- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Letters to the Editor Debate Election Fraud, Trump Impeachment, and Downtown Development
Readers weigh in on verifying 2020 election evidence, holding leaders accountable, and prioritizing pedestrians over cars in Santa Rosa.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
In a series of letters to the editor, readers discuss the need for transparency around alleged 2020 election fraud, the justification for impeaching former President Trump, and concerns over a proposal to convert a pedestrian space into a driveway and parking lot in downtown Santa Rosa.
Why it matters
These letters highlight the ongoing political divisions and debates around issues like election integrity, presidential accountability, and urban planning priorities. They reflect the diverse perspectives of local community members and their desire to hold leaders and policymakers accountable.
The details
The letters cover several key topics. One reader demands that any evidence of 2020 election fraud be publicly presented, arguing that unsubstantiated claims undermine democratic principles. Another reader contends that Trump should have been impeached for a range of abuses, from foreign policy decisions to corruption, and warns that failing to hold leaders accountable will lead to worse transgressions. Lastly, a reader criticizes a proposal to replace a pedestrian space with vehicle access, arguing that this would undermine efforts to make downtown Santa Rosa more walkable and vibrant.
- The letters were published on March 6, 2026.
The players
Dave Heaney
A reader from Petaluma who demands that any verifiable evidence of 2020 election fraud be publicly presented.
Sarah J. Phillips
A reader from Santa Rosa who argues that it was essential to impeach former President Trump for his abuses of power, and warns that failing to hold leaders accountable will lead to worse transgressions.
Stephenie McCollum
A reader from Santa Rosa who criticizes a proposal to replace a pedestrian space in downtown with a driveway and parking lot, arguing that this would undermine efforts to make the area more walkable and vibrant.
What they’re saying
“If there is evidence of fraud in the 2020 election, present it”
— Dave Heaney, Reader (The Press Democrat)
“In hindsight I firmly believe it was essential for the rule of law to prosecute Donald Trump through the impeachment process for extorting Volodymyr Zelenskyy and inciting a riot on Jan. 6, and in court for withholding classified documents in his resort ballroom.”
— Sarah J. Phillips, Reader (The Press Democrat)
“Pedestrian spaces are not empty gaps waiting to be filled with cars. They are what make downtown feel inviting and worth spending time in. When we trade walkability for another driveway, we undermine local businesses, public life and the city's own long-standing plans for more pedestrian-friendly streets.”
— Stephenie McCollum, Reader (The Press Democrat)
The takeaway
These letters reflect the ongoing political and civic debates within the local community, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and a focus on creating vibrant, people-centered public spaces. They underscore the importance of local residents engaging with and shaping the issues that impact their communities.
