Against drive-through
EDITOR: Dear city council members: the McDonald’s parking lot is not capable of handling Starbucks moving into the old McDonald’s building. The fact that Starbucks will apparently be adding a drive-through makes it doubly problematic. There is only one way in and out of that parking lot, and there is a “Right Turn Only” sign as you exit. If you allow Starbucks to go in, it will become immediately obvious that the only possible remedy will be another light on Highway 116.
I seriously doubt the majority of Sebastopol residents would be in favor of another stoplight, especially when we already have a perfectly adequate Starbucks two blocks away. But even a light with a left turn signal will not work, because the front of the parking lot will be bottlenecked by the volume of drive-through patrons. This will mean vehicles attempting to turn into the parking lot won’t always be able to, and will be sticking out, partially or fully, onto Highway 116.
If you picture that parking lot, and the logistics, it won’t work. The drive-through will fill up, so incoming cars will have nowhere to go and will not be able to enter the lot, and those cars that have made it into the lot won’t be able to turn left inside the lot to park, because of the backed-up stream of vehicles trying to exit, that are blocking the parkers.
You have accidents waiting to happen if Starbucks is allowed to move in there and operate a drive-through. My hope is that you put your clever hats on and figure out a way to halt the project, from a public safety perspective. Please let me know if you plan to do anything to stop this project. If I don’t hear back from you, I’ll chalk it up as a no and conclude that you are in favor of the project and have disregarded my warnings.
Ted Gross
Sebastopol
Crazy adventure
EDITOR: Once again old Palm Drive Hospital is in the news, this time with some scheme to take/give big dollars to some Florida firm with little experience in running hospitals to establish drug testing and possible rehab here in Sebastopol. This when NBC News recently ran a story about major fraud and abuse in this industry in Florida. Why here? Are we just asking for trouble?
It’s time for some in-depth investigative reporting to find out what is really happening. More to the point, it’s time to shut the doors of this crazy adventure before we are truly drowning in debt, lawsuits, accusations and incriminations. Should have happened years ago.
David Little
Sebastopol
Shameless gift
EDITOR: SB 649 is a shameless gift to the wireless industry. SB 649 will put cell antennas on every block in every neighborhood in California. Unlimited companies will be able to install unlimited antennas with an over the counter permit.
The fact that these antennas are so-called “small cell” does not mean they are safe. The FCC calculates radiation safety by what the public exposure levels are, including frequencies, radiated power, and distance. SB 649 abandons the public to trust the wireless industry to certify radiation safety.
SB 649 eliminates local zoning authority, conflicts with federal laws, and increases harmful wireless radiation. Independent scientists are calling for immediate measures to reduce radiation to protect children, public health and nature.
Over 120 cities oppose it, including Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa. Contact your State Assembly member and Senator to oppose SB 649.
Sandi Maurer, Director, EMF Safety Network
Sebastopol
