Letters to the Editor 5-23-13

Cittaslow Sebastopol more than a non-profit
Editor: At the last May 7 City Council Meeting, it was suggested that Cittaslow Sebastopol educate the community more about its unique position with the City. Although Cittaslow Sebastopol is an educational organization, it also provides services for the Council. More specifically, it manages the town’s Cittaslow (Slow City) designation, working to give Sebastopol maximum economic and social benefit while keeping our town green, local, friendly and artistic.
In 2010, the City applied for and was awarded designation from the international Cittaslow (Slow City) network. Member cities join because they place high priority on supporting locally made products and agriculture, celebrating local culture and history, welcoming visitors (tourists) and embracing neighbors (community connectedness and cohesion). Slow cities also pay attention to using technology wisely, protecting the environment, and developing community–friendly infrastructure (parks, open space, bikeways, pedestrian connections, etc.).
In June of 2012, the City Council authorized Cittaslow Sebastopol to begin its signature collaboration process with area businesses, non-profits and government agencies. Over the ensuing 10 months, Cittaslow Sebastopol volunteers have contributed their skills with technology, marketing, grant writing, and community development to support several organizations involved with Slow City priorities. For instance:
• Working with the Planning Commission to put on the January Community Meetings in preparation for the General Plan Update;
• Working with the Chamber of Commerce to identify materials and funding needed to promote Sebastopol as an eco-tourist destination;
• Writing articles for the national and international Cittaslow websites publicizing events such as the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival;
• Working with Slow Food Russian River to increase apple history awareness in elementary schools and promote Gravenstein apple sales in area grocery stores;
• Working with Farm Trails and the Sebastopol Entrepreneur Project on preliminary plans to hold a workshop teaching area residents how to open a homestay/farmstay business.
As City Manager, Larry McLaughlin noted, Cittaslow Sebastopol is a public-private partnership, akin to the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. The latter provides park and recreation services for the City, but as a non-profit, is able to ask for donations and write grants to augment the funding of activities. Cittaslow Sebastopol holds a similar position, but in this case focuses on Slow City priorities. Currently Cittaslow Sebasotpol is an ad hoc committee of the city and is in the process of applying for 501c3 status. (The Sebastopol Community Cultural Center is serving as its fiscal sponsor until the IRS process is finished.)
To learn more about Cittaslow Sebastopol, go to www.cittaslowsebastopol.org, or e-mail in**@ci*****************.org. We’ll be glad to answer any questions.
Tasha Beauchamp
Co-Chair, Cittaslow Sebastopol