A NOTE FROM HELEN SHANE...

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Lest you forget the mammoth, sprawling CVS/Chase project and the congestion it would cause, please spend two minutes to view the video in the previous post.  It was presented by the developer in January 2012. 

This post is to update you on the status of CVS, and to ask you for a contribution to pursue the Small Town Sebastopol lawsuit, if necessary. 

A legal agreement signed by CVS March 2, 2010 indemnified the City of Sebastopol against liability for any award or settlement of the case.

CVS purchased the site from the Pellini’s, so the family is out of the picture.  It’s just we the community vs. CVS 

CVS is dealing with three major unresolved obstacles: 

1)  CVS is suing the City in Federal District Court for violation of CVS’ civil rights by issuing a moratorium on drive thrus.

2)  CalTrans has not approved the permits needed to allow left turns into and out of the project across two lanes of traffic on Sebastopol Ave; more than a year ago, CalTrans requested further information. CVS has not responded.

3)  Our suit, filed in August 2011, charged that the then City Council’s approval for the project was based on a flawed traffic study that did not properly consider The Barlow and the real traffic impact on many streets and intersections in town. We believe that a new traffic study would trigger a full Environmental Impact study that would prove the CVS project would generate unacceptable traffic.         

It is important that CVS know we are not going away.                                          

We need your help to continue the battle.

NOTE: We guarantee that if all of the funds received from this time forward are not needed, equitable refunds will be made.

We’re counting on you.

Please Go to:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=PQP4AS959VZX6

or send a check to:

Committee for Small Town Sebastopol                                                    Exchange Bank                                                                                                        720 Gravenstein Hwy, No                                                                       Sebastopol, Ca 95472

Helen Shane and John Kramer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uzNmTP7h70

IS THIS SEBASTOPOL OR SAN JOSE???

Check out this video re: the CVS plan to develop Pellini's Corner:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1uzNmTP7h70

THE GRAVENSTEIN...

Some folks I speak to have told me they weren't aware of some of the features theGravenstein has to offer...

Just take a look at the menu above and you might very well find a solution to what wine to get or what video to rent.  Want to contact a City Council member?  Look no further.  Sebastopol and County official contact info is here.  And if you own a classic car in town, see if we've included you in our Cars around Town section.

And please feel free to contact us with your community events and ideas.  Need more?  Let us know.  The list of Grav readers is growing.

Thanks,

Mangagement

theGravenstein

Effort underway to oust Carrillo...

Saw this item in Sonoma West...

http://www.sonomawest.com/sonoma_west_times_and_news/news/effort-underway-to-oust-carrillo/article_8a2a1b02-2614-11e3-8dd5-001a4bcf887a.html

CARRILLO ARRESTED IN FLORIDA?

I was flabbergasted (excuse my language) at reading a comment in response to an article online in the Press Democrat's WATCH SONAM COUNTY section.

Read the article here:

http://www.watchsonomacounty.com/2013/09/county/supervisor-efren-carrillo-told-to-stay-away-from-sonoma-county-family-justice-center/

At the bottom of the page, you will see the comment that mentions the arrest of our 5th District Supervisor, Efren Carrillo.  That would be strike three in my book...

...IF it's true.  STAY TUNED.

OBAMACARE...

If you are wondering how the Affordable Healthcare Act will affect you, you can get all the answers at the official California website:

www.coveredCA.com

It's a great resource considering the confusion about the new healthcare laws that might just take affect in a few days.

NEW FEATURE AND A FEW KUDOS...

I am honored to introduce a new feature on theGravenstein - Vice-Mayor Robert Jacob's...

Sebastopol City News

I've devoted a new page to this and hope you find it helpful as it's just chock full of all kinds of info regarding events in and around our fair city as well as the business of the city itself.

I will update this page with each new issue, but you could also subscribe to it yourself if you like.

