Hello, Sebastopol Times readers. I’m Dewey Watson, and for the past few years, I have written the Graton column in the monthly Sonoma Gazette. Three weeks ago, all the writers for the Gazette learned that the Press Democrat was ending its publication, which means all the Towns columns would stop as well. As a fan (and double subscriber) of the Sebastopol Times, I immediately contacted Laura Rush Hagar, co-owner and main reporter for the Times, to see if she was interested in adding a Towns section online. She and Dale Dougherty were excited about the idea, and some of us Towns writers are now working out the details for the columns.
For the first and last time, I’ll say a little about myself. I’m a retired lawyer who moved to Graton 17 years ago with my wife, Susan. I’ve been actively involved in community activities, serving on boards, maintaining trails, helping create parks, and working with food banks. I have a real passion for West County and especially for the small village of Graton. The column will be published at least twice a month, featuring stories about what’s happening in town, the personalities and businesses of Graton, and reminders of upcoming events open to everyone. So let’s get started!
The Town Square advances
Last Sunday morning, a few dozen enthusiastic supporters of Town Square gathered for a spring workday, mowing and cleaning up what will become the Town Square of Graton.
During a shared potluck lunch, they heard from volunteer community leaders who have turned this future square into a reality. Matt Jorgensen spoke first, outlining what to expect for the rest of the year and when we can hope to remove the fence and allow the public to enjoy the property. As of December, the residents of Graton own the property. In fact, the owner is the Graton Community Services District (GCSD), the governmental entity elected by the people of Graton, which means we all have a stake in its success.
Owning is not using
The lengthy process of obtaining a use permit from the County to designate the space for public use must now move forward. This requires several professionally prepared reports, including traffic studies, sound assessments, archaeological surveys, and more, all submitted to Permit Sonoma. The good news is that after the initial submission, the county responded quickly and has already requested some additional minor information. If everything remains on schedule, the fence could be removed by September, allowing the space to be officially designated as public. All the reports were prepared by volunteer professionals — and that’s only the beginning. Matt hopes to start working on infrastructure such as paths, irrigation, gardens, gathering areas, and other features that will help the Square become a lasting center for community life.
The GCSD and ReVillage, the consulting firm led by Matt and Tori Immel, are now seeking a volunteer architectural firm to develop final plans for submission to the county, which will bear their names on a key piece of West County real estate. Extensive public input has already been received, and this final phase will continue to gather more feedback. They are also looking for major design features such as a pergola, water feature, artwork, or any element that could serve as a focal point for the square. Additionally, naming rights will be available to a person, family, or company willing to sponsor such features.
Save the date: May 30. Meet the food and wine makers of Graton and get a sneak peek at what’s coming to the Town Square. Taste local food and wine, explore storytelling stops about the Square’s vision, and connect with people helping shape its next chapter. Sip, taste, and help raise the funds needed for the Square’s next phase.
A Don’t Miss Event
Broken Theatre Youth Performance + Voices of the Valley Documentary
Sat and Sun, March 28 and 29 • 6–7:30 pm (both nights)
An evening of humorous and heartfelt youth theater and film sharing stories about growing up in the Atascadero/Green Valley watershed. First, you watch a short community documentary featuring interviews with longtime Green Valley residents. Then, you see youth performances that bring the stories to life by acting out the documentary.
In the words of organizer, artist, and director Niko Kush: “What makes this special is that the stories don’t end with the film. The youth theatre group takes those same stories and performs them live—so you’re watching memory transform in front of you. It’s a living archive—where elders pass down stories, and the next generation brings them to life.”
It will sell out, so get tickets now. Note that the Saturday performance will not conflict with No Kings Day. It will be a great way to end it!
Get information and tickets at: Learn more + RSVP here
That’s it for now. I grew up in Hawaii, and I like to finish with a Hawaiian expression: A Hui Hou. Look it up!
Would you like to report on what’s going on in your part of West County? Sebastopol Times is looking for a few good writers who closely follow the people, organizations and issues in their town in West County. If you’re interested, write us at sebastopoltimes@gmail.com.
Welcome! This piece was a great update and I’m looking forward to seeing more from you in the future.
Thanks Rollie. Given my respect for you, it’s a real compliment to be on the same stage.