New signs in the Barlow point the way to downtown

A first tentative step toward connecting the Barlow with the rest of Sebastopol

Ribbon cutting for the installation of signs in Barlow pointing to downtown Sebastopol shops. Left to right: Officer Paige Thomas, Myriah Volk of the Sebastopol Chamber, Jennifer Adametz, Sargeant Cameron Fenske, and Barlow owner Barney Aldridge. (Photo courtesy of the Barlow)

It seems simple, but in the context of Sebastopol’s bifurcated business situation (i.e. the Barlow and everywhere else), it was a momentous event.

At noon, on Wednesday, August 23, the Barlow installed two new signs directing visitors toward Sebastopol’s downtown.

The new signs are located on the directionals in front of Taylor Lane and Sushi Kosho.

The signs are a response to the perception that many of the tourists who flock to the Barlow don’t even know that Sebastopol has a downtown business district and that it’s just a short, two-blocks walk away.

Barney Aldridge and Jennifer Adametz from the Barlow and Myriah Volk from the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce were on hand to celebrate the installation of the signs.

“When we started having our meetings together with the Barlow, the Downtown Association and the city, there was a lot of talk about the disconnect between the Barlow and the downtown and waiting for the hotel to connect them…and then we thought, ‘Well, what can we do now?’ And we all agreed that signs would be a great way to go.”

The Barlow stepped up to have the signs made and installed on their existing directionals.

Volk sees it as a small but important step forward. “It’s like a visual indication that some sort of connection has been established,” she said.

Sign in the Barlow. (Photo courtesy of the Barlow)