And, may I take a moment to publicly thank Mayor Michael Kyes, Vice Mayor Jacob and Councilmembers Patrick Slayter, Sarah Gurney and John Eder for the job they are doing to make Sebastopol work.  We were faced with some very difficult issues and the thoughtful and cooperative approach they've applied to solving these problems seems to be unique when it comes to politics this day and age.  There is no agenda.  The priority is what is best for Sebastopol.

We are very lucky to have all of them on watch.

NEW HOTEL IN THE BARLOW...

For those of you wondering, or maybe you don't even know - Here's a first look at the new Hotel Barlow that has cleared the first hurdle with the Sebastopol City Council.  In my opinion, I think this is a very good thing.  I don't think it will change our town except it may bring some of those black Amex cards to shop in Sebastopol.  After all, we are the gateway to the Russian River.

What do you think?

Morris St. is at the top and Hwy 12/Sebastopol Ave. runs along the right side.

CITTASLOW ECO-TOURISM SURVEY...

Please take a few moments and visit this website:

www.sebtourism.org

 ...to complete an important survey regarding Eco-Tourism in Sebastopol.

Here's a chance to have a say in the future of Sebastopol.  Contact theGravenstein with any questions, please.  You can remain anonymous unless you wish to receive updates.  THANKS!

Can Sebastopol Embrace Eco-Tourism and Keep Our Unique Spirit?

Mark your calendar to come to the  Eco-Tourism Open House Tuesday 10/29, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Center for the Arts 282 S. Main St., Sebastopol We will have topic-oriented discussion tables where everyone can talk about these results  Over the next few months we will offer numerous opportunities for people to express their concerns, brainstorm about solutions, and cultivate fun ways to share what we are most proud of about our town. (Tourism is about hospitality after all.) Keeping Sebastopol green, local, friendly and artistic "Cittaslow" (pronounced chee-TAH sloh) = "Slow City" in Italian. In 2010, Sebastopol joined the international network of over 170 Slow Cities The six priorities of a "Slow City" (Cittaslow): • Support locally made products and agriculture • Celebrate our history and culture • Welcome visitors and embrace neighbors • Integrate technologies for improved well-being • Protect the health of the environment • Community-friendly infrastructure (walk ways, bike paths, open space)

If you would like to receive updates about these activities and the evolution of an eco-tourist program, please give us your contact information. By entering my personal information, I consent to receive email communications from the survey author's organization based on the information collected. First Name: Last Name: Email Address: emailaddress@xyz.com Organization (if app.):

We respect your privacy. Your answers are confidential and your contact information will not be shared with others. If you have questions, feel free to email us at tourism@cittaslowsebastopol.org. (We are a 100% volunteer organization. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Just be aware that we all have work lives too!) LIKE us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CittaslowSebastopol

CARRILLO'S AFFLICTION...

I find it quite disturbing and a sad commentary on society that supporters of Efren Carrillo find his actions acceptable for an elected official.  "Give him another chance", they say.  "Oh, he made a mistake."  "He wasn't that drunk."  "He has problems, where's the compassion?"

Though, Mr. Carrillo may deserve a certain amount of compassion considering his affliction with alcohol and issues with women, I have seen nothing regarding the compassion for his victim. This woman and what she went through has been conveniently forgotten by Mr. Carrillo's handlers and supporters.  As far as they're concerned, we should dismiss Mr. Carrillo's "mistake" and "move forward". In other words, this will blow over.  No worries.

Mr. Carrillo's mindset and the decisions he's made are nothing less than that of a common thug.  He is not worthy of the seat he was voted into and he needs to resign regardless of what happens in the courtroom.

My biggest concern is that Carrillo will get a slap on the wrist.  Maybe community service that would provide photo ops for his next run for 5th District Supervisor.  I can see him now, helping the Boy Scouts pick up garbage in the Laguna.  Or handing out blankets to the homeless.

Don't forget - in this latest incident, he terrorized a woman in her home and roamed the streets sans pantalones.  That was his second chance and that is enough for me to call for his resignation.

