Letters to the Editor 10-11-12

Pomo Honoring Month
Editor: For 13,000 years the Pomo people lived in this region. They still do.
October marks the 3rd year of honoring the Pomo – their history, their lives and their continued presence in our area.
Summer was the season when thousands of people from different tribes gathered around the abundant Laguna, encircling it with their many encampments. It was a time when grizzly bears ambled through forests; wolves, foxes and wildcats roamed the hills; pronghorn antelope herds grazed across the plain and hills and skies were darkened by migrating birds and clouds of monarch butterflies. It was a time for intermingling, hunting, fishing, sharing stories and gossip, swimming, basket weaving, dancing, courting, marrying, gaming and celebrating life.
Events honoring Pomo history include:
Through Oct. 28, Sandy Eastoak paintings, Sebastopol Gallery, 150 North Main Street, Sebastopol; Oct. 13 at 3 p.m., Edward Willie, “Indigenous View of Permaculture,” at the Laguna Foundation Center, 900 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa; Oct. 21 at 12:30 p.m., Pomo Youth Dance Group at the Sebastopol Farmers’ Market in the Downtown Plaza; Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. there will be a showing of the film “Hinth’el Gaahnula: A Narrative History of Clear Lake Pomo through 1900,” at Aubergine, 755 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.
For more information, go to www.pomo-honoring.org.
Angela Ford
Sebastopol
Disagreeable
Editor: The Sonoma West publisher wrote the editorial “Disagreement sustained” (Sept. 20). He appropriately referred to the attack “letters to the editor.” Martin Webb has certainly crossed the line of civility in a recent letter. The publisher and editor are in a position to prevent this kind of letter from being published. This would certainly elevate the level of dialogue in the paper. Thank you.
Meg Brittan
Sebastopol
Nix the ‘gasbags’
Editor: It would be better for the community if letter writers would not name call, but instead stay with the issues: CVS/Chase, the general plan, and the future for Sebastopol. If the “quieter majority” is represented by Mr. Pera, (“Whine club,” Oct. 4), calling people he disagrees with “gasbags,” “misfits” and “ill spirited,” then I fear what the more vocal members of this quieter group may say. So here are the issues worth talking about. The general plan is due for an update, and after all is said, the city council will make the final determination. No one can ever say for certain what a candidate or incumbent will finally do, but there is enough evidence in the record to be concerned about who gets elected. Both Austin and Shaffer support the CVS/Chase project. Both Eder and Jacob represent very vocal opposition. Even though big parking lots fill our downtown area in a sea of asphalt in front of chain stores Rite-Aid, Safeway and Whole Foods, we are in for more of the same if CVS/Chase gets through. Other choice locations will likely come up for grabs.  The General Plan already reflects values violated by the CVS/Chase proposal, but it could be weakened instead of being strengthened, depending who gets elected. If you think CVS/Chase is a good idea, then by all means vote for Austin and Shaffer. They have shown by example that they do not oppose these kinds of projects. If you have a vision for a pedestrian friendly, less trafficked, and small town atmosphere for Sebastopol, then please do two things: vote for Eder and Jacob, then join them and the rest of the community in shaping a general plan that protects us from corporate invasion and inappropriate growth.
Richard Nichols
Sebastopol
Back on track
Editor: It’s time. Yes, it’s time to get Sebastopol back on track.
The last few years have seen Sebastopol devolve into a city antagonistic to business, unrealistic fiscally and apparently unconcerned about the consequences. It’s time to remedy this situation and it can be done by restructuring the membership of the current City Council.
There are two candidates running for office who have proven qualities that will serve this city well; experience, clarity of vision and fiscal responsibility. These two women, Kathleen Shaffer and Kathy Austin, have the afore-mentioned abilities and also believe in collaborating with the entire community by bringing people together.
It’s time to secure Sebastopol’s future.
William E. Yoes
Board member,
Sustainable Sebastopol
Not a pipe dream
Editor: It’s been over 10 years since I first came to Sebastopol and knew “this is the place!” There are so many reasons why I am grateful for this town and there are new reasons almost daily for my continued satisfaction with “my (adopted) hometown.”
One of the latest developments concerns my health and medical problems. I am in a catch 22 situation, which includes the need for a hip replacement and my inability to undergo an operation because of my idiopathic (unknown cause) disease. I am unable to take most pain relievers because of the condition.
The only thing I have found that helps me manage the pain is medical marijuana, which is thank goodness legally available in California. Not only have the capsules I am taking now help to relieve my pain and allow for a good night’s sleep, but I am told I’ve become a nicer person.
