LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – 4-5-12

Contribute to community
Editor: The most rewarding moment for me as an elected, is when participants in our civic process declare, “That’s democracy in action!” I’ve heard this cheer at meetings, in emails afterwards, and on the sidewalk.
You have two brand new opportunities to participate in our democracy and be of service to our community.
Attend the launch of Cittaslow Sebastopol from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, at Guayaki, 6782 Sebastopol Avenue, and learn how you can connect with the Cittaslow network, an international movement dedicated to enhancing quality of life while preserving the unique flavor of each of its small town members.
It supports local businesses, especially the arts, the hospitality industry, agriculture, and locally made products. It also promotes local culture and heritage, appropriate use of new technology, and connectivity between citizens and organizations. The network of cities is experiencing international visibility through a new form of tourism known as “slow travel.”
Consider applying to the inaugural steering committee of 14 members. Folks with these skills and experience, as well in the focus areas, are needed: fundraising, development and grant-writing; events planning; obtaining 501(c)(3) status; organizational development; community outreach; membership drives and sponsorships; finances; legal issues; communications and media. The deadline is April 19, 2012. For information, e-mail

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, or go to www.facebook.com/CittashlowSebastopol.
As a designated Cittaslow city, Sebastopol values the health of its citizens and its environment. Consistent with these values, the Council has created a new “Complete Streets Advisory Committee.” This seven-member board will advise the Council on matters relating to all forms of transportation other than privately owned motor vehicles and will raise public awareness of transportation issues. One seat is reserved, hopefully, for a student at a Sebastopol area school who can serve more than one year.
Information is available at City Hall or by e-mail to our city clerk at

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, or by phone at 823-1153. All applications with original signatures must be submitted to City Hall no later than 3 p.m. on April 12, 2012.
Contribute to our world.
Sarah Gurney
City Councilmember
Loves the flag
Editor: This is a thank you note to whoever has installed the magnificent Flag, atop a hill on Highway 1 between Bodega Bay and Bodega. It is a thrill to see each time I drive into town and back.
Again thank you.
D. Donaldson
Bodega Bay
A local treasure
Editor: How refreshing to listen to a well-spoken, thoughtful and investigative local Councilmember. Sarah Gurney’s reasoned words echo questions and values of even those who may vote differently. And around our town we can admittedly see architectural evidence, and perhaps even remember, where reason was eclipsed. But think of all those other ghastly proposals, that were never built due to the vigilance of one or many, and are thankfully not landmarks that block the reflection of our community spirit and pride today.
Recently, when the proposed CVS/Chase development was first served up by the Planning Department, the town was tested. Ms. Gurney’s focused questions illuminated the complexities, the inaccuracies and realistic impacts so that others on the council and community, were afforded a peek behind the rather opaque Negative Declaration curtain.
Although Ms. Gurney was initially the only member to vote boldly against this proposed project, the Planning Commission, the Design Review Board and even the City Council eventually could see the brighter trail to the same end — a vote to deny with even greater reason. Her votes were based on keen knowledge of public process and protocol, of our general plan, and by diligent study of the consultants’ lines and what was between them. She talked an effective talk, and walked what brought sober reflection for everyone, for or against the project.
While a steward of our small town’s vitality and character at meetings, Ms. Gurney leads the public on walks to our local treasures, walking the town to businesses, restaurants, and into the Laguna. These public walks help to foster appreciation and value for what our community is about- relationship to the land and each other — the mutualism of a local, vital, business environment with a very tangible natural environment. And of course, those who go around on these walks with Ms. Gurney, come around to further support the greater Sebastopol community.
Thank you Councilmember Gurney, for your leadership, courage, vision, talks, and your walks.
Douglas Emery
Sebastopol
Sebastopol’s reputation
Editor: I’m sure the average civic-minded Sebastopolian is wondering what the CVS project hubbub is about. I suggest browsing waccobb.net, where leaders of the project’s opposition have candidly expressed their motives.
“This project is nothing more than the worst bankster, and the biggest drug dealer in the country, attempting to muscle in on the most profitable corner in our town, so that they can efficiently extract money from our community.” Tim Ryan, Occupy Sebastopol (posted 1-31-12)
“No permutation of CVS on that parcel at the congested junction of highways 12 and 116 will benefit Sebastopol, either aesthetically or financially. A victory here will set back CVS/Chase in its drive to take over small towns throughout the U.S.” Helen Shane, Committee for Small Town Sebastopol (posted 3-10-12).
Honestly, people. Really?
Our citizens have voluntarily patronized these separate businesses for many years. Pretty slow take over.
Nevertheless, the majority on our City Council has chosen to take direction from these vocal minorities. The objections over architectural aesthetics from the council and their appointed Design Review Board are a smoke screen for a political agenda. That’s not responsible leadership.
The critical issue for our community is not CVS or Chase’s reputation. That is for a free marketplace to decide.
The issue is Sebastopol’s reputation. In a time of cutbacks and declining city revenues, what image is our City Council projecting to potential businesses and employers? Can they expect fair and honest negotiation, or obstruction and arbitrary rule for political purposes?
Greg Reynolds
Sebastopol
A win-win
Editor: I’d like to address a couple of letters to the editor published in the March 29 issue of Sonoma West Times and News.
First, that there would be no increase in Sebastopol’s revenue with the Pellini corner being developed by CVS/Chase and secondly, the need for further traffic studies.
If you look at the City of Sebastopol Council Agenda Report for the Feb. 21 meeting, you can read under discussion that “our largest general fund revenue source, is property tax.” The report also goes on to state that we are seeing continued weakness in sales tax revenues.
In summary, the report states that staff continues to be concerned with the slow or non-existent growth rate in property and sales tax.
What the development of the Pellini corner would have done would be an additional property tax. One on the new development, while they still pay the property tax on the previous site. I feel the site would also increase sales tax revenues because, by its location, it would attract business from West County.
Because of the ability to park and walk the charming downtown of Sebastopol and the additional Barlow Development, the Pellini corner would not compete with the shops and restaurants already struggling for business. It’s win-win for small town businesses.
Secondly, we need to stop paying for additional studies. Just because the results of the studies done are not what you wanted, doesn’t mean they’re wrong.
If staff is concerned with the growth of tax revenues they’ve only themselves to blame.
We need councilmembers who take a balanced approach to Sebastopol’s environmental, financial, and economic sustainability. There is no irony there.
Christina Beaty
Sebastopol