Thoughts on the watershed
EDITOR: Why are wetlands and watersheds important to ecology? This is what I learned while I attended an orientation at Laguna Environmental Center & Heron Hall in Santa Rosa.
Originally, I was inquiring about training how to be a group volunteer. I visited our Laguna Foundation, located at 900 Sanford Road, here in Sonoma County. A nonprofit organization working to preserve, protect and restore our local wetlands. They give educational demonstrations to elementary schools and educate the public about our local watersheds.
This work is vital because our children in the education system might spend a lifetime thinking water comes from out of a faucet. They offer training every year for school docents and trail guides. Most of these people who attend are retired volunteers. They also have around 55 classes, which include workshops, as incentives for volunteer’s time.
Why are wetlands and watersheds important our ecology? The wetlands maintain a certain amount of water, while a watershed may become dry, after the water runs off. A wetland collects the water between the watershed and the body of water. Wetlands act as a filter to remove pollutants before the water that collects in rivers and streams.
The Laguna Foundation is a place-based organization, founded in 1989. Our 254-mile watershed encompasses nearly the entire Santa Rosa Plains. The Laguna’s 22-mile channel is the largest tributary to the Russian River. Their mission is to restore and conserve our Laguna de Santa Rosa, and to inspire public appreciation of this Wetland of International Importance. You are welcome to visit the website and sign up for the newsletter at www.lagunadesantarosa.org.
Jesse Falk
Bodega Bay
Apple Blossom thanks
EDITOR: Here’s to Sebastopol’s 72nd annual celebration of community, the Apple Blossom Festival. Following a proud tradition of celebrating our agricultural heritage, this year’s theme, “Blossoms D’ Vine, Celebrating the Rich History of the Apple and the Promise of the Vine” was chosen to reflect the evolution of our area’s agriculture.
Our award winning parade down Main Street was again a highlight, with thousands of people lining the sidewalks. In continuing a long held tradition, folks put out their chairs and blankets the night before to get a birds-eye view of the procession. Once again they found them right where they left them; small town integrity.
Led by Captain Bill Braga, our very own Sebastopol Fire Station was the featured entrant, followed by three other Sonoma County stations. Given their exemplary service and efforts with the October fires it was only fitting.
The festival continued at the Veterans Building and Ives Park for two days of food, fun and good music highlighted by Blues by Bowker. As this year’s festival chair, I am very appreciative and relieved that the festival was a success. An event like the Apple Blossom Festival takes the support and contribution from the community. My apologies if I forget anyone or fail to express full appreciation. So, in no particular order to the following I say: “Thank you so much for your efforts. Let’s do it again next year and make it even better!”
The parade: To all entrants, thank you. You are a big reason we have won Best Parade in Sonoma County from year to year. Thank you Tim Johnson for your team’s coordination of the parade; the job is yours. I need to recognize the efforts of Chief of Police Conner and his staff and likewise, Dante del Prete and Nate Sutton of Public Works. Your efforts behind the scene keep things orderly. Thanks to; Dutton Ranch, People’s Music, John Fore, Michael Carnacchi and Merge Studios for the viewing stages, sound systems and electricity. Thanks to the parade announcers and judges.
Festival volunteers: Well-earned appreciation goes out to both Rotary Clubs of Sebastopol, the Lions Club, Explorers, Nor-Cal Renegades Softball Team and Green Acre Homes. Individually, I must recognize Pat Innes, who was everywhere. Appreciation to Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club for generously providing golf carts and gators.
Palace D’ Vine: A huge thank you to Ken Silveira and Kristi Mohar of Pacific Market for co-sponsoring. You and your team were amazing. After a nine-year hiatus, the wine tent (Palace D’ Vine, a Harvey Henningsen inspiration) was brought back with over 30 wineries pouring award winning wines.
To resurrect the wine tent after so many years was no small feat. Equally deserving of full appreciation are Doug Bishop and Dan Allingham of Sebastopol Hardware. You guys were awesome. Without your support and co-sponsorship there would not have been a Palace D’ Vine. I cannot thank both Pacific Market and Sebastopol Hardware enough.
The Chamber of Commerce: A very special recognition and appreciation to Linda Collins and Lisa Garcia of the chamber staff. You ladies rock. Given the short timeframe you were faced with you did a stellar job of pulling the festival together. To the board of directors, I’m so pleased with your efforts; you can all stay on the board for two more years.
Finally, I would be remiss to not acknowledge Teresa Ramondo and her team, Darrell, John Pittman, Russ Ono and Pat Innes among others. Your dedication over so many years set the standard for the Apple Blossom Festival. Thank you all! Here’s to the 73rd ABF!
Bob Aita, President, Board of Directors
Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce
