

— Linda Robinett (The Press Democrat)

“I would say a quarter-cent sales tax is a small contribution each of us can make to have this service.”

— Valerie White (The Press Democrat)

“But that was obviously too much to expect from a typically progressive academic with an ax to grind.”

— Denny Olmsted (The Press Democrat)

“Therefore, I'm asking the board to please reconsider their denials. Many retirees are counting on reinstated COLAs.”

— Jane Weiskopf (The Press Democrat)

The takeaway

These letters highlight the ongoing debates around the role of the media, the future of public transportation, and the financial security of retired public sector workers - all issues that impact the local community and require continued engagement and discussion.