Sebastopol’s newly official City Manager Mary Gourley got a whopping new salary at last night’s council meeting.

According to the staff report on her promotion, over her 30 years with the city, Gourley has saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars by fulfilling multiple roles, declining pay raises and even voluntarily taking pay cuts when needed, most recently during the dark years of Sebastopol’s fiscal emergency. She was the only city employee to do so.

For the past 11 months, Gourley has served as interim city manager while also carrying the responsibilities of assistant city manager and city clerk. During this time, she agreed to serve at the same salary that she earned as Assistant City Manager/City Clerk. Her annual base salary for being assistant city manager and city clerk during the last two years was $212,592.

Here’s her new compensation package, according to last night’s staff report:

1. Annual base salary of $284,884.

2. Subject to a positive evaluation, annual salary increases equal to the CPI not to exceed 3%.

3. Deferred compensation of $350 per month.

4. Medical, dental and vision benefits equivalent to those provided to other City management employees, and City payment of that portion of the employee and dependent rate or premium as is determined by the City for all management employees.

5. Classic pension enrollment in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

6. Holidays provided to all management employees of the City.

7. Ten hours of vacation accrued per payroll period.

8. Five hours of sick leave per pay period.

9. Two personal days per fiscal year.

10. 120 hours of Administrative Leave with pay during each fiscal year (60 hours accrued on July 1st and 60 hours accrued on January 1st).

11. Reimbursement for documented and necessary, reasonable business and professional expenses.

12. If terminated without cause within the first 18 months of the Agreement, the City shall pay the equivalent of nine months of Manager’s then Base Salary.

13. If terminated after the first eighteen months of the Agreement, the City shall pay the equivalent of six months of Manager’s then Base Salary or the Base Salary for the balance of the term of the Agreement, whichever is less.

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According to the staff report, Gourley’s “willingness to step into expanded leadership responsibilities without additional compensation has resulted in measurable cost savings to the City.”

What this chart doesn’t include is the money Gourley saved the city by filling both the roles of city clerk and assistant city manager since 2016—or the relentless hours she works.

According to the staff report, “The estimated fiscal impact of the proposed cost-of-living adjustment included in the City Manager’s new contract consists of $10,630 for salary costs and $1,785 for associated workers’ compensation and general liability expenses, for a total estimated cost of $12,415.” Which is to say, it’s $12,415 above the budgeted amount for the City Manager’s office this year.

Administrative Services Director Ana Kwong said that may change as there are several moving parts, including the possible hiring of a new city clerk and/or assistant city manager—both of which would likely be coming in at a lower salary.

Last night, the Sebastopol City Council unanimously approved a three-year employment agreement making Mary Gourley the city’s official city manager. Gourley became the “acting city manager” in April 2025 after the city council parted ways with then City Manager Don Schwartz. Four months later, in July 2025, she was named “interim city manager.”

There has been an ongoing, not-so-secret campaign by council members and various residents to convince Gourley to accept the permanent city manager position. When it was first suggested last year, Gourley initially turned the position down, but eventually she was won over. Why did she change her mind?

“I think a lot of it was because as the time went on, we were doing the job,” she said. “But also I had community members and council members and staff reach out to me as well. And so there was so much support to do it, it just made sense to just say, ‘Okay, I’ll do it.’”

In July of last year, the council budgeted $35,000 for the recruitment of a new city manager. As the council worked over months to persuade Gourley to accept the position, none of that money was spent. As Vice Mayor Maurer said last night, “Since we have the best, why do we need to search?”

Gourley, who did not go to college, worked her way up the ladder. After attending a Catholic high school, Gourley began her career as an office clerk (a civilian position) for the Department of the Army at the Presidio in San Francisco, where she worked from 1982 to 1995. She joined Sebastopol’s city government in 1995 as a clerk for public works, planning and engineering. She has been Sebastopol’s City Clerk since 2006 and the city’s assistant city manager since 2016.

Gourley, an ardent devotee of professional development, has a Master Municipal Clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, a nonprofit professional association that promotes professional development for municipal employees through conferences and online education.

She was named California’s 2019 City Clerk of the Year by the City Clerks Association of California.

Since last April, she has been doing all three jobs—city clerk, assistant city manager, and acting/interim/now permanent city manager.

Interim City Planning Director Jane Riley, who has known and worked with Gourley since the mid-1990s, said during public comment, “No one knows more about this city or has worked harder for this city for the past 30-plus years. I’ve worked with Mary under a number of different city managers in the city, and she’s the best one you’ve had yet and will be the best one in the future…I am so impressed with Mary’s leadership skills. It is an absolute joy to work in a place where my work is valued and appreciated every day. I’m not telling you she’s an easy boss. She’s not. She’s tough. She questions everything for the public good, and she’s very fair. Appointing her as city manager is a great move.”

Councilmembers were equally effusive.

Smiling broadly, Vice Mayor Sandra Maurer said, “This is such an exciting moment. I’m so grateful for Mary, for your willingness to step into this position. This is a long time coming…You’re just very, very professional. And I just think the way that you were the city clerk, I always thought you were just stellar. You’re just an amazing person, and you’re bringing those same qualities to this position as city manager.”

Councilmember Neysa Hinton said, “We’ve worked together 10 years now, and when you were the City Clerk of the Year for California—no surprise—back in 2019, we would have hired you sooner, but it took this long for you to say yes. So anyway, thrilled about it, and yes, definitely the best choice.”

“When you know, you know—and we do,” Councilmember Phill Carter said. “Thank you for stepping up. I appreciate it so, so much.”

Zollman echoed these comments.

Before making the motion to approve Gourley’s contract as city manager, Mayor Jill McLewis said, “I’m a little choked up, just because life is so precious and I just truly appreciate you.”

After the meeting, Gourley expressed her gratitude for her appointment as city manager in her typical modest fashion: “This is a community that’s really wonderful to work for, and this council is great to work for,” she said. “I couldn’t honestly be more blessed than to have spent 30 years here, and then to have this appointment—I’m really grateful, really appreciative.”

The Sebastopol Times asked Gourley this morning whether she will continue to juggle all three positions—city clerk, assistant city manager and city manager. Probably not, she said.

“I will be bringing forward job descriptions for Council review next month for the City Clerk position,” she said. “In the meantime, I am continuing to evaluate next steps regarding the Assistant City Manager position.”

It’s a busy time at Botanica Nursery and Gardens. The seven-and-a-half-acre spread, located in south Sebastopol off Hwy 116 and formerly known as Hidden Forest Nursery, has new owners and is undergoing a rejuvenation. Bay Area transplant Wendy Sandoval bought the property a year and a half ago with her mother and two daughters, and now they all work and live there. So far, the family endeavor is paying off in spades — if not yet in gold.

“In 2024, in September, our escrow closed on a Monday. The place was already closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and we opened on Thursday, so there was no downtime! Which is funny because a lot of people think this place is closed,” Sandoval said during a recent Friday morning tour of the grounds.

Indeed, not only has Botanica always been open, it’s now more accessible to the community than it has been in years.

The first thing Sandoval did as the new owner? Nix the $10 entry fee to the forest and garden, which she said limited public access to what she feels is a local gem, and install a garden picnic table made from redwood that fell on the property.

“Now it’s more of a community park,” she said. “People, they bring their picnics, and they go wherever. And then they tell friends.”

The whole endeavor, begun as the Azalea Farm in 1964 on bare cow pasture, blossomed under the ownership of Polo de Lorenzo and Warren Smith who purchased the nursery in 1976 and renamed it the Sonoma Horticultural Nursery. In the ensuing decades, they planted gardens and a dawn redwood forest, attracting large crowds and renown.

In 2017, Polo sold the business to Mike Boss, a longtime professional landscaper, who renamed it Hidden Forest Nursery. Boss made some improvements and created the nonprofit Friends of the Hidden Forest. He told the Sebastopol Times in April 2024 that six years of working to improve the grounds and keep the nursery financially solvent had taken their toll on his health and his pocketbook. The fires, the pandemic, the drought and the floods didn’t help either. Boss sold it to Wendy Sandoval and family in September 2024.

By then the property — which included the nursery, the mature redwood forest, a rain-fed pond, a boggy marsh, a gazebo, bridges and walkways, stoneworks and statues, gardens filled with countless unusual plants, a creek and a meadow, all joined by a maze of paths — had begun to decline.

Thus, the new owners’ efforts to revitalize the land. Several trees have been felled in order to bring more sunlight and life to parts of the garden, debris has been cleared and fences built, paths have been restored, and some stonework has been dug up and refitted. In addition, Sandoval and crew endeavor to convert the huge old greenhouse, known as the Hoop House, into an event space. And a brand-new shed will soon become a small store.

The first of many Community Gardeners Exchanges was recently held on site.

“We’re trying to do them on equinoxes and solstices. So, like, four times a year,” Sandoval said.

In addition, her youngest daughter, Liv Sandoval, 21, a popular Bay Area singer/banjo player who performs as Big Tractor (@bigtractormusic), recently held a music festival in the meadow—Fairy Tale Fest—with more planned.

Wendy Sandoval brings with her a background in science and a longtime interest in medicinal herbs. Under her reign, the nursery specializes in rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese maples, perennials, dogwoods, magnolias, edibles and more. No plants are bought; all are propagated from the established mother plants on site. A digital catalog is available online, with a full catalog on site in the nursery and botanic gardens.

While the venture was never envisioned as being a cash cow, “We definitely need to cover expenses,” Sandoval said. “And what was really clear is: the nursery doesn’t do that.”

So she is eager to branch out into medicinal herbs. The need is there, as is local interest. With years of prior experience, she intends to grow the herbs, harvest them, then dry or process them as needed, turning the shed shop into an apothecary of sorts.

She also now brings in revenue doing contract grows for river restoration projects, including a three-year project in Alameda County she provides with 13,000 plants a year. And, she’s begun wholesaling to local nurseries.

Meanwhile, the forest and gardens still seem to call to everyone who sets foot in them — and keep them coming back for more, guests and employees alike. Every day, repeat visitors arrive, mentioning that they used to visit frequently in prior decades, back when busloads of visitors were a regular sight.

“It’s this very strange oasis,” Sandoval mused at the end of our tour. “I mean, it was a cattle field before this. A couple of oak trees, and that was it. And this guy, Polo, with [workers] Armando and Salvador, planted it. He had the vision. Like, I go back there, and I look and say, ‘What the heck was he doing? Like, how did he even think about this?’”

Armando Garcia, an employee on site for the past 38 years, planted many of the now-mature plants, including the dawn redwoods. “When I started, there was almost nothing here,” he said. He radiates the very calm that emanates from the peaceful environment he works in, which captured him almost four decades ago.

Ayla Rodriguez, a part-time, on-site employee for the past five years and also very much a part of the Botanica work crew/family, said, “I just love the environment here. I think this place is so magical.”

Recently, she uncovered some old stones and earthworks up by the pond and Armando told her, “We did this 30 years ago. It hasn’t been touched since then.” Now, she is refitting the stonework and giving it a new lease on life.

“Every morning is like, ‘Thank you,’” Wendy Sandoval said, gesturing at the forest. She herself heard the call of the plants the first time she ever set foot on the land and decided to buy it three days later. “Thank you to the trees, the universe for directing us [here], for bringing my family together, too. My kids would have been all over the place, and now everybody’s here in one place.”

With a little luck and continued hard work, Sebastopol’s best-kept secret will surely become its best-known secret — again.

Botanica Nursery and Gardens, 3970 Azalea Ave., Sebastopol. Open Thu-Mon, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tue-Wed. 707-823-6832. www.botanicanurseryandgardens.com

Senior Walking Group
Monday, May 4, 10 am to 11:30 am, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol. $0-$5.

Seniors gather weekly in front of the Senior Center to go on a low-impact walk about town. A great opportunity to connect with other seniors in your area. Pre-registration required. Register online at sebastopolseniorcenter.org or call 707-829-2440. Senior Center members are free; non-members are $5.

The Epic IEP
Monday, May 4, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Analy High School, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. $49 to $299.

The Epic IEP – Sebastopol is a live, hands-on event for parents, caregivers, and educators who want clearer, stronger IEPs for children with special needs. Together, we’ll walk through real-world strategies, tools, and examples you can use right away to support each child’s unique learning needs. Get tickets.

Beginning Sewing Series
Wednesdays, May 6 to 27, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $299.55.

Get ready to stitch up some fun and learn the basics of sewing at Chimera Arts—no experience required. We are working on a different project each week and all supplies are included. Our projects are designed to be fun and easy for beginners. The skills you will learn during this series will set you up for success with any kind of sewing projects you want to get into. Learn more.

Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 6 pm, at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.

The council will hear an update on volunteer programs for the Sebastopol Police Department (Police Explorer Program, Citizens Academy, Horse Mounted Unit), as well as a financial update on the General Fund and Enterprise Fund. There will be two public hearings: one on a lot split of the St. Sebastian Catholic Church property and another on the purchase of cameras for the Sebastopol Police Station. The council will also discuss the new Water Master Plan; cost allocation methodology; a 3% cost of living adjustment for management, mid-management employees and the police; and an employment contract for Mary Gourley as the city’s official city manager. See agenda and documentation here.