WORRIED ABOUT CVS RELATED TRAFFIC???

Okay, here's the deal - Caltrans is reviewing the CVS project and has yet to issue the green light to the developers.  Read this letter from Caltrans and then voice your concerns to Allyn Amsk.  Keep your comments limited to traffic and public safety and send to Allyn Amsk at:

allyn.amsk@dot.ca.gov

From: Allyn Amsk <allyn.amsk@dot.ca.gov>

Date: September 16, 2013 10:55:27 AM PDT

Subject: City of Sebastopol's Proposed Commercial Property Development Adjacent to State Routes 12 and 116

Dear Sebastopol Residents:

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has received numerous emails from residents regarding the City of Sebastopol’s proposed commercial property development on State Route (SR) 12 in Sebastopol.

Caltrans neither supports nor objects to the proposed development for a CVS Pharmacy and Chase Bank adjacent to State Routes 12 and 116 in Sebastopol.  The role of Caltrans staff is to remain neutral and to review a project to ensure that it does not negatively affect the State highway system.  If impacts are identified, we seek ways to mitigate those impacts.  

The developer has been sent a letter with specific comments and requirements for the encroachment permit requested from Caltrans for this project.  The developer has not yet responded to this letter or complied with Caltrans concerns, so at this time the encroachment permit has not been issued.

Traffic engineers here at Caltrans are also reviewing the many comments from the public about traffic concerns on SR 12 in Sebastopol.  Safety and mobility are priorities at Caltrans, and you may be assured that pedestrian safety and traffic congestion will continue to be an essential element of consideration during the permit process.

Please note that Caltrans does not have the authority to prevent approval of a development project under local government jurisdiction.  Caltrans can only place conditions through the encroachment permit process on how projects access the State highway system. The City of Sebastopol, however, has the authority to approve or deny this project and impose conditions on its use.  Please continue to direct your concerns about the proposed development to the City of Sebastopol.

If you have additional questions or concerns about the States’ process or projects on State Highways, please call or email.

Thank you,

Allyn Amsk
Public Information Officer
Caltrans, District 4, Office of Public Affairs
Office (510) 286-5445  

Frizelle Girls....

Remember this?

It was a terrible day for many of us who live here.

And even today, we are feeling the loss in many ways.  Not only the convenience of having Frizelle Enos downtown, but we miss the people.  They were us.  Just yesterday, my wife went to Western Farm Supply and had the worse experience with a condescending middle-aged man in jeans that were way too tight...  Anyway, I'm not writing to complain about that guy.  I.m writing to share an update from the fire.

These are the Frizelle Girls...

If you read my wife's blog...

(get ready for shameless plug: www.myyearoffabulous.com)

...you will know that, on the day of the fire, we purchased four baby chicks.  By the way, not one animal perished in the Frizelle fire.  Anyway, we've named them the Frizelle Girls and they have just started laying the loveliest little eggs.  They are quite happy and never stray from each other.  They are always together.

I also heard that one person came in and adopted all the other chickens that were left stranded by that unfortunate event.  I'm glad they found a home.

Barlow & Beers...

Ya know, the Barlow is heating up.  More and more businesses are open and as the summer winds down it's been a pretty exciting downtown scene.  As I cruise through town I see people enjoying their evenings all the way to Morris Street.

One of the places I've recently discovered is Woodfour Brewery.  I sampled the Imperial Caisson and loved it.  They make it right on premises.  Olaf and Michio have worked really hard to get the place up and running and it's paying off.  Stop in and try the five brew sampler.

Get the Beet Salad and the Deviled Eggs were awesome!

This is kinda cool...

I went to Round Table pizza to celebrate a friends birthday the other day.  Our friend is 7 years old.  Anyway, right next door in that parking lot between Pizza and Sushi is a sign on a fence with this project design as forthcoming:

I love it.

