Letters to the Editor 4-16-15

Apple Blossom reminders
Editor: As Sebastopol gets gussied up for the 69th annual Apple Blossom Parade and Festival, I wanted to share a few reminders with folks to make the event as safe and enjoyable as possible. First, the streets in the downtown area will be closed to traffic from 9:30 a.m. until the end of the parade, which is normally about noon. We will do our best to help folks get where they need to go during the parade, but for everyone’s safety, vehicles will not be allowed near the parade route. Second, a few years ago, the Sebastopol City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the possession of open containers of alcohol in public and the consumption of alcohol in public. That action has made the Apple Blossom Parade and Festival safer and more family-friendly. The Sebastopol Police Department will be enforcing that ordinance and we ask folks to voluntarily forgo drinking alcohol in public. We’re looking forward to another wonderful parade and festival.
Jeff Weaver
Sebastopol Chief of Police
No ‘dairy’ at winery
Editor: Ironic that often developments are named after the resource destroyed in its “development.” Thousand Oaks, Calif. is now a city of 128,000 people with a median income of $95,702.
Dairyman’s Wine, Distilled Spirits and Event Center keeps “dairy” in its name, at least for now. What does “Dairyman” have to do with the production of up to 500,000 cases of wine, grapes for which will be trucked in from all over the region, 250,000 gallons of distilled spirits and events hosting up to 600 people?
We don’t need or want such a massive production facility and event center smack dab in our greenbelt, adjacent to the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the second largest freshwater and wildlife preserve in Northern California. Then there’s the left turn off State Highway 12 west, right across opposing traffic and the Joe Rodota Trail, used by walkers and cyclists every day. Highway 12 is a crucial transportation artery and access for Sebastopol and the 50,000 residents of West County.  
Bye bye Mr. Wagner, et all.
Helen Shane
Santa Rosa
Good message
Editor: Just wanted to say that I enjoyed the column by Rev. Christy Harris (“Frameworks,” April 9) and hope you’ll feature future commentary by her. She has a good message and is smart and articulate. Thanks for publishing her.
Mark Farmer
Sebastopol
Rev. makes difference
Editor: Rev. Christy adds perspective, balance and relevance to my faith journey. As a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, I rejoice in her messaging and communication and her challenges to me as a Christian to be my best and to appreciate and help others. I try to by supplying music for the homeless and those in need. Blessings, Christy. You make a difference to Sebastopol.
Bruce Ahlvin
Forestville