Film: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Wednesday, May 6, 6 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.50.

Shy freshman Charlie is befriended by two outgoing senior students, who teach him about first love and friendship. However, as his friends prepare for college, Charlie must confront his troubled past. This event is a benefit for NAMI Sonoma County Youth Advisory Board, and there will be a Q&A moderated by Hana Casita, Program Coordinator, NAMI. Get tickets.

Carbon Conversations: Solar + Battery Box
Wednesday, May 6, 7 pm, at Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy 12), Sebastopol. Free.

Learn how to use a repurposed solar panel to charge a portable battery box (PBB). At this workshop you’ll learn how to test an used solar panel, what can PBBs power, what size PBB is appropriate for you and what to look for when shopping for PBBs. If you have at PBB, consider bringing it. Learn more.

Free Screening of Great Performances: SUFFS
Wednesday, May 6, 1 pm to 3:30 pm, Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Free.

Join NorCal Public Media and Rialto Cinemas for this free screening of the Broadway musical SUFFS, which tells the story of the American suffragist movement and the remarkable friendships, heartbreak, and action that brought women together—or, in some cases, tore them apart. Premiering nationwide on PBS’s “Great Performances” in May, you can see it streamed live at Rialto Cinemas. Get tickets.

Holding Spaces: Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility
Wednesday, May 6, 2 pm to 3:30 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.

Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with Nick Lawrence and his band, with songs from his album, “I Am A Man.” His eclectic album covers rock, funk, calypso, poignant ballads, country & western “Stand to Pee,” and a raunchy blues number called “I Got My Dong Sewn on Yesterday.” Register online or call 707-829-2440.

What Matters Most (Part 1)
Wednesday, May 6, 3 pm to 5 pm, Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol. Free.

Join Redwing Keyssar, RN—author, nationally recognized expert, and director of education at Humanity in Healthcare—for a clear, supportive workshop to help you create a personalized Advance Directive for Healthcare. Reserve your spot.

Observational Drawing 3-Week Course
Wednesday, May 6, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $175.

In this three-week course, participants will learn and practice observational skills and fundamental drawing techniques that will inform all of their other creative pursuits. This course is for anyone who wants to practice and advance their drawing skills—beginners, those who haven’t practiced in years, or any artists who just want to learn more and practice with consistent feedback and guidance. Learning to draw is truly learning to see— a skill that anyone can be taught, practice, and hone. Through demonstration, practice, and reflective discussion, this class will explore the foundations of classical drawing techniques in a low-pressure environment. Reserve your spot.

Learn to Square Dance
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.

Modern Square Dancing brings together music, movement, and a friendly, supportive community. No experience needed—our caller guides you every step of the way with fun music and live singing. It’s free, and you’ll be dancing right away. No partner needed, casual attire. Everyone is welcome! Register: contact@redwoodrainbows.org. Drop-ins also welcome. Come early for parking and registration.

Spoken Word Poetry
Thursday, May 7, at 4:20 pm, at Sonoma Chocolatiers, 6988 McKinley Ave., Sebastopol. Free.

Enjoy an evening of spoken word poetry, chocolate and a warm beverage. Call or come into the store to sign up if you’d like to perform. Poetry readings happen at Sonoma Chocolatiers on the first Thursday of every month.

SOUP Sonoma County
Thursday, May 7, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $5 to $50.

SOUP is a community dinner where your vote funds a local idea. Four people from our community will each share a project they believe could make our town better. Each presenter has four minutes to pitch their idea and answer questions from the audience. After hearing the ideas, we’ll share a simple meal together — soup, salad, and bread — and everyone votes for the project they believe in most. The project with the most votes takes home all of the money collected at the door to bring their idea to life. Get tickets.

A Conversation of Mythic Imagination with Brian R. Martens
Thursday, May 7, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Many Rivers Books & Tea, 130 S. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.

Join us as Martens leads a conversation shaped by image, story, and transformation. We’ll begin with Rainer Maria Rilke’s “The Panther,” where seeing becomes a kind of reckoning where the question of how we break through our own inner cages begins to stir. Then we’ll shift into storytelling with the ancient tale of “The Old Woman and the Black Dog,” a story that asks each listener, “Where do you stand within it, and what has it come to teach you?” Brian will be available at the conclusion of the event to sign his books Three Raven Gate and Merlin’s Wing.

Live Music by Winemaker Fred Scherrer & Michael Jordan
Friday, May 8, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. Unknown price.

From growing the grapes, to making the wine, Winemaker Fred Scherrer is also a seasoned musician with killer guitar skills. Join us in May for your chance to meet owners & winemaker Fred and Judi Scherrer with their good friend Michael Jordan playing along. Each evening, Fred will go from pouring wine to picking the guitar—it’s always a fun evening. There will be specials on Scherrer wines by the glass, or enjoy the choice of 50+ wines from our Wine Wall. We also have local restaurant menus you can order dinner from. Your reservation includes a complimentary pour of Scherrer wine and the best seats in the house for a fun music jam-out session. Get tickets.

Noches Latinas Latin Rave: Karol G Theme Night—a benefit for Latino Service Providers
Friday, May 8, 9 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $27.46.

Latin rave featuring Raggaeton, cumbia, merengue, banda. A portion of every ticket sold goes to benefit Latino Service Providers (LSP) is a Sonoma County-based nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth and families by promoting wellness, equity, and community leadership. Get tickets.

See more Hopmonk events here.

CircleSing Day of Song
Saturday, May 9, 10:30 to 2 pm, at Ives Park stage, Willow St. and Jewell, Sebastopol. $20-$30.

Come to this inspiring day of improv and singing in community with circle leader and teacher David Worm. 10:30 am to noon: skill-building workshop, 12:30 to 2 pm for an afternoon Circle Sing. Learn more.

Making Lip Balm and Body Scrub with Anna O’Neil
Saturday, May 9, 10:45 am to 12 pm, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol. $67.25.

Come to Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ charming Apple Cottage for a beautiful hands-on experience in learning how to craft your very own lip balm and body scrub using organic olive oil and essential oils to make each creation uniquely yours. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a fun and memorable way to celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom, this is the perfect excuse to get creative together. Reserve your spot.

Coffee & Couture Sip and Thrift
Saturday, May 9, 11 am to 4 pm, at various locations. Free.

Enjoy a Sebastopol Sip and Thrift, supporting women-owned local shops. Try signature coffee drinks and treasure hunt through local thrift shops. Collect stamps for a chance to win a fabulous gift basket. Participating businesses include Coffee & Moore, Attico, Saivya & Co., Hardcore Espresso, and Launch Recycled Clothing.

Book signing: Geckos, Incense and the Moon
Saturday, May 9, 12 pm to 2 pm, at Copperfield’s, 138 N. Main St., Sebastopol.

Geckos, Incense and the Moon is a deeply personal and vividly written travel memoir by a woman who, at age 73, leaves her home to live on her own in Vietnam for a year—just as the world, unexpectedly, is shutting down. Meet and greet with local author Anja Woltman. Drop by Copperfield’s on Saturday, May 9, from 12 pm to 2 pm, to meet the author and get your book signed. Learn more.

Mother’s Day Wine & Chocolate Experience
Saturday & Sunday, May 9-10, 1 pm to 5 pm, at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. $31 and up.

Join Judi Scherrer for an intimate, seated tasting featuring Scherrer Winery wines paired with artisan chocolate. Start with a welcome pour of Rosé, then move through a curated flight of three wines paired to highlight fruit, texture and indulgence. Bring mom on Sunday or your closest girlfriends on Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Mother’s Day Weekend Cookie Pairing
Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm, at Golden State Cider, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. Price unknown.

Treat mom to something a little sweet and a little sparkling. Golden State Cider is teaming up with Sebastopol Cookie Company for a Mother's Day weekend pairing of handcrafted cookies and crisp Sonoma County cider. Limited pairings, while supplies last. Bring mom, bring a friend, and make a Barlow afternoon of it. Learn more.

An Afternoon of Poetry with Robert Hass & Forrest Gander
Saturday, May 9, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, at North Bay Letterpress Arts, 925 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. $25 donation.

North Bay Letterpress Arts is thrilled to host an afternoon of poetry with Robert Hass and Forrest Gander, who, together, bring decades of writing, translation, friendship, and literary engagement to this special reading. Please reserve your space as our seating is limited. Beautiful letterpress broadsides of poets’ work available with a donation to NBLA. Get tickets.

Jazz Mafia
Saturday, May 9, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Furthermore Wines, 3541 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. $30.

Adam Theis and his Jazz Mafia “Mobtet,” featuring vocalist Yvette Pylant, will take the stage at Furthermore Wines, filling the courtyard with lively jams and big energy. Wine and wood-fired pizzas will be available for purchase. Get tickets.

Vocal Voyage Concert
Saturday, May 9, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Main Street Theater, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $10.

Enjoy an evening that celebrates the rich tapestry of vocal styles and talents. The study of singing is a profound journey of self-discovery, where one learns to breathe deeply, articulate text with emotion, and truly get to know oneself. Music to My Ears’ students have immersed themselves in this transformative process and are eager to share their vocal journey with you. Get tickets.

Occidental Community Choir “Postcards”
Saturday, May 9, at 7 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $30.

Occidental Community Choir’s (OCA) live concerts feature an eclectic mix of locally composed music, classical and contemporary choral pieces, poetry, and spoken word from our community in the redwoods of Northern California. Postcards are small acts of connection that matter (often more than we realize) because they carry our presence, care, love, and hope across distance. This concert is in that spirit. Get tickets.

OCA is also showing on Friday, May 8, at 7 pm, at Tomales Town Hall, Tomales, and on Sunday, May 10, 3 pm, at Mother’s Day Concert at The Glaser Center, Santa Rosa.

The Gill Brothers Band at HopMonk Sebastopol
Sunday, May 10, 7 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. $26.94

From the idyllic peaks of Cobb Mountain to the far reaches of these United States, brothers Connor and Jacob Gill have carried the craft of the guitar and song together for over a decade. Gill Brothers Band have toured the west coast extensively, bringing their brand of rural California rock into big city centers—and Sebastopol. Get tickets.

Eco-Friendly Garden Tour 2026
Saturday, May 9, 10 am to 2 pm, at various gardens in Sonoma County and Marin. Free.

Tour gorgeous, inspiring, water-saving garden throughout the area. Find out more.

Film: Georgia O’Keeffe: the Brightness of Light
Sunday, May 10, 12 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $14.75.

“Georgia O’Keeffe: the Brightness of Light” is a feature documentary film exploring the life and art of the most important American woman artist of the 20th century. Known as the “Mother of American Modernism,” O’Keeffe exploded on the New York art scene in the 1920s with her paintings of flowers, bones, and the beauty of nature. Nude photographs of O’Keeffe taken by her lover, Alfred Stieglitz, shocked the public and contributed to the perception that her paintings were sexually charged. In the 1970s, O’Keeffe, famously isolated in the New Mexico desert, emerged as an iconic role model for second-wave feminists. Get tickets.

Ted Sasse, a postal worker and Graton goodwill ambassador for the past 23 years, is moving on to a new postal location in Santa Rosa.

Ted has been a fixture in my life since I moved to town 17 years ago—and a mainstay for everyone else who stops by the Graton Post Office. He is the welcoming face at the post office who makes what can be a miserable experience totally enjoyable. I know people from elsewhere who bring their packages to Graton to mail just to interact with Ted.

I have yet to meet a Gratonite who doesn’t have a warm word for their experience with Ted. Three years ago, I interviewed Ted for my column in the Gazette, and his departure is a reason to recap a bit of his history.

He grew up in the San Fernando Valley. His dad was a Kaiser doc—after working in advanced, Nobel-qualifying research—and his mom held a PhD in a scientific field. When he turned 21, his dad told him to pick a French Burgundy from his wine cellar and give it a try. One taste and he was hooked on wine. In 1991, after finishing college at UC Riverside, he moved to Sonoma County to enter the wine business—cellar rat, sales, maker, etc. He did it for 12 years but felt his personality wasn’t suited to the sometimes-insane world of winemaking. After taking some time off in Europe, he returned, planning to pursue an advanced degree at Sonoma State. Fortunately for Graton, he needed a part-time job. He saw an opening for a rural carrier at the Graton post office, the first rural carrier in Sonoma County. That was in 2003, and except for a year off, he has been with us since.

While delivering mail, Ted came to realize how unique Graton was compared with other communities. “It is just a really kind place,” he said. That awareness changed his life (and ours!) and led him to take a full-time job behind the counter. Coming from the wine industry, he found it a breath of fresh air and decided to stay and become part of the community.

Ted owns a home in Graton, so he won’t be leaving our community, but his presence behind the counter will be deeply missed by the dozens of Gratonites who interact with him every day.

When I interviewed him, we talked for well over an hour, about not only him but also about the backstories of so many people in Graton. As he named people, he kept repeating: “I really respect (him or her) for their kindness and strength of character.” That feeling about the community is returned in kind.

Tuesday, May 5, will be Ted’s last day behind the counter. Stop by to say thanks.

