Such a great series, and, as many have commented, a great recitation of the past heroes who have shaped this beautiful place. It reminds me of the extremely contentious battle for Measure H, prior to Sebastopol's own General Plan update in the early 1990's. The measure, written by Juliana Doms and me, called for the restriction of major development while the General Plan was being updated. At the time, Sebastopol was literally ringed with development proposals: Saddlebur in the Laguna, Canada Vista along Atascadero Creek, and northward. We were slammed by the local paper, under John Burns, and endured backlash and anger from people furious that "newcomers" might try to tell them what to do. The measure went down in flames, but the General Plan update contained enough of the goals and language we to which we aspired, to feel like the long game had been moved forward.
Thank you Rollie for recounting the great ambition and achievements of Richard, Bill Kortum, Eric, Ernie, and so many others who led the efforts to develop Sonoma County to be the wonderful place it is today. I am grateful for their vision and commitment to our home in Sonoma County. Lots of people joined these leaders to support their visions for a livable community. This work is ongoing, never done. But, with all that’s being undone by the gerontocracy in Washington these days, there will be plenty of opportunity to see what we might do to make our families, neighborhoods, cities, counties, and state an even better place to live. A great local newspaper has important work to do in these efforts.. And you’re doing it. Thank you.
Right to point out the problem with our Washington nitwits. But you missed the far larger threats from the “Progressive” and “Social justice” minded in our backyard. Both busy at work and successfully undermining the environment, CEQA, our communities, and quality of life. Our great leader in Calif, governor Newsom just proudly passed AB 179 “that cut red tape” to build more homes and is tooting his horn that “building is happening faster” since he took office. And how about our progressive minded State Senator Scott Wiener bill that allows multi-story buildings in your neighborhoods, over riding any local ordinance and doesn’t allow local input from the folks most impacted? Impressive, progressive.
How about the latest attempt, Prop 45 (called the “Building an Affordable California Act”) to weaken CEQA. This will amend CEQA to limit the scope of environmental review. The latest PD article shows 80% support by Democrats and endorsed by several social justice groups. Pave over paradise and make us proud.
Rollie pointed out the true progressive, forward-thinking minds that bravely bucked the trend by "Saying no" which shaped the Sonoma County's we now know, appreciate, and provides a quality of life. Where are those leaders now?
Thank you Rollie and the Sebastopol Times for this wonderful 2 part series on the commited effort to preserve the environmental an social landscape that we enjoy today. Your summaiton of work and contributions of Richard Retecki and colleagues is greatly appreciated. This is what great community oriented journalism in action in looks like.
A clarification on the Forestville Downtown Oaks Park: it's not a "future park" - it's a very active and open park, used daily by the community and visitors alike. The FPA (recently renamed the Forestville Partnership Alliance) invites you to come enjoy a picnic under the oaks, a walk along the West County Trail, a visit to our Tuesday Farmer's Market, and a ton of fun at our annual fundraiser, Pie in the Park (this year on Saturday, October 17th). Another quick note: the youth skate park will be developed on a piece of land nearby (not in the Forestville Downtown Oaks Park) by the Forestville Skatespot folks. Use and support your local parks!
Such a great series, and, as many have commented, a great recitation of the past heroes who have shaped this beautiful place. It reminds me of the extremely contentious battle for Measure H, prior to Sebastopol's own General Plan update in the early 1990's. The measure, written by Juliana Doms and me, called for the restriction of major development while the General Plan was being updated. At the time, Sebastopol was literally ringed with development proposals: Saddlebur in the Laguna, Canada Vista along Atascadero Creek, and northward. We were slammed by the local paper, under John Burns, and endured backlash and anger from people furious that "newcomers" might try to tell them what to do. The measure went down in flames, but the General Plan update contained enough of the goals and language we to which we aspired, to feel like the long game had been moved forward.
Thank you Rollie for recounting the great ambition and achievements of Richard, Bill Kortum, Eric, Ernie, and so many others who led the efforts to develop Sonoma County to be the wonderful place it is today. I am grateful for their vision and commitment to our home in Sonoma County. Lots of people joined these leaders to support their visions for a livable community. This work is ongoing, never done. But, with all that’s being undone by the gerontocracy in Washington these days, there will be plenty of opportunity to see what we might do to make our families, neighborhoods, cities, counties, and state an even better place to live. A great local newspaper has important work to do in these efforts.. And you’re doing it. Thank you.
Right to point out the problem with our Washington nitwits. But you missed the far larger threats from the “Progressive” and “Social justice” minded in our backyard. Both busy at work and successfully undermining the environment, CEQA, our communities, and quality of life. Our great leader in Calif, governor Newsom just proudly passed AB 179 “that cut red tape” to build more homes and is tooting his horn that “building is happening faster” since he took office. And how about our progressive minded State Senator Scott Wiener bill that allows multi-story buildings in your neighborhoods, over riding any local ordinance and doesn’t allow local input from the folks most impacted? Impressive, progressive.
How about the latest attempt, Prop 45 (called the “Building an Affordable California Act”) to weaken CEQA. This will amend CEQA to limit the scope of environmental review. The latest PD article shows 80% support by Democrats and endorsed by several social justice groups. Pave over paradise and make us proud.
Rollie pointed out the true progressive, forward-thinking minds that bravely bucked the trend by "Saying no" which shaped the Sonoma County's we now know, appreciate, and provides a quality of life. Where are those leaders now?
Really fantastic series, with such great history. Thanks so much!
Thank you Rollie and the Sebastopol Times for this wonderful 2 part series on the commited effort to preserve the environmental an social landscape that we enjoy today. Your summaiton of work and contributions of Richard Retecki and colleagues is greatly appreciated. This is what great community oriented journalism in action in looks like.
A clarification on the Forestville Downtown Oaks Park: it's not a "future park" - it's a very active and open park, used daily by the community and visitors alike. The FPA (recently renamed the Forestville Partnership Alliance) invites you to come enjoy a picnic under the oaks, a walk along the West County Trail, a visit to our Tuesday Farmer's Market, and a ton of fun at our annual fundraiser, Pie in the Park (this year on Saturday, October 17th). Another quick note: the youth skate park will be developed on a piece of land nearby (not in the Forestville Downtown Oaks Park) by the Forestville Skatespot folks. Use and support your local parks!
Thank you, Rollie, once again, for two very important columns.