People
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9/27/2008
Healdsburg was once a quiet agricultural land with fruit ochards and moderate wine growing area's .
Many people over the years have compared Healdsburg and Dry Creek Valley to parts of Germany and Italy
with beautiful Lake Sonoma as a great boating; recreation location . The valley and moutains inspire artists in all seasons ! Russian River and the Redwoods are also a great area for beauty and family recreation.
However, The last twenty years it has become a location for the wealthy who want their own wine labels and winerys at the expense of the native plants, Douglas Fir , California Live Oaks ; California Valley Oaks .
The Valley is still being striped of the above for grape vines; hill top homes that scar with out of balance architecture.
The public schools have declined to a C- average due to poor funding from the state ; with many non-speaking english students the limited amount of teachers must adjust to the needs of non speaking students .
Crime is not a problem , however city's close to Healdsburg such as Santa Rosa ; Windsor have seen an increase in gang violence . Police and Fire Departments are good
With more than 20% of the homes over one million dollars it is not a place for starting families unless of course you have lots of money! Finally what was once a friendly agricultural area has been replaced for the most part by a snobbish class of wealthy land owners with selfish interests not benificial to schools , libraries, and native habitat. A city that is concered about tourists , wine and wealthy citizens .
Robert | Healdsburg, CA