Copper wire thefts plague West County

The Sebastopol Times got a call from reader Bob Hirsch on April 24. His land line and internet had been out for 10 days. Bob lives out on Montgomery Road, one of those long, bucolic roads off Bodega Highway, west of Sebastopol. Hirsch was just one of several thousand West County residents who lost phone and internet in recent weeks due to the theft of copper wire from telecommunications lines.

According to an AT&T spokesperson, “AT&T’s year-to-date financial loss from copper theft in California has reached $32 million. But beyond the financial impact, the more serious issue is the disruption to connectivity for our customers. Copper theft can leave residents, businesses, and entire communities without reliable phone or internet service, affecting everything from daily communication to access to emergency services.”

Hirsch said thieves either climb the poles or drive up in an unmarked bucket truck at night, drop the wire, cut it into segments, then speed off.

On April 28, the Sonoma County Sheriff put out a call to the public for help.

Beginning in February 2026, deputies assigned to rural areas including Sebastopol, Graton, Forestville, Freestone, Windsor and Petaluma have received numerous reports of copper wire being stolen directly from utility poles owned by AT&T.

In these incidents, unknown suspect(s) have reportedly cut down the lines, stripped the protective coating, and removed the copper wiring inside, often leaving the outer casing behind. These thefts have disrupted phone and internet service for AT&T customers in the affected areas until repairs can be completed.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit have been actively investigating these cases since the initial reports and continue to pursue leads. The incidents are believed to occur overnight in remote locations throughout the county.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to remain vigilant during overnight hours. Any vehicles observed parked along roadways or in residential driveways during late-night or early-morning hours, especially those that appear out of place or suspicious, should be reported immediately to our Dispatch Center at 707-565-2121. Community awareness and timely reporting are critical in helping deputies prevent crime and ensure neighborhood safety.

Anyone with information related to these thefts can contact our office at the phone number above, or complete an anonymous tip on our webpage, www.sonomasheriff.gov/silentwitness.

Morris dancing on May 1st morning

In the pre-dawn darkness, a long line of candles marked the path that wound around the Sebastopol Youth Annex, but you could already hear the music coming from the clearing beyond where a group of Morris dancers and audience members were already making merry with an improvised communal dance.

As the sky began to lighten in the east, teams of Morris Dancers took center stage. As we wrote in a 2024 article on Apple Tree Morris, “Morris dancing is an English folk dance tradition. A mention of it appears in Shakespeare (“a morris for May Day”) in All’s Well that Ends Well, and there are earlier mentions of the tradition in church records.”

Because it was foggy on the morning of May 1st, we didn’t have that luscious experience of the sun breaking over the mountains, but that didn’t seem to dim the spirits of dancers or the 35 or so folks that had gotten up early to watch them dance.

A simple Morris Dance just before dawn on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Analy principal responds to the recent racist and Nazi graffiti incident behind Safeway

In our article on the racist and antisemitic graffiti behind Safeway, we mentioned in a comment that we’d reached out to Analy principal Chuck Wade, asking if the students involved were from Analy. We also asked if he’d noticed the growing impact of people like white supremacist influencer Nick Fuentes on young men on the Analy campus, and what, if anything, the high school was doing about that? Here was his answer:

Hi, Laura—

I did hear about the graffiti, but I don’t know who was charged. I did see (maybe it was your reporting?) that they were juveniles. Usually, the Sebastopol PD connects with us if our students get in trouble.

With respect to your second question, I can say that I am extremely concerned about the pernicious impact of social media on our young people—but, no, I don’t know that Nick Fuentes is a big influence around here. If we have white nationalists on campus, they are not public about that.

And, yes, we are doing a number of things to counteract the normalization of racism. Here are a few:

• Our admin team worked recently with our DEI coordinator to produce materials (fliers, videos, and restorative protocols, for example), explaining what is acceptable, what is not, and how to get support.

• We are implementing a 9th-grade teams structure next year, which will help us be more uniform and clear about our expectations about how we treat one another here.

• Our Access and Belonging committee drafted a resolution addressing hate speech and bias to be adopted by the Board.

• We’re implementing a phone-free school day next year, both to limit—at least for a few hours—the impact of social media, and to minimize opportunities for bullying and harassment.

I hope that helps!

Chuck

Embrace the Garden

There are lots of places to get flower and vegetable starts right now in West County—and now there’s another one: the intriguingly named Abbraccio il Giardino (English translation: Embrace the Garden).

A lot of folks were sad to see Absolute Statuary & Fountains, south of Sebastopol, close up shop last year. Now the property has a new owner, Deborah Connors, who intends to bring back some beautiful pots, fountains and statuary, as well as integrating a nursery into the expansive property.

Right now, it’s a work in progress, but one of her suppliers, Jennifer Hart, has brought in some gorgeous heirloom and organic vegetable and flower starts. Go check ’em out.

Correction

In our article on racist graffiti behind Safeway, there were a few typos, including this one: The sentence, “These racists, they’re minority…and they don’t represent the values of this country or Sebastopol.” This should have read “These racists, they’re a minority…and they don’t represent the values of this country or Sebastopol.”

The Week of April 27 to May 2

As a part of our new Saturday Towns column, we’re thrilled to welcome Camp Meeker columnist Tom Austin.

Auntie Em! I just had the strangest dream. And you were there! And you were there! And you were there!

The strange dream was that the late and very much beloved Sonoma County Gazette has gone the way of all flesh after many, many years of serving the community. Many thanks to editors Vesta Copestakes, Amie Windsor, and Roger Coryell for doing such an outstanding job with the Town columns, many of which have now moved here to the Sebastopol Times. Today, the Camp Meeker Beat joins in.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I moved to Sonoma County in 1995 and to Camp Meeker in 1999. Around 2004, I started writing the Camp Meeker column for the now-defunct Russian River Monthly. After that paper folded, I moved over to the Gazette and stayed there until March of this year. Until last year, I was a mechanical engineer, working at many places around the Bay Area. I am now retired and able to devote my full attention to this column, as well as all the other things I enjoy—writing, playing music, and walking…slowly…up and down the hills and trails of the West County.

When I first moved to Sonoma County, The Big City meant San Francisco. Now I have wised up, and The Big City is Sebastopol with all 7,400 of its people. It’s a good life.

On the run

One Camp Meeker resident who is working very, very hard to make life better for the world is Kyle Gift. He’s the lanky, sometimes bare-chested drink of water you see running and working out along Bohemian Highway come rain or shine. Or you might know him as one of the cornerstones of the Ivy League—that mysterious and ad hoc collective given to beautifying and fire-hardening Camp Meeker by removing invasive species and underbrush. They donate copious amounts of sweat equity to our forest, which grows more beautiful every day as a result of their indefatigable efforts.

Speaking of indefatigable, Kyle has run numerous epic distance runs while literally carrying the flag with a picture of the Earth and the words, “United we stand, divided we fall.” He has run from Occidental to Black Mountain (that’s between Cazadero and Fort Ross); Occidental to Mt. St. Helena; Occidental to San Francisco (that’s a three-day run, sports fans), and last but not least a swim/run from Alcatraz to Twin Peaks in San Francisco. No word on whether Kyle was able to carry his flag during the swim portion.

On each of his epic adventures, Kyle speaks words of peace and unity under the flag he brandishes as a rallying point. And Heaven knows we need us some rallying points.

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News from the Camp Meeker Recreation and Park District

Camp Meeker is unincorporated so it doesn’t have a city council. Rather, it keeps on chooglin’ due in no small part to the hard work of the Park and Rec Board (henceforth, “the Board”), which generally meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.

If you live in Camp Meeker, I would absolutely recommend that you go to the campmeeker.org website and navigate to the CMRPD Board of Directors page, and within that to the Board Meeting schedule, where you will find the aforementioned agenda and minutes pages for the monthly Board meeting.

NEW FACES AND CHANGING PLACES. The Board (and we) give a hearty welcome to new Board member Christy Bongardt, who was appointed in January to replace retiring Board member Valery Larson. Christy moved out here from Rohnert Park during COVID and is busily making herself useful. Welcome!

In other board news, board secretary Katie Sherwin replaces the long-serving Cheryl Doran-Girard. Cheryl, and now Katie, is responsible for the Board Meeting agenda and minutes, from which I derive such a large part of my content for this column. Katie, standing on Cheryl’s giant shoulders, has further improved the usefulness of these documents. Within the meeting minutes, there are often hyperlinks to important documents under review or consideration by the Board. I will now expound a little on two such hyperlinked documents.

IDEAS FOR THE FOREST

The first one is a Forest Management Plan created for St. Dorothy’s in 2012, when St. Dorothy’s purchased the property from the Chenoweth family. This is not necessarily the plan that Camp Meeker will follow, but it serves as a starting point and a summary of the pertinent information regarding the history and geography of the property, as well as a summary of the potential work that might need to be done in order to meet Camp Meeker’s various goals: access, safety, forest restoration, and so forth. It’s really a remarkable document, and well worth the read.

The second document is entitled Scope of Work for Camp Meeker Rec & Park District, and it is much more recent and much more specific. It describes six treatment types proposed for various portions of the district—timber harvest, mastication, burn unit preparation, broadcast burn, site preparation, and planting—and it contains maps showing where the given treatments are proposed. Mastication, as you probably know, means chewing, not that other thing. (Cool your jets.) But in the forestry world, mastication means reducing the size of forest vegetation and downed material by grinding, shredding, chunking or chopping.

This work is primarily being driven by the goal of increasing wildfire safety. That’s where the money comes from: the agencies that are potentially funding this work are driven by that priority. However, as part of these efforts, there is an opportunity to restore forests and improve access and safety based on a smart tactical approach to wildfire defense. As one example, road improvements are needed to perform the wildfire defense work, but if done right will reduce soil erosion among other benefits. Again, a remarkable document full of useful information about the state of the forest today and a look ahead at the future Camp Meeker Forest.

If you have been to Arcata’s community forest, you will see an example of this work done right. We could do worse than use that precious gem as an example.

The agenda for the April 21 Sebastopol City Council meeting seemed rather blasé, but the council chambers were packed with neighbors from some of the town’s worst-maintained streets come to plead with the city to fix them. Before the council got to that item on its agenda, however, it had to wade through a few other things, including a Climate Action Committee interview, the usual council preliminaries, and two public hearings. The road repair discussion was followed by a debate about fee waivers for events and how much staff time councilmembers are allowed to use without permission from the larger council.

Mayor Jill McLewis, Vice Mayor Sandra Maurer, Councilmember Neysa Hinton, and Councilmember Stephen Zollman were present in chambers for the April 21 Sebastopol City Council meeting. Councilmember Phill Carter was absent.

Preliminaries

Climate Action Committee Interview: The committee interviewed and approved Mark Szatmari for a term on the city’s Climate Action Committee, ending Dec. 31, 2027.

Proclamations: The city presented Lea Goode-Harris, Ph.D., of Creative Labyrinths with a certificate of gratitude for her work on creating the city’s new labyrinth, which is located behind the baseball field off Morris Street. (Full directions on how to find the labyrinth can be found at the end of this article.)

Quick look at the Consent Calendar

The consent calendar consists of items that are routine in nature or don’t require additional discussion, often because they’ve been discussed extensively at a previous council meeting.

In addition to approving the minutes of earlier meetings, the council unanimously approved the following:

• The council approved the appointment of NBS Engineering to prepare the annual 2026-2027 Engineer’s Report for the Lighting Assessment District. The Lighting District’s assessment, which raises $94,458 annually, funds the citywide street light system. The cost of this engineering contract is $8,000. There will be a public hearing on June 2 to approve the final report recommendation.

• The council approved a task order for GHD Inc. to prepare the Sewer System Master Plan, for a price not to exceed $132,634.

• The council approved SCRR’s request for an annual garbage rate increase of 3.82%. According to the staff report, “The increase reflects documented increases in collection services costs, garbage disposal fees, organic and food waste diversion costs, and recyclable material processing costs, including regional waste reduction and compliance programs such as Zero Waste Sonoma.”

• The council also approved a resolution authorizing Interim City Manager Mary Gourley to sign easements (and related) documents pertaining to the AmeriCorps Trail Project.

Public Hearings

A quixotic challenge to an alcohol license for the restaurant taking over the old Gravenstein Grill site

The council denied an appeal to the planning commission’s decision to let Mansoor, a proposed tableside-flambé restaurant at 8050 Bodega Ave., move forward toward opening and also to grant it a beer and wine license. The appeal came from a nearby property owner, who argued the project required a full CEQA review and additional parking.

The new restaurant, Mansoor, is described by Sonoma County Tourism as “a new concept focused on interactive, tableside dining,” with dishes “finished with fire in front of guests.” It will occupy the property that formerly housed Gravenstein Grill, French Garden Restaurant, and, for many years before that, Marty’s Top of the Hill.

At the heart of the issue was whether Mansoor should be treated as a new use of the property or as the continuation of a long-established restaurant use.

Appelant Riccardo Oliveira argued that the site has a significant parking deficit and that past property changes — including recorded easements and a lot division — should have triggered a deeper review. He also argued that the city should not rely on a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, because the changes over the years created “unusual circumstances.”