Over five years ago the City Council passed a model medical marijuana dispensary ordinance. Robert Jacob and five other members of the board established the nonprofit Peace in Medicine dispensary in Sebastopol. It has become a state-of-the-art dispensary for the 17 states and Washington D.C. where medical marijuana is legal.
Unlike the misleading article and illustration in a free, weekly publication a few weeks ago, we members are not all 18 to 40 males. The last time I went to Peace in Medicine there were seven of us waiting for it to open. None of us will ever see 65 again. We all expressed gratitude that Peace in Medicine is in Sebastopol.
And what has the town gained having the dispensary here? Over the last five years Peace in Medicine has collected $2.5 million in sales tax for the city coffers. It employs 50 young women and men, who receive full benefits, and are a plus for our town. I have found the staff to be professional, knowledgeable and helpful.
In fact, the whole operation is quite professional from the certification process to acceptance into membership. This didn’t just happened. It took careful planning and a deep-rooted mission to provide health services to our community.
Although the Executive Director Jacob did not act alone, he is the guiding hand for the dispensary. He continues to work with local, state and federal agencies and government officials. He raised startup funds and has set a high standard for the operation.
The thing I like the most about Jacob is his enthusiasm, vision and ability to bring folks together to hash out their differences and reach mutually acceptable solutions. He listens and he is accessible. His youth (he’s 35) is a plus as far as I am concerned. We need the younger generations to be part of governance and the future of our town. They are after all the inheritors.
Robert Jacob gets my vote for City Council. I encourage you to join me.
Deanne Thompson
Sebastopol
Not quaint
Editor: As a 67-year resident of Sebastopol, I find myself-once again-subject to a blurb from an interest group that tells me my memories of what I’ve lived through here are wrong.
To many folks of my vintage, anything east of Petaluma Avenue is “heading out of town,” not “downtown;” and it’s always been mostly businesses. A gas station, a market, two car dealerships, a tire service, Barlow’s, the cold storage, the vinegar works, the Lyons’ Magnus cherry processing plant, St. Sebastian’s Church and other things have occupied the space east from Petaluma Avenue to the Pellini’s house opposite Morris Street.
It seems folks have short memories. Much has changed since I was born at Palm Drive Hospital in 1945 and went K-8 at Park Side, and much will, but Sebastopol was never the quaint place some people want to believe it to have been.
Steve Stedman
Sebastopol
Sustainability
Editor: I’m Erik Ohlsen the owner of Permaculture Artisans, a local Permaculture landscaping company here in Sebastopol. We have been in business for seven years and employ a full-time staff of 10 people that work on ecological landscapes and farms.
I am voting for Robert Jacob because he understands the importance of ecological regeneration and supports businesses that do this work. I know that Robert will work hard to restore the Laguna de Santa Rosa and to improve our city’s landscapes.
Too often, we have landscapes that do little more than waste our city’s water and maintenance time. Instead, we can design systems that directly support our community and the ecology, while also storing water and keeping pollution out of the Laguna.
This November, join me in supporting a leader for Sebastopol who will work to make economic decisions that also support the environment. I urge you to vote for Robert Jacob for City Council.
Erik Ohlsen
Sebastopol
Understands issues
Editor: I am writing in support of Kathy Austin for Sebastopol City Council. Kathy has been an active member of our community for more than 20 years. She has previously served on the Sebastopol Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council. Kathy has also been involved in many community projects, including the development of the original wooden Super Playground at Libby Park (next to Brook Haven School), and the Dog Park at Ragle Ranch Park. She is also the founder of “Doxies on Parade”, a regular attraction in the annual Apple Blossom Parade. Kathy is an architect, specializing in the design of sustainable infill, mixed use, and affordable housing developments. She is also a talented artist, with her works featured in several local galleries.
I know Kathy to be intelligent and thoughtful, and also passionate about the welfare of Sebastopol. I remember her previous performance on the City Council as being moderate, balanced, sensible, and fair. She studied the issues, and was always well-informed and prepared. She considered all sides objectively, and made reasonable and rational decisions. Kathy listened to, and was always respectful to, all members of the community.
Sebastopol is just beginning the process of reviewing and updating it’s General Plan. The General Plan establishes Sebastopol’s environmental, social, and economic goals. Once adopted, the General Plan stays in effect for 20 years. It is critical that the General Plan is properly considered and updated, to recognize current conditions and anticipate future needs, so as to provide for the high quality of life, economic prosperity, and responsible growth that we in Sebastopol desire and expect. The last time the General Plan was updated, in 1994, Kathy Austin was on the Planning Commission, and she was very much involved in that process.
With her understanding of local issues, her environmental values, her concerns for fiscal responsibility, and her extensive past experience, Kathy Austin is well qualified and perfectly suited to the task of helping to guide Sebastopol toward a healthy and thriving future.
