Opinion and Commentary By Donna Westfall – April 26, 2026 Here's are excerpts from the City letter about water/sewer customers and rate increases: "Dated April 6, 2026 Good morning Donna, Please see the responsive records attached to this email for eligible parcels for both water and sewer. PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS FOR ELIGIBLE PARCEL INFORMATION SEWER As of April 6, 2026, the number of eligible parcels to protest sewer rates was 3,596. The assessor parcel numbers associated with those eligible parcels are included on the attached list. The total number of eligible parcels could change if additional parcels sign up for sewer service prior to the June 1st public hearing/protest count. WATER As of April 6, 2026, the number of eligible parcels to protest water rates was 4,040. The assessor parcel numbers associated with those eligible parcels are included on the attached list. This number could change if additional parcels sign up for water service prior to the June 1st public hearing/protest count." Here's the excerpt from the letter about water rates: "What do the water service rates fund? The Crescent City Water Department provides water service to approximately 16,000 water consumers." NOWHERE IN THE ENTIRE LETTER DOES IT STATE THAT THEY HAVE 4,040 WATER RATE PAYING CUSTOMERS. Should we conclude that of those 4,040 water rate paying customers a total of 16,000 people are water consumers? What do you think? Deceptive or not? At any rate, if you want to protest the increase in rates; fill out the form. Turn it in to 937 J St where we keep track and then turn the originals into the City. By the way, we're 10% of the way there. We reached our goal of 200 this weekend. We have a new goal of 500 by next weekend. We need 2,000 signed petitions by May 31st. Thank you to all those folks collecting signatures and sitting outside Safeway and Walmart. You can also sign petitions or pick up blanks at: By My Hand at 415 J St Open 10-4 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed Wednesday and Sunday. Steve's Welding and Blacksmithing located at 150 Nelson St. Open 9-5 Monday – Saturday. St. Vincent de Paul's at 1440 Parkway Open 9-4 Monday – Friday Smoke Shop by Starbucks 450 US Hwy 101 Open 7 days a week. 8 am – 8 pm Monday – Saturday and 10 am -7 pm Sunday. We will announce the date for the next Press Conference/rally soon. And lastly, remember to attend the City Council meeting to be held May 4, 2026 at 6 pm.