Interim Planning Director Jane Riley told the council that the site is in a zoning district where restaurants are allowed and that the new operator is not proposing changes to the building or site plan. Because of that, staff said the restaurant use itself does not require a new use permit, CEQA review, or additional parking review.

The alcohol service was a separate question. Mansoor needed approval for a Type 41 license, which allows beer and wine service at a bona fide eating establishment. That is the permit the Planning Commission approved in February and that Oliveira appealed.

Riley disagreed, saying the city’s nonconforming-use rules allow legally established uses to continue even when an older site does not meet every current development standard, as long as there is no substantial change to the facility.

Applicant and property owner Sufi Sadati told the council the case was straightforward: one restaurant taking over a space already built and used as a restaurant. “There really isn’t anything different,” Sadati said.

Several speakers supported letting the restaurant move forward. Edward Fishman, who said he works next to the property, said he would rather see the space active than empty. “I’m pro-business, pro-revenue for the city,” Fishman said.

Councilmembers seemed similarly annoyed by the appeal.

“I was frankly kind of surprised to have this on our agenda,” Councilmember Hinton said. “ I have lived in Sebastopol—I’m fourth generation—and this has always been a restaurant. I have enjoyed going there. My parents used to go there after square dancing. I mean, I’m really shocked that this is even before us.”

Mayor McLewis echoed this sentiment.

In a 3-0 vote, the council denied Ricardo Oliveira’s appeal and upheld the Planning Commission’s approval of a beer-and-wine permit for the restaurant. Mayor Jill McLewis and Councilmembers Neysa Hinton and Stephen Zollman voted in favor of denying the appeal. Vice Mayor Sandra Maurer recused herself because she lives near the property.

Regular Agenda

Choosing which streets to repair

At long last, the item for which the majority of people in the council chamber had come to hear was up for discussion. Public Works Director Oriana Hart gave a brief introduction to the Citywide Pavement Improvement Project. She asked the council for permission to move forward with fixing two Sebastopol streets—Strout Street and Palm Avenue—both of which had been mentioned multiple times in previous discussions of streets in need of repair. She laid out the cost of each repair, which came to $395,000.

Hart noted that there was enough money in the repaving budget ($500,000) to add a third smallish street, which she asked the council to choose, based on this list of other streets that are also in poor condition.

Although, it wasn’t listed, Hart noted that the PCI score for Palm is 8 and the PCI for Strout is 3.

Mayor McLewis asked which street Hart would recommend for the third repair. Hart said, “I would select Fannen, just because it’s a connector road between Petaluma and South Main as well, and so it gets the most traffic.”

When it came time for public comment, more than a dozen speakers rose to say their streets were in dire need of repair. Many came from Strout Street, a short street in the neighborhood behind the downtown Safeway, while others made the case for repairing a trio of streets off Palm Avenue, including Western, South and Eastside avenues.

Shannon Peterson, who has lived on Strout Street for 33 years, put it this way. “Our stretch of Strout Street reminds me of our travels in a third-world country, when our driver would swerve up over the curb and drive on the sidewalks for long stretches to avoid their horrible crumbling roads. For years now, we have watched our street further deteriorate with no upkeep…We have seen only half of the potholes filled infrequently, and with the heavy rain and traffic, the potholes are treacherous. We pay our taxes and in return, we expect the people in charge will keep our roads in a reasonably safe condition, thus allowing one to be able to ride a bike down our street without a pothole swallowing up our front tire and throwing us over the handlebars.”

Streets like Strout, Hart noted, require full replacement, not just patching. “The pavement is pretty much failed all the way down to the sub-base.” In fact, a couple of neighbors from these very low PCI streets asked the city to stop sending the street sweeper down their streets because it just creates a storm of dust and flying gravel.

Hart pointed out that her plan was to get to all the streets mentioned by the commenters in the next year: three in the coming six months, and three in the next fiscal year, which starts in July.

It seemed like a slam dunk. Alas, it was not to be so.

Councilmember Hinton said she was opposed to prioritizing Palm, a short connector between South Main and Petaluma Avenue, just south of the hospital area. She thought there were worse streets, and Zollman concurred.

“I don’t feel like we have a scientific plan and analysis,” he said, clearly frustrated. “I want a scientific method…I’m thinking it should be PCI, but I’m hearing from staff that it’s a balancing test as well. I’m not understanding the factors of the balancing test…So I’m not in favor of moving ahead. What I am in favor of is helping people get their needs met by having it come back in a month with staff being able to cite a scientific analysis…for why we voted to spend money on one street or two streets, because, right now, this does not make any sense to me. So I just want to put that out there. I’m not voting for this tonight. I’m voting for a continuation, for a thorough analysis that everyone in the public can understand.”

Hart tried again to explain the concept: yes, streets are chosen on the basis of PCI, but also on the basis of which streets get the most use—that it’s a balance between the two.

Councilmember Maurer begged the council not to delay.

“I think the difference we’re talking about here, hopefully, is a matter of six months between doing all of these streets,” she said. “Our public works director said she’d hope we could get them all done within the year. So you’d have a first batch, and then you’d have a second batch. So I’m willing to go with what staff is recommending: Strout, Palm and Fannen.”

Late in the debate, the attorney Schuyler Schwartz, a Redwood Public Law attorney who was standing in for the city’s usual City Attorney Alex Mog, decided the council couldn’t decide on a third street after all, since that decision hadn’t been properly noticed in the staff report.

A clearly frustrated Jill McLewis said, “That’s why I was asking earlier for someone to clarify what we were talking about…it would be good if we got the proper guidance in the beginning so we didn’t waste everyone’s time talking about all this stuff, thinking a decision could be made.”

In the end, the council voted 4-0 to repair just one street: Strout.

Though they voted to approve, McLewis and Maurer were clearly frustrated with this outcome. “Why does everyone hate Palm?!” McLewis exclaimed earlier in the evening. After voting yes, Maurer said, “I’d just like to get something done.”

Council approves a $15,000 fee waiver for Apple Blossom

The council often grants city permit fee waivers for events it believes benefit the community as a whole. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce was requesting a $15,000 waiver for Special Event Permit fees, City staff time and material for the Apple Blossom Festival and Parade not to exceed $15,000. This included a Special Event Permit Fee: $1,950; Public Works Staff Time: $4,255.04; Material/Rentals: $2,855.34; and Police Staff Time: $5,670.

In the past, the council has asked to be reimbursed for some of this by the Chamber if it made enough money at Apple Blossom, which is their biggest fundraiser of the year. Mayor McLewis said she didn’t want to pay for the material/rentals, which she felt should just be accounted for by the Chamber as a cost of doing business.

Councilmember Maurer suggested as a compromise that they grant the waiver, but that the Chamber reimburse the city for $2,855.24 in materials after the event. The council approved this 4 to 0.

No exemption for small fee waivers

Sebastopol currently requires that all fee waiver requests must be reviewed and recommended by the Budget Committee going before full City Council. Frustrated by a delay in processing the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt’s request for a city special event fee waiver, Councilmember Hinton put forward a resolution to waive Budget Committee review for fee waiver requests of $2,000 or less.

“I brought this forth because it saves staff time, and it expedites the situation, and it’s such a small drop in the bucket…of our multi-million dollar budgets, I just don’t see why we have to go through that extra step of the Budget Committee, which we never used to,” she said. “It just seems like we can avoid a lot of red tape by bringing it straight to council.”

Mayor McLewis concurred, arguing that it was “an attempt to reduce the bureaucracy that so many people despise government for.”

Council members Stephen Zollman and Sandra Maurer opposed this, arguing that all expenditures, outside of the existing city budget, should have to go through the Budget Committee first. Maurer also noted that the Chamber's request for a $15,000 waiver for permit fees and city services had never gone before the Budget committee, in violation of the existing policy.

The vote split two to two, and thus the motion failed.

Limiting staff time for agenda items proposed by city council members

Frustrated by the amount of staff time spent on Councilmember Carter’s soccer field proposal (more than 20 hours), Mayor McLewis and Councilmember Zollman put forward a proposal for a change in city protocols that would limit the amount of City staff or consultant time that a council member could command without approval from the council as a whole.

Interim City Manager Mary Gourley said the City Protocol Committee decided five hours sounded like a reasonable limit. Councilmember Maurer thought this was far too much. She said she’d been under the impression that councilmembers were supposed to do most of the legwork themselves on proposals so that staff only had to spend one hour compiling the report. (That one-hour number turned out to be apocryphal.) Gourley said three hours was a sort of unwritten rule.

Councilmember Hinton, who has been on the council since 2016, said that in her experience the amount of time required by staff for various councilmember proposals varied widely, depending on the topic. “I don’t want to put a policy in place that really ties our hands,” she said.

Mayor McLewis asked Gourley to explain what controls had been put into place to make sure excessive expenditures of staff time at the request of a single councilmember didn’t happen again.

“I’ve spoken with all department heads, and any item that is coming forward now has to be run through the city manager’s office,” Gourley said.

When the vote was called, the council split two to two again and the motion failed.

After the meeting ended, one council member said this had been the worst council meeting they’d ever experienced—what with the time wasted talking about an issue that hadn’t been properly noticed combined with the deadlocks caused by a councilmember’s absence.

See the agenda and documentation for the April 21 council meeting. The next Sebastopol City Council meeting is Tuesday, May 5, 6 pm, at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. See the agenda and associated documentation for the upcoming meeting.

Thanks to Roger Coryell for his work on the agenda item regarding the appeal challenge to Mansoor’s alcohol permit.

Sebastopol Police responded to incidents involving suspicious activity, theft, disturbances, welfare checks, medical assists, code violations, vehicle collisions and arrests during this reporting period. Routine security checks, foot patrols, parking enforcement, traffic enforcement and administrative details have been omitted.

Monday, April 13

• 5:48 AM – Disturbance (Sebastopol Avenue): Individual yelling aggressively; contacted.

• 11:36 AM – Medical Aid (Burnett Street): Elderly woman fell and was bleeding; transported for care.

• 11:46 AM – Reckless Driving (Bodega Avenue): Driver swerving and nearly causing collisions; unable to locate.

• 2:23 PM – Petty Theft (Gravenstein Highway North): Suspect who previously stole from store returned; report taken.

• 2:25 PM – DUI Report (Petaluma Avenue): Vehicle reported swerving; unable to locate.

• 4:09 PM – Identity Theft (South Main Street): Fraud linked to stolen mail; referred to another agency.

• 4:46 PM – Juvenile Problem (North Main Street): Youth on rooftop with bikes and skateboards; admonished.

• 6:11 PM – Identity Theft (West Street): Unauthorized account opened in victim’s name; report taken.

• 11:34 PM – Tree Down (Jewell Avenue): Tree fell onto a house; referred to fire department.

Tuesday, April 14

• 11:08 AM – Welfare Check (South Main Street): Older man yelling and striking a light pole; contacted and checked out OK.

• 11:57 AM – Petty Theft (Gravenstein Highway North): Juveniles stole alcohol valued at about $60–$70 and fled in a vehicle; report taken.

• 2:15 PM – Municipal Code Violation (Morris Street): Man dumped trash along trail near the river; admonished.

• 4:01 PM – Welfare Check (McKinley Street): Man yelling profanities while sitting on a bench; gone on arrival.

• 6:14 PM – Drunk in Public (Gravenstein Highway South): Woman found passed out at top of stairway; arrested.

• 7:29 PM – Suspicious Circumstances (North Main Street): Two individuals reported on a rooftop; checked out OK.

• 8:07 PM – Petty Theft (Gravenstein Highway North): Juveniles stole alcohol; no action taken.

• 8:39 PM – Assist Ambulance (Covert Lane): Man fell, hit his head, and remained on the ground; referred for medical care.

Wednesday, April 15

• 12:23 AM – Dead Animal (Sebastopol Avenue / Morris Street): Dead cat near roadway; handled.

• 7:19 AM – Disturbance – Noise (McKinley Street): Leaf blower operating before allowed hours; addressed.

• 11:14 AM – Road Rage (Laguna Park Way): Driver followed another vehicle from Highway 12 and Fulton Road to the Sebastopol police station, tailgated, and yelled at driver; documented.

• 11:50 AM – Forgery (Petaluma Avenue): Report of check fraud totaling about $18,000 from nonprofit account; report taken.

• 12:12 PM – Brandishing Weapon (Petaluma Avenue / Abbott Avenue): Woman waving a machete near pedestrian area; handled.

• 1:38 PM – Petty Theft (McKinley Street): Cash stolen from purse left at business; documented.

• 3:30 PM – Suspicious Person (North Main Street): Woman walking alley with belongings scattered; unable to locate.

• 4:53 PM – Welfare Check (North Main Street): Woman yelling and appearing in mental distress; contacted.

• 5:34 PM – Grand Theft (Gravenstein Highway North): Suspect stole multiple boxes of goods valued at about $2,000; partial recovery made; report taken.

• 7:38 PM – Disturbance – Noise (Petaluma Avenue): Loud music reported; quiet on arrival.