I think this is the kind of mixed aesthetic own town needs.  The funny thing is that I believe Sebastopol now has more architects per capita than yoga studios.

Or is that Waldorf schools?

...or Priuses?

...or CVSes?

CVS IS BUBBLING UP AGAIN...

CVS is going into mediation this month with the town of Sebastopol.  Please check out the latest CVS news at the Sebastopol Tomorrow website.  You will find all you need to know - RIGHT HERE:


http://sebastopoltomorrow.org/issues.html


And if you agree that CVS has no place in our downtown, please refrain from going to the store.  Shop somewhere else.  Yes...

...Boycott CVS.

Join the Boycott at:

http://www.boycottowl.com/CVS/773

SAVE SOULS - NOT GAS...

Can I get fries with that blessing?

SONOMA COUNTY DEM PARTY CALLS FOR CARRILLO'S RESIGNATION...

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Sonoma County Democratic Party Statement on Supervisor Efren Carrillo’s Arrest

The Sonoma County Democratic Party (SCDP), at the August 13 meeting of its Central Committee, approved release of the following statement on the arrest of Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo:

As a Central Committee, we believe elected officials need to be held to a very high standard. For a Supervisor to be arrested is always a matter of serious concern. In this case, the circumstances described by the Santa Rosa Police Department that led them to recommend charging a sitting Supervisor with a felony raise grave concerns for the victim.

As Democrats, we believe that everyone should be able to feel safe in his or her community, and this especially extends to women feeling safe in their own homes. We can only imagine how afraid the woman who called 911 – not once, but twice – must have been. The person who was arrested as a result of those calls was Efren Carrillo. The Santa Rosa Police Department stated that they found him dressed only in his underwear and socks.

As Democrats, we also believe in the due process of law. Affording legal protection to the accused is at the heart of our democracy. Efren Carrillo is entitled to present his defense in a court of law. However, if the details of this case have thus far been portrayed accurately, we believe that Supervisor Carrillo’s behavior fails to meet the standard of conduct we expect from our elected officials, and he should resign. Like all citizens, Supervisor Carrillo has the right to publicly defend himself. We await his explanation of the events that have transpired.

The Sonoma County Democratic Party is an independent local party organized under the bylaws of the California Democratic Party. For more information on the Sonoma County Democratic Party visit http://www.sonomademocrats.org.


Contact: Stephen Gale, Chair Sonoma County Democratic Party (707) 537-9348 stephengale1@yahoo.com

Petition for CVS to withdraw...

CVS wants to build a store at the intersection of two State Highways, with access across lanes of two way traffic. It would bring gridlock to our small downtown. CVS  also insists on drive thrus that will further increase stacking of cars on our busiest streets.

Will you sign this petition to Larry Merlo, CEO CVS/Caremark?

Click here:

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/tell-cvs-to-withdraw?source=c.em.mt&r_by=487455

Thanks!

"CARRILLO TO STEP DOWN"

Those words would initiate a process that would allow Sonoma County to move forward in a positive direction and begin the healing process.  At the moment, the 5th district, ours, has no representation.  No one is addressing the urgent needs of communities in that district and, it seems, that lack of representation will continue for awhile.  The letter below was composed to request the Sonoma County Democratic Committee to call for the resignation of Efren Carrillo.  If you agree, simply copy and paste into an email and send to:

Don Frank - trees@sonic.net

Sonoma County Democratic Party,

Those of us living in the 5^th district of Sonoma County are currently without representation on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors; this due to the arrest of Efren Carrillo and resulting circumstances.

I am writing to let you know that I would support your call for Mr. Carrillo to resign so we could move forward and appoint someone who would be responsible enough to do the job.

The details of Mr. Carrillo’s second arrest reflect the behavior of an individual who should not be making important decisions that directly affect the lives of Sonoma County voters and their families, regardless of what happens in the courts.

I urge you to call for Mr. Carrillo’s resignation.

Thank you,