TID booster
EDITOR: In response to the commentary “Putting tourism to work for Sebastopol,” (Kirk Lok, July 12, 2018): I am in agreement with the suggestion to implement a TID (Tourism Improvement District) program to enhance opportunities in promoting Sebastopol as a destination for visitors, along with increased activity from and for local residents. This would serve as a viable and sustainable alternative to the 20 percent increase in TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax).
Sebastopol deserves and currently requires a recognizable identity which places this viable community within reach of the myriad of visitors traveling throughout Sonoma County. Branding creates the message which reveals the “there” here as unique, special, welcoming and above all, recognizable and sustainable.
We are challenged with traffic congestion, minimal parking, nominal choices for lodging and defining destination.
Promoting Sebastopol and surrounding areas is crucial in securing visitors (especially overnight) to enjoy so very much. This could be accomplished should business and community leaders participate in this initiative toward identification (branding): “proactive community-wide marketing effort.”
Yet, I do not think that this is “in competition against other cities and others in the county for market share.” We are all dedicated to capture the opportunities and benefits of tourism, while enhancing the quality of life for our citizens as a result.
Participation in the TID as creating, then sustaining, identity makes more sense than increasing the tax upon lodging.
Barbara Harris
Sebastopol
Kiwanis thanks
EDITOR: From the bottom of our collective hearts, the members of the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club would like to thank everyone who made this year’s July 3 fireworks and music festival the huge success that it was.
We like to think we put on the best party in town, but it would never happen without the support of our financial sponsors (mostly local businesses and residents), the West County School District, the Sebastopol Police and Fire departments, and the members of our club, their family and friends, who volunteer endless hours to make all the magic happen.
See you again next year!
Patti Stack
Sebastopol Kiwanis Club
Volunteer drivers needed
EDITOR: Every day, thousands of cancer patients often need a ride to and from their treatments. In the absence of available and affordable transportation, patients have difficulty obtaining needed medical care. That’s why volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program is so important.
Volunteer drivers that donate their time and vehicle can provide as many rides as they want. As a Road To Recovery volunteer driver and cancer survivor, I know that when cancer hits, it hits from all sides. Lacking transportation to treatments shouldn’t be one of the problems, that’s why I volunteer.
To learn more about the program visit cancer.org/drive or call the Santa Rosa society office at 545-6720.
Ken Mooney, Volunteer Driver, American Cancer Society
Sebastopol
Love fulfills the law
EDITOR: In the July 12 edition of the newspaper, former minister Bob Jones mentions the attempt to justify inhumane tactics of separating refugee children from their parents at the border by quoting from Romans 13 in the New Testament.
I appreciated Jones’ history of that passage. But Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in citing that Biblical passage, failed to read its conclusion (I’ve excerpted): “Love Fulfills the Law: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. And whatever other commands there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Marcia Singer
Santa Rosa