• 8:59 PM – Suspicious Person (Wilton Avenue): Man heard yelling; contacted.

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Thursday, April 16

• 4:33 AM – Disturbance – Noise (Sebastopol Avenue): Repeated complaints of noise outside residence; caller’s prior reports unfounded; admonished.

• 12:09 PM – Petty Theft (North Main Street): Juveniles stole alcohol and fled toward nearby businesses; documented.

• 1:36 PM – Welfare Check (McFarlane Avenue): Concern over person not heard from in over a month; checked out OK.

• 4:49 PM – Traffic Collision (Sebastopol Avenue): Three-vehicle collision partially blocking roadway; referred to CHP.

• 5:20 PM – Traffic Collision – Injury (Sebastopol Avenue): Two-vehicle collision with injuries; medical response provided.

• 5:34 PM – Welfare Check (Shaun Court): Concern over person not heard from in weeks; checked out OK.

• 6:24 PM – Welfare Check (Healdsburg Avenue): Woman appearing impaired and assisted by male; unable to locate.

Friday, April 17

• 8:49 AM – Traffic Collision – Injury (Pleasant Hill Avenue/ Bodega Avenue): Two vehicles involved; one person reported neck and head pain; report taken.

• 9:09 AM – Traffic Collision (Pleasant Hill Avenue): Vehicle struck bicyclist; medical response provided.

• 11:20 AM – Suspicious Circumstances (South Main Street): Man smoking from glass pipe behind business; moved along.

• 11:32 AM – Trespassing (Gravenstein Highway North): Signs of entry inside building; investigated.

• 1:31 PM – Traffic Hazard (North Main Street / Bodega Avenue): Protesters standing in roadway; addressed.

• 2:41 PM – Traffic Collision (North Main Street): Driver recently released from hospital struck another vehicle; no injuries.

• 3:06 PM – Traffic Collision (North Main Street / Healdsburg Avenue): School bus and another vehicle involved in collision; report taken.

• 3:43 PM – Hit & Run (North Main Street): Vehicle struck parked car and left scene; documented.

• 4:11 PM – Juvenile Problem (Healdsburg Avenue): Juveniles vaping and interfering with construction materials; moved along.

• 7:16 PM – Assist Ambulance (McKinley Street): Man found slumped on bench; referred for medical care.

• 10:29 PM – Drunk in Public (Gravenstein Highway South/ Cooper Road): Intoxicated individual stumbling; unable to locate.

Saturday, April 18

• 3:05 AM – Disturbance – Noise (Bodega Avenue): Neighbor reported loud activity; handled.

• 6:37 AM – Welfare Check (Bately Court): Woman seen with significant bruising and disorientation; assisted.

• 7:46 AM – Dead Animal (Sebastopol Avenue): Cat struck by vehicle; handled.

• 1:01 PM – Disturbance – Verbal (Sebastopol Avenue): Argument between two individuals; resolved.

• 3:34 PM – Animal Complaint (North Main Street): Dogs loose in truck bed; reported.

• 7:39 PM – Petty Theft (Valentine Avenue): AirPods stolen; victim tracking location; documented.

• 9:29 PM – Resisting / Obstructing Officer (Petaluma Avenue / Burnett Street): Subject resisted officer during contact; arrested.

• 10:10 PM – Fire Call (Southpoint Avenue): Fire alarm; referred to fire department.

Sunday, April 19

• 9:03 AM – Suspicious Person (Gravenstein Highway North): Man seen lighting fire in bushes and yelling at caller; unable to locate.

• 12:56 PM – Animal Found (Gravenstein Highway North): Two chickens left at pet store; handled.

• 1:26 PM – Hit & Run (McKinley Street): Vehicle rear-ended another car; documented.

• 2:38 PM – Petty Theft (North Main Street): Repeat theft of alcohol by juveniles; report taken.

• 3:05 PM – Unwanted Subject (Petaluma Avenue): Man yelling at customers and refusing to leave; arrested.

• 3:33 PM – Reckless Driving (Sebastopol Avenue): Driver behaving erratically in parking lot; documented.

• 4:11 PM – DUI Report (Sebastopol Avenue / Morris Street): Vehicle speeding and passing dangerously; unable to locate.

• 4:41 PM – Welfare Check (Healdsburg Avenue): Woman vomiting and appearing impaired; gone on arrival.

• 10:58 PM – Disturbance – Verbal (Murphy Avenue): Argument reported; unable to locate.

  ---

There was so much going on this month—Easter/Passover, the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival, Apple Blossom—that somehow, in the midst of all that, I almost forgot that one of my favorite biennial shows—Pulp • Paper • Book—was happening at Sebastopol Center for the Arts.

The show, which opened on March 14, will be closing this Sunday, so this week is your last chance to check it out.

The exhibition, which was curated by artist Catherine Cruz, features a wide array of paper arts—from art books to an astounding variety of exquisite paper and paper-pulp sculptures.

“We have artists from Brazil and Japan,” Cruz said, “and there’s definitely a lot of Sonoma County artists.”

Setting up a show made of delicate paper pieces was a bit tricky. “It was a very busy—I wouldn’t say challenging—but it was a very interesting installation to say the least because we have pieces that are very fragile,” Cruz said.

This exhibit is filled with many astounding pieces, including the first-place winner below by Luz Marina Ruiz.

My favorite piece of the bunch, however, is Petaluma-based artist Macy Chadwick’s “Waiting for Rain,” an artist’s book that, page by page, expresses the visceral feeling of waiting for rain through the dry seasons of the California year. You need gloves to turn the pages of this delicate and beautiful book—and probably a docent to do the turning for you—but it’s so worth it.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am-4 pm at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol.

On Monday, April 27, Todd Swindell, a Sebastopol resident for 23 years, reported that someone had defaced a street-facing wall and a utility box on Pitt Avenue with Nazi symbols, the N-word, and the phrases “Nigga-killer” and “Hitler was right.”

Swindell noted that his niece and several of her neighbors—who are black—live within sight of the graffiti and “shouldn’t have to be subjected to this.”

Swindell said his niece and her neighbors were disappointed by the response of Safeway after the incident was reported.

“The incident was reported to the Sebastopol Police Department and Safeway in the early afternoon, but the vile message remained there all day,” Swindell wrote in a late-night letter to Interim City Manager Mary Gourley, the Sebastopol City Council and the Sebastopol Times.

Early yesterday evening, when Swindell heard what happened, he headed over to Pitt Avenue, stopping to buy some spray paint along the way.

He said he, his niece, and her aunt all have strong community activist backgrounds. “My niece, a former Analy student, organized the BLM mural on the Sebastopol Plaza, and I was in Act Up San Francisco, so our first thing was, ‘This can’t stand.’”

When he arrived, his niece and some of the other neighbors were standing around looking at the graffiti. He said one young black woman seemed particularly angry and freaked out. Swindell offered her the spray paint, asking, “Do you want to do it? And she's like, ‘Yeah!’ She grabbed that thing outta my hand. It's the one thing that really helped change the energy for me is seeing her grab that can and get right on there and just reclaim the space.”

Soon after it was covered over, Swindell said Safeway manager Michael Drake came out with spray paint. “I spoke with him about my distress over the ongoing problem and the extremely violent nature of this current incident,” Swindell wrote. “While sympathetic, he seemed to feel a security camera would not stop the graffiti, given that it still occurs in other areas where the store has cameras.”

Though it may not stop the vandals, Swindell would like to see Safeway install cameras.

“Many of the residents agree that even if a camera doesn’t prevent it, there would at least be a chance to try and identify those responsible and hold them, and their parents, accountable,” he wrote in his letter. “I’ve also heard residents speak about having some sort of fencing that could prevent access to this area.”

Swindell noted that the back of Safeway has been an eyesore for some time. (Indeed, the Sebastopol Times was called out there a few months ago by another neighbor complaining about some different graffiti in the same location—in that case, it was just some crudely drawn flowers and a few indelicate swear words.)

“High school kids have congregated there for a long, long time,” Swindell said. “They leave a lot of trash, they hang out, they drink, smoke weed and stuff like that.”

He also said his niece has, in the past, reported racial harassment from some of the boys who hang out behind Safeway.

“I will say that the majority of the kids are just kids, right? And they don't have any malicious intent,” Swindell said. “But there has been, over the years, incidences of young white men yelling racial slurs at my niece at that spot. It's been a problem for some time, for a couple of years, but nothing at this level, right?”

Swindell said the graffiti hit him hard.

“It's really upsetting for me, particularly in Sebastopol, because we’re Peacetown, right? Like, I know this exists. I know this is here, but this does not represent Sebastopol values. But it’s here,” he said. “You don’t need to go to the South or Washington, D.C. This is here. It’s in our own community, and we have a responsibility as citizens to address this—not just say we disagree with it or it’s wrong, which is important, but to go a step further and counteract it.”

As Swindell and I talked, I realized that he hadn’t heard the news that the Sebastopol Police had identified and charged three juveniles in this incident. Somehow that email—which was addressed to him—had gone astray. Here was the email that Police Chief Sean McDonagh sent out this morning:

Hi Todd,

I received your email from the Interim City Manager this morning and wanted to provide you with an update regarding this incident and the work our officers have undertaken.

I was personally the first officer on scene when the call was received, as I was already on my way to perform a patrol of Safeway, which is something that all officers from this department are required to do. On arrival, the involved parties had already left the area. Since that time, officers have conducted a thorough investigation and have identified and charged three juveniles in connection with this incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and we are currently working to identify and pursue charges against an additional involved juvenile for vandalism, conspiracy, and applicable hate crime violations. Due to the involvement of juveniles, not to mention that the investigation is not yet complete, we’re not able to share further details with the public.

With respect to Safeway, I, along with other city leadership, have been meeting with their representatives to address ongoing concerns related to youth behavior in the area. Vandalism in this specific location has been a recent focus of those discussions. We will continue working collaboratively toward a meaningful resolution and are hopeful Safeway will assist in addressing conditions on their property that contribute to these issues.

Sean McDonagh | Chief of Police
Sebastopol Police Department

Swindell was enormously relieved. He immediately responded to the chief in an email, thanking him and commending the Sebastopol Police’s “swift response to this offensive and cowardly act of racist intimidation in our downtown area.”

McDonagh replied, “Please know that I have a zero-tolerance policy for this type of conduct and crime in our city and will throw the full force of the law at every incident of crime where I’m able to. I encourage our citizens to report anything they see, as it takes a village and a collaborative approach to provide good quality public safety.”

“That’s what this is about—everyone stepping up and doing their job,” Swindell said. “And it’s collectively—instead of being isolated or afraid or overwhelmed—to realize that these racists, they’re a minority…and they don’t represent the values of this country or Sebastopol.”

We reached out to Swindell’s niece for comment, but she’s in the middle of finals. This is a developing story. If you have more information, please contact sebastopoltimes@gmail.com.

The Apple Blossom Parade this weekend was a nice distraction from the news and the state of things in general. I walked with the Sebastopol Community Choir, singing together with the ukulele group that plays at the Senior Center.

Now that that’s over, however, I’m back to worrying about that miserable forever war that’s droning (no pun intended) on in the Middle East. The war consumes me. It’s not just the quagmire that is Iran and the Straight of Hormuz standoff, and the massive destruction that has occurred, and what we’re threatening to unleash again… or the other war in South Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, or the ongoing disaster that is the confrontation between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, or the increased violence aimed at Palestinians in the West Bank perpetrated by marauding Jewish settlers with a wink and a nod from the Israeli army. I could go on.—

As someone who feels an intense connection to Israel and the Middle East, I often find myself in the most Middle Eastern restaurant here in Sebastopol, King Falafel. The humus, falafel and Turkish coffee are as authentic and delicious as they come. The place and the food, the Quran being chanted from the screen in the corner—the whole vibe—makes me feel like I’m back in a small Jerusalem cafe and very at home. I’m not alone. Among many other regulars, I frequently see West County Israelis there as well.

But what makes King Falafel especially comfortable is its owner, Rafat, and his whole family, whom I’ve gotten to know over the years.

I thought I’d talk with Rafat about the whole Middle Eastern thing and get his take, but what emerged from our conversation was more a portrait of the American immigrant experience.

Rafat is a warm and energetic guy, soft spoken, quick to smile, and passionate about both the food he serves up and the homeland he still holds close.

Here he is.

Rafat, where and when were you born?

Zarka, Jordan, in 1977. I’m 49.

That’s funny. You don’t look 49.

I have a good wife!

Who is in your family?

I have so many family [members], but there is my wife, Fatima, and two boys, and two girls.

They all work here with me. They all started with bussing and washing dishes, and then slowly, step by step, they learn it all. I’m very proud of them all.

And maybe most importantly, I have my parents here with me.

When did you get to the States and how?

I came in 2015. Just 11 years ago. Renad, my older sister, came here first, and she brought the rest of us. She brought my parents first. I came later, with Fatima and three of our four children. The fourth was born here.

You were born in Jordan, but where were your parents from?

They are Palestinian. My father was from Tulkarm, and my mother was from Qulqiliya. They left their homes in the West Bank during the war of ’67 when Israel took control of the West Bank. They moved to Amman.