Please consider voting for Kathy Austin for Sebastopol City Council this November.
Colin Doyle
Sebastopol Planning Commissioner
Connections
Editor: Recently in Sonoma West, there was a name that looked familiar: Bob Green. Went back to my archive of Letters to the Editor and found his submission from Sept. 27, signed as “Robert Green, Treasurer, Friends of Re-Elect Kathleen Shaffer for City Council 2012.” Another seat held by Bob Green was Chair of the Planning Commission that discussed the CVS/Chase application to move to downtown Sebastopol. Planning Commissioners stated many reasons to withhold approval and voted 4 to 2 to deny it. Bob Green was one of the two who voted to approve.
What advanced the project was that, with Mr. Green as Chair, the Planning Commission findings were not recorded and transmitted to the City Council. Absent such findings, the City Council was advised by staff it should overturn the Planning Commision denial, and so it did, with only Councilmember Gurney objecting.
Bob Green is Sebastopol City Councilmember Kathleen Shaffer’s husband. This sheds a whole new light on the phrase “under the radar.” Am I the only one who finds that scenario discomfiting?
As we know, the matter was not sent back to the Planning Commission for findings so that it could properly go through due process; a democratic process.
Want more of the same? I don’t. Please.
Vote for Sebastopol. Vote for John Eder and Robert Jacob.
Bill Shortridge
Sebastopol
Known quantity
Editor: I have known Kathy Austin for over 35 years. She is one of the most honest, ethical and hardworking people I know. I know she cares passionately about Sebastopol and its future. I believe she is offering herself for public service again after a twelve year absence because she feels she still has lots of expertise and energy to give. She has experience. Kathy served on the Planning Commission for four years and the City Council for four years, one as Mayor. She believes in the rule of law and fairness to all. She listens carefully and does her research before making up her mind on an issue. She does not bring any preconceived agendas to the table. She is tenacious, working for six years to help bring an off leash dog park to Ragle Park. During her time in office Kathy was also working hard as a single mother, and is deeply loved by her two grown sons. As an architect, she has served her profession at the local, state and national board level for over eight years. She has contributed to the community by her architectural designs that exemplify smart growth, sustainability and small town charm. I know that she will make an excellent council woman again. Join me and vote for Kathy Austin for Sebastopol City Council.
John Katchmer
Sebastopol
Knows the candidates
Editor: As we head into the final month of the race for Sebastopol City Council and the final few weeks before we go to the polls, it is sad to see a town and a community so divided, over a single piece of property. It seems there is only one thing you should consider in making your decision about who to vote for: whether the candidate supports or opposes CVS/Chase to buy and build on the Pellini families property at the corner of highways 12 and 116.
I may be old fashioned because I think there are some things much more important to consider: the candidate’s character, honesty and commitment to listening to the citizens whom they represent.
On a community level, I know all five of the candidates, four of them much better than Colleen Fernald, I have heard them speak at Design Review Board, Planning Commission and City Council meetings. I believe in full disclosure: I’ve known Robert Jacob since he first appeared before the Planning Commission to get approval for a special use permit in June 2007 for a medical cannabis dispensary in Sebastopol; over the past five years, we have become friends.
Kathy Austin, I first met at a Planning Commission meeting about the Litchfield subdivision. There were several meetings about this project. The neighbors were concerned about traffic impacts and the fact that, for many years, the City had considered the property as a possible site for a City park.
Kathleen Shaffer, I have meet and talked with at many different fundraisers or public events and of course as a City Councilmember. My position is that, as an elected official, you represent the people who elected you. You do not send out messages “under the radar.”
John Eder, I had seen at various meetings, but had not actually talked with until September 2012. I was very impressed in talking with him by his accomplishments in Cotati as part of a citizens’ group. His first foray into politics was working with a Citizen’s group in Cotati, his accomplishments in Cotati as part of a citizens’ group, where he led the effort to get a measure on the ballot for the voters of Cotati to decide whether they wanted the largest Lucky’s supermarket in Northern California at the corner of Gravenstein and Old Redwood Highways. Fearful of the damage to their small town’s character, the citizens of Cotati voted to approve the measure, thereby limiting the size of retail stores. After that, he was elected to the City Council in Cotati. He accomplished many things while in office, including the hiring of a new city manager and the hosting of several urban design workshops that involved citizens designing the future look of their town. He resigned his position in mid-term due to the demands of his employment at that time.
My Old Fashioned Values: a candidate’s character, honesty, their commitment to the citizens voting for them. I will be voting for the two candidates I feel will meet those values once elected: John Eder and Robert Jacob.
Yvette Williams van Aggelen
Sebastopol