LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

For the record
Editor: The Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce would like to
correct a comment written in the recent article about the City
Council’s budget. With regard to the discussion about wayfinding
signs the writer stated that “the city ended up spending $48,000 in
2006 for the apple logo with the “Local flavor. Global vision,”
legend. There continues to be a common misunderstanding and
confusion around this topic. In these challenging economic times we
wouldn’t want the public to be misled on the financial role of the
City regarding this expenditure so allow us to clarify. The
Sebastopol Chamber spearheaded the branding project at a cost
$48,000. The City’s CDA contributed $10,000 in support and by
formal arrangement loaned the Chamber the remaining $38,000. This
amount has been paid back by the Chamber in full, not only on time
but early!  While we’re at it, we’d like take this opportunity to
mention a few others items that seem to be misconceptions.
1) The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce is not a department of
city government but rather a private 501C 6 non-profit membership
based organization. City Hall does not pay our salaries nor any
benefits.
2) For 6 successful years the Chamber had a contract with the
City for $27,000 to hire and house an employee and administer a
part time Economic Development Specialist. Full contract amount
went to EDS salary and payroll expenses. This was a partnership.
When the position was vacated in November the City CDA decided to
rename the position to Economic Development Coordinator making it a
full time independent contractor position averaging a salary of
$70,000 a year to be housed somewhere within City Hall
jursidiction.
3) The Chamber appreciatively receives a community agency grant
from the City, last year in the amount of $5,250, to market the
town and its assets to the world! The Chamber works hard to
leverage these dollars to run a year round marketing campaign
centered around the community brand. This offers businesses
opportunities for co-op advertising at more affordable rates. Given
economic constraints and budget cuts that amount will be cut by 5
percent for this next year’s budget.
4) The Sebastopol Chamber is independent from the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce.
5) Our Visitor Center provides a valuable community service and
free materials to visitors from around the world. We do not receive
any funding or support from outside sources. And finally. . . . . .
.
6) The Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival is hosted and paid for
by the Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce and its volunteers and
sponsors, not the City. We receive $4,500 (cut by 10% this next
year) from the County of Sonoma to specifically advertise the
festival and the County. We contributed $5759.69 to the City for
their services this year for our annual event.
The Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce works hard for the
entire community. We are good community partners and welcome
partnership opportunities when a good match with our budget, time,
energy and goals.
We appreciate this community and applaud the efforts of its
citizens and the opportunity to set the record straight.  If you
ever have any questions about what we do and why please contact us.
Our phone number is 823-3032.
Happy summer!
Teresa Ramondo
Sebastopol Area Chamber
Thanks to the community
Editor: Tree House Hollow, a non-profit preschool program on the
Apple Blossom Campus, would like to thank the following businesses
for contributing to the success of our spring family picnic event
and raising funds for our scholarship program: Peter Lowell’s
restaurant, The French Garden, Sonoma County Regional Parks, Heintz
Vineyards, Toyworks, Oliver’s Market, Lola’s Market, Zix Cookies,
FizNick Rick, Sebastopol Hardware, Sonoma West Times & News,
Sprint Copy Center, Osmosis, Bodega Bay Lodge, Shell Beach House,
Music Together, Yin/Yang Yoga and Copperfield’s for selling
tickets.
We’d also like to thank the Board Members who work so tirelessly
for the success of our program: Pat Boblitt, Arlene Kallen, Aimee
Vorhaus, Patty Tripodi and Lenore Monsour.
Thank you to all who attended, bought raffle tickets and helped
clean up. Diane Ferlatte’s storytelling and Erik Pearson’s music
were wonderful!
As the school year comes to a close it is a fine time to reflect
on the supportive community we have and the value it places on
Early Childhood Education.
Franny Minervini-Zick, Director
Tree House Hollow Preschool
Project grad success
Editor: On behalf of the Analy Project Graduation Committee, I
would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to all who
contributed to a very successful drug and alcohol free party for
the 2010 Graduates of Analy High School.
By all accounts the party was a rousing success due to the
tremendous support our group received from the Analy High School
Administration, Staff and Faculty, parents, community donors, local
businesses, service groups, the Analy Boosters and the County of
Sonoma. Support came in the form of monetary donations, grants,
food, and of course, hundreds of hours of personal time volunteered
by members of the West Sonoma County community. Analy Project Grad
was again fortunate enough to host this year’s party at the
Sebastopol Vets Building with the able assistance of manager John
Walsh.
In its 23rd year, Project Graduation continued to keep our
graduating seniors safe on what had in the past been a dangerous
night on county roadways. Analy Project Graduation sends its best
wishes to the newest alumni of Analy High School.
Thank you again West Sonoma County for your incomparable
support.
Kathy Andersen
President, Analy Project Graduation
No smoking please
Editor: Sebastopol’s parks are already filling up with people
who are there to enjoy the long awaited warm weather. It is a great
feeling to be outdoors, and the school year wraps up this week.
Let’s hope the kids, and adults, do not spend too much time at
their computers, but go to the parks for swimming, sports, family
activities, see a play by the Rep or listen to music in the
Plaza.
Please remember though, there is no smoking allowed in the city
parks. The city passed the Non Smoking Ordinance early this year to
make sure everyone can enjoy themselves while visiting the parks.
If you do smoke, please locate an area outside of the park where
smoking is permitted. Thank you for observing the ordinance, enjoy
your city parks and have a safe and healthy summer.
Kathleen Shaffer
City Council Member