What did you do in Jordan for work?

I worked for a large meat processing company. I was a supervisor there for 17 years.

Education?

I had two years of college in Jordan.

How did you meet your wife?

She was a distant relative. My parents helped arrange for us to meet. After I met Fatima, I asked my mother and sister what they thought. They thought that God determines what will happen. So I asked God if she was good for me. She (Fatima) also went to pray. God gave us a positive answer. Alhamdulillah!

(Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله) is an Arabic phrase meaning “all praise and gratitude are due to Allah (God)”. It is used by Muslims to express gratitude in good times, acceptance during hardships, and as a general acknowledgement of God’s blessings in daily life. It is commonly used after meals, sneezing, or when asked about one’s well-being.)

I was 27 and she was 18. We’ve been married 22 years!

If I can say so, she has a beautiful smile.

And eyes!

I mean she seems to have a beautiful spirit.

I know. Yes, she does.

She’s also very religious, and that helps the family and the kids. That’s very important to me.

As long as we’re talking about your wife, I have a question for you from my wife. She wants to know your secret to your amazing baba ghanoush.

The secret is that I love my job! So I make it special. I make it myself. Let’s just say that fresh lemon helps.

Well, that helps, but I thought you’d reveal a little more than that.

Three of your four kids were born in Jordan, but do they now identify as Americans?

I think they identify as Palestinians. But let’s ask.

(Rafat calls for his oldest daughter, who has been working behind the counter. I ask her myself about her identity, and she quickly confirms that her identity is connected to Palestine. It was a somewhat rhetorical question. She wears a gold necklace with the map of Palestine around her neck.)

You now own King Falafel, but you started out here as an employee, no?

Yes. When I first came to this country, I worked three jobs at once. I worked here at King Falafel, on the night shift at Walmart, and as an Uber driver. I’d get 4-5 hours of sleep. Sometimes, no sleep.

Once I was able to buy the restaurant, I worked every day, 16 hours a day, for three years. Now I’m good. Just this year, I decided to take a day off every week. We’re now closed on Mondays.

I bought our house, with a big backyard.

What I like most about life in America is that my parents live with me. They have their own unit in our house, but we eat together and do everything together.

Your kids are lucky to have you as an example of a loving son.

Alhamdulillah.

COVID must have been a huge challenge to your business.

Yes, of course it was, but the hardest thing about it was that my wife was stuck in Jordan and couldn’t come back. She had been visiting at the time everything shut down. The hardest part was that she cares so beautifully for my parents, and they really missed her and needed her. That was the biggest challenge about COVID.

I know that you and your family are observant Muslims.

Yes. I pray five times a day. The whole family does. Even our nine-year-old.

If you can, tell me what you think are the three most important things about Islam.

One, is that the Quran hasn’t changed in 1,400 years, and we follow what the Quran says. It says that no one can take the Al-Aqsa mosque from us. (The Al-Aqsa mosque is in East Jerusalem, an area occupied by Israel since 1967. It is the third holiest site for Muslims.) The Quran is central to our belief.

Two, there is only one God. We all have the same God.

Three, my parents come after my God. They are the most important.

You are Sunni, correct?

Yes.

And Iranians are generally Shia, correct?

Yes.

What’s the difference?

It’s the same religion, but like with Christians or Jews, there are many different kinds. So it’s the same with us.

(Shia and Sunni the two main branches of Islam, split in 632 AD over who should succeed Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis (approx. 85-90%) believe in elected leadership (Caliphs), while Shias (approx. 10-13%) believe leadership was divinely destined for Ali ibn Abi Talib and his descendants. They share core beliefs but differ in traditions, legal interpretations, and reverence for holy figures.)

I’m glad to hear you say that. I always thought that the Sunni/Shia rift was a more serious one than that.

I wanted to speak with you about this American/Israeli/Iranian/Hamas/Hezbollah war that has been going on, and seems to have at least calmed down in recent days, but it’s too much for this space.

The whole thing is a game.

(We had to stop our conversation at this point. Customers were backing up at the counter, and Rafat went back to work. I returned a few days later and found his sister, Renad, minding the store. She was featured in this column a number of years ago, back in 2020, and was willing to answer a few more questions.)

Renad, I know from Rafat that your family back in Gaza and the West Bank/Palestine have suffered badly in the last few years of war. I would come in every few days and hear from him of more and more family members of yours who had died.

Yes. We’ve lost close to 60 family members in Gaza and the West Bank. They weren’t all close family, but they were all family.

Just ten days ago, we lost another one. My father’s cousin, a woman in her 60s suffered a head injury when she was pushed by Israeli troops who came into her house. Let me show you her picture.

I’m so sorry, Renad. How do you think this will all end?

(Renad shakes her head, and then tells me something she didn’t want me to print, but her response held out little promise for peace in our day.)

I wanted to ask Rafat about his other interests and hobbies. What can you tell us?

Well, back in Jordan, he used to go to the gym or swim. He also loved to play soccer. Here, he only works in the restaurant. And of course, he’s very devoted to his family.

One last question, Renad. Have you experienced any racism or anti-Arab/Muslim words here at the restaurant?

I work at the county jail (as a nurse). I get it there from the prisoners. But nothing here in Sebastopol. Alhamdulillah!

Alhamdulillah indeed!

Science Buzz Cafe: The Ethnobotany of Sonoma County
Monday, April 27, 7 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.

Alice Duvernell, MA, is the ethnobotanist who owns Biophilia Botanicals on South Main Street. She will explain how to turn your own backyard into a source of natural healing for your skin, body, and overall wellness. Alice will introduce the idea that we have all that we need growing right at our feet: common plants and the bounty from our gardens. They can work as powerful remedies, providing a practical toolbox for treating everyday ailments.

Cardinal Newman High School Modern Rock Band
Monday, April 27, 7 pm, at HopMonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $24.87.

Hopmonk is hosting several student/school-related rock bands this week and this one from Cardinal Newman High School is the first of them. All ages welcome. Get tickets.

Drip Irrigation Fundamentals
Tuesday, April 28, 4 pm to 6 pm, at Gather, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $90.

A well-designed drip irrigation system saves water while delivering moisture exactly where plants need it. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to design and install a simple drip system for your garden. Learn about tubing, emitters, filters, and regulators; design a layout for your garden beds; practice assembling a drip irrigation system; and leave with a clear plan and supply list to install a system at home. Good for beginning and experienced gardeners. Reserve your spot.

Preserve the Season: Intro to Pickling and Fermentation
Tuesday, April 28, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Gather, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $150.

Learn how to preserve fresh produce through pickling and fermentation in this hands-on workshop. You’ll explore both vinegar-based and salt-based methods while making a variety of flavorful recipes. Reserve your spot.

Spring Home Gardener Produce Exchange and Donation
Tuesday, April 28, 5 pm to 5:45 pm, at Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy 12), Sebastopol. Free.

Got extra produce or plants starts in your garden? Come to this free produce exchange. Bring plant starts, produce, seeds, and herbs to exchange. The regular, twice-monthly Produce Exchange season begins May 12.

Sebastopol Grange Gathering: Update on the state of local agriculture
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy 12), Sebastopol. $10.

Everyone is invited to join Grangers and friends at their monthly general meeting. Come for social time starting at 5:30 pm, followed by a potluck dinner, music and an update on the state of local agriculture from Evan Wiig of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. We’ll discuss challenges, like climate change and federal cuts to local food programs, as well as find inspiration from grassroots advocacy to the celebration of the Year of the Woman Farmer, as declared by the UN.

Girl Scout Mermaid Party
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 am, at Ives Park, 7400 Willow St., Sebastopol. Free.

Families in and around Sebastopol are invited to dive into this magical, mermaid‑themed Girl Scout event. Girls can enjoy a fun mermaid activity, learn about local Girl Scout opportunities, and discover how Girl Scouts helps kids build confidence, make friends, and explore new adventures. Parents should attend this event to experience Girl Scouts and learn how to join or start a troop near you. RSVP.

Sebastopol Planning Commission
Tuesday, April 28, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.

The planning commission will review the final “Sustainable Transportation Grant ‘Reimagining the Core’ Plan” and decide whether to recommend it to City Council. Find the agenda and documentation here.

MatchPint Tennis Series at the Barlow
Tuesday, April 28, 6 pm, at The Barlow Events Center, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $15 per player.

Join USTA NorCal’s MatchPint series at The Barlow. MatchPint uses a modified version of tennis with lower-pressure red balls and smaller courts. The result is a slower-paced, easier-to-learn game that lets you rally right away, no experience needed. Just want to drop in? Single Matchday entry is $15 per player and also includes a complimentary beverage. Where tennis meets great vibes, drinks, and community! No equipment is needed, and all skill levels are welcome. Get tickets.

Native Plant Trivia Night with Laguna Foundation and the California Native Plant Society
Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. Free/by donation.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious about what’s growing around you, this interactive trivia event has something for everyone. Enjoy rounds of friendly competition, test your knowledge, and discover fascinating facts about the native plants that support local wildlife and resilient landscapes. Learn more.

Beginning Improv 6-week series
Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Main Street Theater, 104 North Main St., Sebastopol. $215.26.

Welcome to this gentle and playful introduction to the world of improv. This class will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scene work while learning the basic elements that make improv work. You’ll learn to think on your feet (which actually means to STOP thinking), trust your instincts, and work collaboratively with others. Expect lots of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments. If you don’t consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing, that’s no problem. You don’t need to be to do improv, all you need to do is show up—truly! You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Reserve your spot.

National Fentanyl Awareness Day
Wednesday, April 29, 3 pm to 7 pm, at Sebastopol’s Downtown Plaza. Free.

An event to protect, inform, and support each other as our community faces the scourge of fentanyl. There will be a Narcan training and demonstration. While this day carries an important message, we’ve also created a fun, welcoming space for kids and families—so please come out, bring the kids, and enjoy a free afternoon together. Activities for kids include free crafts, face painting, glitter artists, hair tinsel and tattoos, popcorn, bubbles and games, music and a great community vibe. It’s completely free and open to all ages, and a great way to spend time together while also being part of something meaningful in our community.

Peacetown at Hopmonk: Doron & Friends
Wednesday, April 29, 6 pm, at HopMonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Free.

Doron and Friends is an ever-evolving musical project of Sonoma County mid-life retro-funky-folk-rocker Doron Amiran. Doron’s original songs celebrate life, love, and music, drawing inspiration from all the killer bands he grew up listening to in the ’60s & ’70s. Doron & Friends’ shows blend those songs with an eclectic array of covers, some that you probably know, and some that you probably don’t.

Indivisible Sonoma County Film Series: Clemency
Wednesday, April 29, 1 pm and 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $11.50.

Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on prison warden Bernadine Williams (Alfre Woodard). As she prepares to execute another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill. Panel discussion to follow 7 pm screening. Get tickets.

Film: Power To The People: John & Yoko Live in NYC
Wednesday, April 29, 7 pm, and Sunday, May 3, 1 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.50.

Representing the only full-length concerts John Lennon, with Yoko Ono, performed after leaving The Beatles, Power To The People: John & Yoko Live in NYC is a multiscreen concert film of two massive Madison Square Garden live shows. This is a film restoration 20 years in the making, with every frame physically and digitally cleaned by hand. This definitive version has been newly restored, re-edited and remixed by an award-winning team, led by Sean Ono Lennon. Get tickets.

See more upcoming films at the Rialto here.

Rainbow Hike
Friday, May 1, 1 pm to 3 pm, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. Free.

Rainbow hikes provide a place for intergenerational LGBTQIA2S+ people to come together, hike in parks, explore the natural world, and build community. Learn fun nature facts and share your nature knowledge as we explore together on the trails. Registration encouraged but not required.

Jizo Peace Project: Clay Gathering
Friday, May 1, 1:30 pm to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $10.

Come to this monthly, heart-centered gathering where we come together to create Jizo guardians out of clay—symbols of compassion, protection, and peace. Rooted in the Buddhist tradition and echoed across many cultures, Jizo figures traditionally honor children and all who have passed, those in transition, and those in distress. This ongoing project is dedicated to remembering those lost to war, with a special focus now on the approximately 19,000 children who have perished in Israel and Gaza in recent years. Reserve your spot.

First Fridays at Chimera Arts
Friday, May 1, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Chimera Art Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.

Chimera Arts, Sonoma County’s maker space, continues their First Fridays, where there will be live music from the Sonoma County band Pasiflora, food and beverages available for a minimal charge, hands-on activities and live demonstrations.

Dervish: Irish music
Friday, May 1, 7:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $30 general admission.

Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music,” Dervish has played at festivals from Rio to Glastonbury and has a line-up which includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan. Dervish is long-established as one of the biggest names in Irish music internationally. $30 general admission; youth tickets are $15; and VIP tickets are $55. Get tickets.

Justin Martin, Wolf Pack and more
Friday, May 1, 9 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $35.75.

The north bay’s most ferocious dance party. Bass drenched tech-house all night with special guests, local mixologists and resident selectors. Featuring Justin Martin, Tommy Echelon, MAYday, and Techni. Get tickets.

