RoundUp: Build, build, build
More housing, with saleable ADUs, may be coming to Sebastopol, plus construction at Park Side School, Vineyard Table, and kudos for Hillcrest Middle School
Valentine Avenue Homes debuts before the Sebastopol Planning Commission this week
The old Mormon Church site on Valentine Avenue is being eyed by Stockton-based developer, Grupe Investment Company, as the site for Valentine Avenue Homes, a 20-lot, 39-home single-family residential subdivision. The 20 primary residences will range from 1,422 to 1,640 square feet, while the 19 detached ADUs will range from 748 to 1,000 square feet.
The developer’s description of the project notes that the development was made possible by the City’s adoption of AB1033, which allows for the separate sale of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). According to this document, “Without this provision, the separate sale of ADUs would not be permitted, and the project would likely be infeasible.”
This week, the developer will be coming before a Special Joint Planning Commission and Design Review/Tree Board on Tuesday, March 17, at 3 pm. This meeting, which is open to the public, is intended to be an informal workshop where the planning commission (and the public) can provide the applicant with preliminary feedback on the plan. See the developer’s initial development documentation package here.
Construction at Park Side and Brook Haven
A reader asked:
I’m wondering if you can tell us what is going on at the front of Park Side School and, more importantly, how much longer it is going to be going on? It really messes with the neighborhood traffic before and after school. Also, there appears to be construction at the back of Brook Haven. What is going on there?
The Sebastopol Times asked Sara Gramm, Superintendent of Sebastopol Union School District, and here is her reply:
Currently, Park Side’s front entry and the school office are undergoing a security & safety upgrade, along with the modernization of the office and meeting space.
At Brook Haven, we are adding a district facility storage barn that will be used to replace the original “bus barn” that sits on the Washington Avenue side of the Park Side campus. Additionally, five temporary portables will be placed at the back of the Brook Haven property as an alternate space to house our CASTLE before and after school program during construction on the Park Side upper campus.
Plans are in the works for a complete renovation of the upper Park Side campus. This area consists of several portables that are well beyond their usable lifespan (some 25+ years beyond the expected life). The district is developing plans for a Kindercourt complex that will house our preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten classrooms, outdoor play spaces, as well as CASTLE before and after-care center
We understand the impact of the additional traffic during pick up and drop off during this time of construction. We have asked that families use specific locations to spread out the impact around the block and have been encouraging those who have time in the morning to park further out and enjoy a leisurely walk to school as the weather gets nicer. The safety and security upgrade and office project that is impacting the front of the campus is slated to be done in mid-May.
Gramm said there would be more information about the construction projects on the district’s website soon. “Our website is transitioning to a new site, and we are finishing up the Bond/Construction tab. We’re hoping to have it up in the next week or two, which will have much more info to share regarding the projects and improvements.”
From Re-Cultivate to Vineyard Table
For those of you who were excited by the opening over the Christmas holiday of Re-Cultivate—a new incarnation of the beloved Sebastopol homewares store—you’ll be happy to know that Kathy Anderson, the longtime manager of Cultivate, has just opened her own store, Vineyard Table, at 125 S. Main St., in that same little niche next to Goldfinch.
The store opened yesterday, and it specializes in gorgeous linens—tablecloths, napkins, dishtowels, and aprons. There’s also a smattering of curated kitchen and garden items, home decor, as well as gift items, like locally made olive oil and apple cider balsamic vinegar from GoldRidge Organic Farm and chocolates from Rainy Day Chocolates in Forestville.
Hillcrest Middle School named a California Distinguished School
Hillcrest Middle School, a public charter school overseen by Gravenstein Union School District, was one of three schools in Sonoma County to be named a “2026 California Distinguished School.” Located on Bloomfield Road in south Sebastopol, Hillcrest has been recognized with this honor three times — in 2013, 2009, and 2005. A California Distinguished School is a public school recognized by the California State Board of Education for exemplary educational programs and outstanding student outcomes.
Gravenstein District Superintendent Keri Pugno, formerly principal at Gravenstein Elementary and a teacher within the district since 2001, said she’s incredibly proud of the students and staff at Hillcrest for earning this recognition.
“This honor reflects the dedication, talent and hard work that our entire Hillcrest community brings to school each day,” she said.
“What makes Hillcrest so special is that our focus goes beyond strong academics. We work hard to create opportunities for students to excel and build confidence in many areas of school life—from our jazz and marching band to the many athletic teams to our impressive drama performances that help students develop teamwork, creativity, and leadership. This award is truly a reflection of a community that believes in supporting the whole child, and I’m grateful to our staff, students, and families for helping Hillcrest shine and be recognized in this way.”
Also, a heads up for all parents of 8th graders (at Hillcrest or elsewhere): You’re invited to a talk and conversation called “Before High School Begins: What Parents of 8th Graders Need to Know” on Thursday, March 26, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Hillcrest Middle School, 725 Bloomfield Road, Sebastopol.
Thanks for the update on school construction.
One thing that has not been adequately explained is why if California's population is flat or even declining, why a housing shortage? Could it be short term rentals, vacation homes, residential to commercial conversions (S Main St.) or pied a terres for a few? We all know that most ADUs are really just short term rentals. A property will increase in value with an ADU so taxes will go up and it will cost more for someone to buy.