Succulents and Ceramic Garden Art Sale at SebArts
Saturday, May 2, 10 am to 2 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol.

Succulents are a great, fire-wise, water-wise and colorful plant for your garden. Sonoma County Master Gardeners is teaming up with the SebARTS Ceramics department to host a succulent sale. Find the perfect succulent to fill the ceramics the Art Center will be selling. Proceeds benefit UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County and the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Cash or checks only.

Chimera Classes: Knife Forging, Woodshop and 3D Printing
Saturday, May 2, 10 am, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $102-293.

Chimera is offering a slew of classes this weekend, including Knife Forging, Woodshop and 3D Printing. Get tickets by clicking on those links.

Sonoma County Farm Trails Spring Farm Tour
Saturday and Sunday, May 2 & 3, at varied locations around West County.

Blossoms, bees, and barnyard babies: There’s nothing more delightful than springtime along the Sonoma County Farm Trails. Choose your own agrarian adventure from dozens of farms and producers to discover where your food, fiber, and flowers come from. Take farm tours, meet farm animals, enjoy tastings and workshops, shop for the tastiest ingredients at charming farm stands, and support local small-scale agriculture while you’re at it. Registration is free and easy but required to access the insider’s guide and interactive map to the tour destinations.

The King Street Giants | Hillcrest Middle School Fundraiser
Saturday, May 2, 2 pm, at HopMonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $36.79.

Since 2012, The King Street Giants have brought their own special version of New Orleans music to the Bay Area and beyond. Whether they’re playing in clubs or on the streets, The King Street Giants are famous for radiating an infectious energy and always having a blast. In this fundraiser for Hillcrest, they will be joined by Spencer Burrows and Dilbeck Trio. Get tickets.

Cinco de Mayo: Loteria Night with Corazón
Saturday, May 2, 5 pm, at Golden State Cider, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol.

Join Golden State Cider for a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring Lotería with Corazón Healdsburg. Enjoy an evening of games, music, and great cider with a live DJ and churro truck on site. From 6 pm to 8 pm, a portion of all sales will support Corazón Healdsburg, making it a night of fun with a purpose. Grab your friends, play a few rounds of Lotería, and celebrate.

Corduroy: A Pearl Jam Tribute and Mary Jane Mafia, a Green Day Tribute
Saturday, May 2, 8 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, $24.35.

Get ready for a night of pure ’90s grunge music and energy. Get tickets.

Music to My Ears Presents: The Addams Family
Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, varied times, at Main Street Theater, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $15.

This is the final weekend for this spirited production of The Addams Family. This 60-minute adaptation features a talented cast of performers ages 10–17, bringing the iconic, delightfully macabre family to life with energy, humor, and heart. Enjoy an evening of theatrical fun filled with charm, wit, and just the right touch of spookiness. Matinee and evening performances. Get tickets.

Fellowship Story Circle with Gremnîr
Saturday, May 2, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Subud Hall, 234 Hutchins Ave., Sebastopol. $30-$40.

Join Gremnîr for a family-friendly night of story, dance and music with two events tied into one. First, the Story Circle, taking place from 6 pm to 7:30 pm for a select group of up to 20 attendees in a cozy, community-based setting. Listen to original stories by Gremnîr and share thoughts on the importance of story in culture before the musical ritual. Second, the ritual taking place from 8 pm to 9 pm for those who want to simply enjoy a night of original dark, ancient-sounding Nordic music with live dance from local performers. Get tickets.

Dave Silva & Nick Simmons Student Concert
Sunday, May 3, 2 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $19.17

Local music teachers and longtime friends Nick and Dave will be showcasing their students at HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol. Enjoy an afternoon of fun as these musicians of all ages take the stage. Come cheer on these talented kids, teens and grown-ups at our end-of-the-school-year show. Up to 30 performers including three student bands. Get tickets.

Family Matinee: My Neighbor Totoro
Sunday, May 3, 11 am, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $4.50 to $6.50.

This acclaimed animated tale by director Hayao Miyazaki follows schoolgirl Satsuke and her younger sister, Mei, as they settle into an old country house with their father and wait for their mother to recover from an illness in an area hospital. As the sisters explore their new home, they encounter and befriend playful spirits in their house and the nearby forest, most notably the massive cuddly creature known as Totoro. Get tickets.

Pop-Up Mother’s Day Cards

Sunday, May 3, 1 pm to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol, $50.

Explore the foundations of pop-up design and paper cutting while creating one-of-a-kind pop-up greeting cards for Mother’s Day. Students will learn foundational “folds” for pop-up elements and then create their own cards. Students can personalize provided pop-up design templates or dream up their own imaginative way to use the folds they have learned to create their own pop-up design for their cards. Reserve your spot.

Copperfield’s Presents: TJ Klune at SCCC
Sunday, May 3, 2 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $29-$35.

Copperfield’s is over the moon to welcome perennial staff favorite and NYT bestselling author TJ Klune to Sebastopol on Sunday, May 3rd in celebration of his enchanting and deeply stirring new novel “We Burned So Bright.” Klune is the author of fantasy and romantic fiction featuring gay and LGBTQ+ characters. This is a ticketed, off-site event at The Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. Each ticket includes admission for one, seating and a signed copy of his new book. Get tickets.

Celebrating Women: A Fundraiser benefitting The Living Room
Sunday, May 3, 2 pm, at Balletto Vineyards and Winery, 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa. $125.

Join Balletto Vineyards for an afternoon of connection and celebration to support The Living Room, which supports women and children in urgent need or at risk of homelessness, providing care, community, and a pathway to stability, Enjoy live music from The Barn Wreckers, a captivating performance by Sol Flamenco, delicious food by Stark’s, and wine from Balletto, with outdoor lawn games and a lively, heartfelt community. This is more than an event. It’s a chance to come together in support of women and children in our community. Get tickets.

PEEK INTO NEXT WEEK: SOUP is a community dinner where your vote funds a local idea. Four people from our community will each share a project they believe could make our town better. Each presenter has four minutes to pitch their idea and answer questions from the audience. After hearing the ideas, we’ll share a simple meal together — soup, salad, and bread — and everyone votes for the project they believe in most. The project with the most votes takes home all of the money collected at the door to bring their idea to life. This event is Thursday, May 7, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), just east of town. Cost is $5 to $50 per person. Register here.

Want us to feature your event in “What’s happening this week in Sebastopol?” Submit your events to the Sebastopol Community Calendar. This is one of the many resources we use to put this column together. Submitting your event to the community calendar doesn’t guarantee that your event will make it into “What’s Happening this Week,” but it means that we will see it and consider it.

Dear readers - This photo essay is likely too long for email, and you will probably have to click through to the website to see it in its entirety.

The 2026 Apple Blossom Parade is the quintessential Sebastopol event. Despite the chill, there were hordes of people, fun costumes and tons of inventive, handmade floats inspired by this year’s theme, “Blossoms of Oz.”

Teresa Ramondo, a Sebastopol native and former longtime chamber executive director, now retired, said it best. The Apple Blossom Parade represents “the best parts of Sebastopol and who we are and want to be.”

And part of the charm is how it starts: with hundreds of empty camp chairs set out the night before, stretching all along the parade route.

In the morning, there are some last-minute logistics at Analy…

And then it begins. The first to roll are our first responders—police and fire—and then the Veterans of Foreign Wars. And after them, the whole panoply of Sebastopol.

The captions below are, for the most part, taken from the announcer’s patter during the parade.

And it all ended, as usual, with the complimentary washing down of the children of the community by the Graton Fire Department.

Despite the chilly weather, this year’s Apple Blossom Parade seemed bigger and better than ever, with large, enthusiastic crowds and elaborate handmade floats.

The “Blossoms of Oz” theme proved inspiring, and Main Street was thick with Dorothys, witches, scarecrows, tin men, lions, and even tornadoes. (Our Faces of West County columnist Steve Einstein got into the act as the crabby apple tree that pelts Dorothy and friends with apples.)

There were school bands, lots of hot rods and vintage tractors, horses, VFW flags, beauty pageant winners, teachers of the year, and lots of tie-dye. In other words, it was a classic, old-time, small-town spectacle with that special Sebastopol twist.

We’re working on a comprehensive photo essay on the parade, which we’ll publish later this afternoon, but here are some of the best shots of the day. (Photos below by Lawson Gaylord, who was at the north end of the parade, and Laura Hagar Rush, who was at the south end.)

At the Apple Blossom Festival

The Apple Blossom Festival continues today with bands on two stages, kid rides, the AWS Art Show, lots of new food options, craftspeople, and, fingers-crossed, a little more sun. Here are today’s musical offerings:

Front Stage

12:30-2:00 Swifty

2:30-5:00 Porchfest Presents:

• 2:30-2:50 Lady Bloom
  2:55-3:15 Bill DeCarli
  3:25-3:50 Brittany Aquamarine
  4:00-4:30 Pasaflora
  4:40-5:10 Quami

Back Stage

12:00-1:30 Freestone Peaches

2:00-3:30 Poor Man’s Whiskey

4:30-6:00 Fleetwood Macramae

New museum exhibit on Sebastopol grocery stores opens today

One of the hottest topics in Sebastopol right now revolves around a new grocery store—Grocery Outlet—that might be coming to town, though not if a coalition of local independent groceries and concerned residents have anything to say about it.

With impeccable timing, the folks at West County Museum are mounting a new exhibit looking at the history of Sebastopol grocery stores from the 1890s to the present day. According to curator Mary Dodgion, the longest-running grocery store in town today is Safeway, which opened as Cash & Carry in 1925 and changed its name to Safeway in 1929. It’s been in five different locations over the years. Andy’s Market, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, has been in its current location from the beginning, when it opened as a roadside fruit stand. Pacific Market, once called Fiesta, was built on the site of a former Christmas Tree lot.

What’s your favorite local grocery store? Find out about its history at the West County Museum. There’s an opening reception for this new exhibit today, Sunday, April 26, starting at 11 am. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm.

Farewells

Week of April 20-25

Richard James “Rico” Felciano, composer, pioneer in electronic music, and Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of California, Berkeley, died peacefully in San Francisco on February 21, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on December 7, 1930, in Santa Rosa, he grew up in Sebastopol and fell asleep looking out at the stars in the dark Sonoma sky from his…

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Welcome to another Saturday Towns column, bringing you news from broader West County.

For nearly a year, anyone driving along Highway 116 through Monte Rio has been watching the long-vacant space, formerly home to Lucy’s, slowly, steadily come back to life. Fresh paint. New landscaping. The hum of construction. As a close neighbor, I’d been following the progress on Instagram and wondering when I’d finally get to see it up close. A week ago, I did, and the thoughtfulness of what they’ve created caught me off guard.

Wonderland Pizzeria is the work of Brian Perloff and Kellee Kessler, nearby Villa Grande residents, who have dedicated themselves to transforming the space. I have no doubt that when Wonderland opens its doors on May 22, it will quickly become what Monte Rio has been missing: a true gathering place.

I wasn’t the only one curious. During our conversation, neighbors popped their heads in one after another, eager to see what was taking shape.

“This is our extended living room,” Perloff said during a walkthrough of the space. “We want people to feel like they’re home when they walk in.”

That sense of belonging has guided nearly every decision behind the project. Rather than gutting the building, the couple chose to preserve much of its character, what Perloff calls its “funkiness,” while layering in intentional upgrades. The original bar remains, now topped with hand-poured concrete countertops. A salvaged portal window, rescued by Perloff who has spent decades collecting materials too interesting to discard, now peers into the kitchen. Old lanterns will light a ranch-style “Pi” entrance gate (you can’t miss it) built from 80-foot trees milled from a St. Helena winery.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Perloff owned a restaurant there early in his career before transitioning into construction, where he went on to build countless restaurants across California. Along the way he promoted concerts, booking acts like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, which ignited a lifelong passion for live music. Wonderland brings all of it together. Kessler, whose background is in high-level retail finance, has shaped both the concept and pricing, and has worked to make the menu accessible to the community with thoughtfully sourced quality ingredients, without the sticker shock. “She’s the best at finance, and I’m the creative one,” Perloff said. “It works out perfectly.”

A few feet away during our interview, Kessler was in the brand-new kitchen quietly working on her first commercial batch of dough, scaling up the recipe the two have been perfecting at home for over a year. It’s a “poolish-style” dough with a 72-hour ferment, an old-school technique that builds the yeast separately before incorporating it into the mix. The open kitchen is designed so customers can watch that process unfold for themselves.

The menu will be anchored by California-style thin crust and Detroit pan-style pizzas, alongside Philly cheesesteaks, fresh wings, salads, and soft serve. “We’re not doing off-the-shelf sauces or shortcuts,” Perloff said. “It’s all from scratch.” Ten beer taps and three wine-on-tap lines anchor a back bar built from the recycled top of the original Lucy’s bar.

That connection to place runs through every corner of Wonderland. In partnership with the Russian River Historical Society, one wall will serve as a rotating gallery of historic Monte Rio photographs, while another is reserved for rotating work by local artists.

Accordion doors open the back of the building to the outdoors. Heat lamps, ping pong, cornhole, and a fire pit create a patio that feels as welcoming as the dining room. “We don’t want that feeling where you come in, eat, and leave,” Perloff said. “We want people to stay, hang out, have a beer, and spend time together.” Also, Wonderland welcomes dogs, and for a neighbor whose dog goes everywhere she does, that might be the best news of all.

A few days after our interview, Perloff showed up at my door with a pepperoni pizza. The crust was chewy with a crisp edge, the pepperoni curled and lightly charred, and everything from the sauce to the seasoning felt balanced. And that following Wednesday, Brian and Kellee showed up at Monte Rio Theater’s Open Mic night with pizzas in hand, giving the crowd their first taste of what’s coming to the neighborhood. That instinct to show up for neighbors, at your door, at the theater, in the community, tells you everything about the spirit Brian and Kellee are bringing to Wonderland.

The grand opening is set for May 22, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. and a ribbon cutting at 11 am. Live music from the BoHoss Boogie Boys and a limited opening menu will kick off what many in Monte Rio have been waiting a long time for. Additional live music from local artists is planned throughout opening weekend and beyond. They plan to be open seven days a week, year-round, a commitment they intend to keep.

“This isn’t corporate,” Perloff said. “We’re in it to make something beautiful that Monte Rio deserves. And it’s been a long time coming.”

Wonderland Pizzeria is located at 20391 Hwy 116 in Monte Rio. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook, or reach out at info@wonderlandpizzeria.com for updates.

On Wednesday, April 22, Woodmark Tenants United and 14 of the original Woodmark tenants filed suit in federal court against The Pacific Companies (TPC), owner of Woodmark Apartments. The remaining tenants are a diverse group made up mostly of single mothers and seniors, including Alyssa Aguirre, Ananda Ahearn, Gabriela R. Ortiz Alonso, Glenda Barton, Vincent Barton, Elizabeth Galllock, Trinell Meyer, Melissa Page, Genevieve Perkins, Sandra Russell, Kari Snyder and Amanda Quillin.

The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Anthony Prince, who also serves as General Counsel for the California Homeless Union, which represents thousands of unhoused families and individuals, many of whom became homeless due to wrongful evictions. Prince is hoping to keep his clients at Woodmark from joining their ranks.

The group held a press conference yesterday in front of the Woodmark Apartments to announce the filing of the lawsuit. Tenants waved protest signs and chanted. Prince, whose law office is in Berkeley, couldn’t attend the press conference—he got tied up in court—but he spoke to reporters on speaker from one of the tenants’ cellphones.

Explains Attorney Prince: “In exchange for substantial financial benefits, TPC was obligated as a participant in the USDA’s Off-Farm Labor Housing program to make a determined effort to prioritize farmworkers and agriculture-related families as tenants but failed to do so. Instead, TPC filled Woodmark Apartments with low-income, non-farmworker families who were deliberately misled into believing that they were eligible to become longterm tenants. Nine months later, when the scheme was exposed by local media, TPC tried but failed to force these tenants to falsely represent themselves as a condition of signing a new lease.”

Charging violations of the federal Fair Housing Act, False Claims Act, state and local tenant protection laws, breach of contract, breach of promise and infliction of emotional distress, the tenants are requesting the federal court to issue a declaratory judgment and a preliminary injunction preventing TPC from wrongfully evicting them.

Legal Aid lends a hand

The battle to keep the tenants in their home is being fought on two fronts: Prince is running the civil case, while Legal Aid of Sonoma County will handle any eviction proceedings.

“We’re taking on the eviction defense side, which is really the kind of legal work that we are very, very familiar with,” said Legal Aid’s supervising housing attorney Patrick McDonnell. “We are ready to help defend the Woodmark residents in eviction matters, if evictions are filed, and we’re in communication with Anthony Prince about the affirmative lawsuit that he just filed.”

“We’re just trying to make sure that these two different parallel strategies to protect the residents are mutually reinforcing and supplemental to each other to try to keep these people in place,” he said.

Aperto, the management company for TPC, sent Intent to Evict notices to the 14 remaining tenants 60 days ago. That 60-day notice period ended this week, which means TPC can now file individual court cases against each tenant, asserting “unlawful detainer.” The tenants have been paying the rent all along—but after the Intent to Evict notices were sent, Aperto stopped accepting their rent.

“The name “unlawful detainer” is just the term of art for eviction,” McDonnell said. “They [the property owner] will file a lawsuit, telling the court that the tenant is unlawfully detaining the premises. They’ll say ‘Here’s the notice that I gave them. They have now overstayed that notice or…and now I want the court to issue an order getting rid of them.’”

McDonnell said tenants would then have roughly two weeks to respond by making their own court filing, presenting a legal defense for why they’re staying on the property.

“The Woodmark folks would then come to us, and we would have those defenses ready to go,” he said. He declined to explain what those defenses would be so as not to tip their hand.

McDonnell said that summary proceedings for evictions are quick because they’re about one thing and one thing only: “It’s about who has the legal right to possess a Woodmark apartment unit…That’s the only thing that the court determines is whether the tenant has the legal right to be in that unit or the landlord has the legal right to get the tenant out and take that unit back.”

“It’s up to the judge to say or the court to say, because of these things, the tenants cannot be legally evicted from the units,” McDonnell said. “But in terms of relief beyond that, they can’t get that in eviction court. They have to get that through a separate civil case, and that’s what Anthony’s lawsuit is about.”

Lawsuit makes a slew of claims

The lawsuit, filed by Anthony Prince on behalf of the tenants of Woodmark, makes five main claims:

• Fraud in the Inducement: This claim argues that TPC through its management company Aperto lured tenants into taking up residency at Woodmark by falsely informing apartment seekers that eligibility was not limited to farmworkers.

• Fraud by Way of Negligent and Intentional Misrepresentation. This claim argues that TPC/Aperto willingly made false statements to its tenants regarding their eligibility and that it knew those statements were false.

• Violation of Sebastopol Municipal Code Chapter 9.36 and California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). This claim argues that TPC violated both local and state tenant protection laws.

• False Claims Act and Attempted Fraud. This claim argues TPC and its agents coerced and/or tricked all tenants, none of whom are farmworkers, into signing lease agreements intended for farmworkers, constituting a false record. It further argues that TPC failed to make the required genuine, good-faith effort to reach out to Sonoma County’s farmworker community with information about Woodmark and the benefits available through the Off-Farm Labor Housing Program. It argues that the defendant did this for financial gain from the USDA’s Off-Farm Labor Housing Loan Program.

• Solicitation to Commit Fraud. This claim argues that by adding an addendum to the new lease, informing tenants that they must be farmworkers to qualify for an apartment, it was soliciting them to commit fraud.

• Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This involves the complex’s refusal to make an accommodation in the case of one tenant’s need for a ground-floor apartment.

• Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress. This claim argues that by engaging in the course of conduct described above, TPC caused and is continuing to cause tenants great anxiety and emotional distress.

Interestingly, this lawsuit does not contain a request for damages, though it does ask TPC to pay for the tenants’ attorney fees. The tenants are merely asking to be able to stay in their apartments. The suit requests that the judge issue a temporary restraining order enjoining TPC from moving forward with eviction efforts and that it comply with state and local tenant protection laws.

Speaking of the cooperation between his office and Legal Aid Sonoma County, Prince said, “One way or the other, we’re going to be doing our best in both courts—state court and federal court—to see if we can stop these guys.”

The suit mentions that both Supervisor Lynda Hopkins and Sebastopol Councilmember Stephen Zollman had reached out to The Pacific Companies in defense of the tenants now resisting eviction.

The Sebastopol Times reached out to TPC owner Caleb Roope this week but received no response.

Prince said that early on, he had a brief talk with TPC’s attorney. “What the attorney told me was that, as far as they were concerned, what’s the big deal? The tenants got what they call the benefit of the bargain. They signed a one-year lease, and they were able to stay there for a year. Well, the problem with a statement like that is that you forgot to mention that, under the law, the tenants had a right to sign, or be offered to sign, a renewed lease with essentially the same terms.”

One of the questions the Sebastopol Times sent to Roope this week was whether TPC had essentially been ordered by the USDA to remove the current tenants and replace them with farmworkers. There is some evidence that that’s the case.

Zeke Guzman of Latinos Unidos del Condado de Sonoma, who we’ve quoted in previous articles on Woodmark, filed an official complaint with the USDA. As we reported in September 2025, “Guzman has been in communication with Woodmark’s developer and the USDA. He said that the developer and the USDA had agreed on what’s known as a Corrective Action Plan—and that plan involves moving the current tenants out and farmworkers in. (We reached out to the USDA and The Pacific Company for confirmation, but have not yet heard back from them.)”

Legal Aid’s McDonnell said the USDA’s participation in this situation could be key.

“I think everyone involved with this, including TPC, would enjoy having the USDA at the table to see if there’s a resolution to this.”

“I would say  that Odyssey of the Mind is a international problem-solving competition, explained Samuel S. Lee, who formed a new team with five freshman at Tech High in Cotati this school year. “I’ve been coaching for three years now with different teams in different schools. The common factor is that I have three boys, and I would coach each of their teams,” said Lee, who is the area pharmacy director for Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa. He emphasized the problems that the students were given were open-ended.

In addition to Lee’s own son Samuel, the inaugural High Tech team for Odyssey of the Mind consists of Courtney Romero from Sebastopol, Adeline Rogers, Eleanor Uang, and Austin Purvis, all from Santa Rosa. I met with them recently to talk about their project and the international competition in May in Iowa when they will face off against 800 or so other teams. The team was excited about the work they’ve done this year and looking forward to their big trip.

At the beginning of the year, the team chose to tackle a problem named “Off the Rails,” which involved designing a functional train to meet specific criteria. As Courtney explained, “The train had the most science and engineering aspects of it...we wanted to challenge ourselves because it sounds interesting and fun.”

The students built a train from cardboard, homemade gears, and magnets. “Our requirement was to have it travel between two points, picking up three pieces of cargo along the way,” noted Adeline, another team member. The project required the team to employ significant creativity to build a propulsion system for the train, all within the constraints of fitting it into an 18-inch box. “ We also couldn’t use coding and we couldn’t use a remote control,” said Eleanor. Samuel added: “They want to see how outlandish we could go.”

To accompany their technical project, the team wrote and performed an engaging play, integrating their train as a character in their storyline, which featured a humorous conductor named Freddy Fred and a villainous Professor Barfy who was going back in time to steal art like the Mona Lisa and the Statue of Liberty. “Fred has to stop him from stealing all of these artifacts and selling them,” said Courtney. “He also wants to frame Fred for the thefts.”

In the competition, which takes place in a big gym, the team had built a background set with various props. Each of them played a character and memorized a prepared script. “We pretty much made a play,” Courtney said. “Fred, our protagonist, goes through all these different challenges that are brought to him by the antagonist, Professor Barfy.” They also have to solve problems spontaneously given to them by the judges.

 “We have to think outside the box and stay together as a team,” said Eleanor. She explained that they were judged on creativity and time management. Teams can win medals for doing well in different categories, plus there’s medals for spontaneaity and creativity.

As they prepare for the final competition in May, the team sees themselves as winners already. “Even if we don’t win, it’s okay because it was still so fun,” said Adeline with enthusiasm. These experiences are helping them think about what their future might be, so I asked them about it.

 “I’m not like entirely sure about what I want to do, which is good,” said Adeline. “Probably something science- or design-related.” Courtney said “ I personally either want to be like a physical therapist or an actor.”

 “When I like first came to this school, I was like dead-set on STEM; engineering and math were all I did,” said Austin. “I never really did any art. I’m still not too great at art, but I definitely realized that it’s something that I really like doing and that I might pursue later in life.” Samuel said “Odyssey showed him how scientific and mathematical fields have this creative aspect.”

 “When you go to big competitions, you meet new people and just get to talk to them and make friends,” said Eleanor. “It’s really nice and it gives you good people skills and good life skills. In the future, I want to go into a job that relies on social interaction.”

Support the Team

This inaugural team at Tech High has been self-funding this journey through various fundraising activities. They are asking for community support to help them on their way to Iowa. The students are raising funds on Zeffy through this link. They’ve raised $5,280 of their $15k goal.

Lee acknowledged that Odyssey of the Mind was once more widespread in schools in Sonoma County but he’d like to grow the number of teams at Tech High and in the area. “If we could get more kids to have experiences like these students have had, that would be really awesome,” he said.

Jerry and Nancy had four children, Karla Eastham (Matt), Jay K Samples, Tammi Johnson (Rusty), Paula Dillon, (Adam). They remained married for almost 66 years.

Eight grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and all the other people he took under his wing over the years — if you were fortunate to fall in any of these categories, you were loved and protected for life.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim, his son Jay K and his grandson Jay Jr..

Jerry loved telling stories. He was known for his Jerry-isms and his Jerry-rigs. Jerry loved fishing, hunting, traveling, gardening and cooking. He gambled at the slots or on the market. Jerry did it his way to the very end. He will be forever missed.

Join us for storytelling, food and drink Saturday May 23, 2026 at 1pm. Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol.

Jerry Keith Samples April 29, 1937 to April 10, 2026