RoundUp: From the ground up
Habitat for Humanity, May Day Strong Protest, Sister City visit, Community Sing, Bike Month, and more
Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on townhomes near downtown
Habitat for Humanity and friends celebrated the beginning of construction of Blankenship Place, a four-unit townhome development at 333 North Main St., across from Community First Credit Union. It will consist of four 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,350 square feet homes, all of which are designated as affordable housing.
The property was named after Jack Blankenship, the founder of Sonoma County Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, which sells new and used furniture and construction materials. Blankenship, who died in 2021, grew up in poverty with insecure housing. Known as “Mr. Habitat,” he spent his adult life helping other people in need.
Asked for a comment about the development, Mayor Stephen Zollman shared the following:
The City takes great pride in its ongoing commitment to supporting our most vulnerable residents—not only within our municipal boundaries, but also in partnership with the County in its broader efforts.
With the addition of this new initiative—alongside the efforts of Saint Vincent de Paul and our existing services—we are proud to have the following three supportive housing entities: Elderberry Commons, Gravenstein Commons and Park Village.
We look forward to working closely with Burbank’s onsite management, whose responsibilities will include addressing behavioral concerns, to ensure that residents are not only housed, but truly embraced as valued members of our community.
As we move forward, we recognize that maintaining a peaceful, respectful, and thriving environment is a collective responsibility. Sebastopol is an inclusive city, and it is our shared duty to support one another in building a community where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed—and to feel a true sense of belonging.
May Day Strong Protest in Sebastopol
Saturday’s May Day Strong protest was smaller than previous protests but still an impressive turnout for such a small town. Signs addressed the disappearance of due process, immigrant rights, concerns about the fate of our democracy and resistance to President Trump and Elon Musk.
The mayor and councilmembers of Takeo, Japan—Sebastopol’s Sister City—came to town last week
Last week, a delegation from Takeo, Japan, visited Sebastopol. Tadashi Komatsu (Mayor of Takeo City) and Takeo councilmembers joined the Sebastopol City Council at the annual Apple Blossom Parade on Saturday and visited City Hall, where they were welcomed by Acting City Manager Mary Gourley and the Sebastopol City Council. Takeo has been a Sister City to Sebastopol since 1985. Their trip was organized by Sebastopol World Friends, whose motto is “World Peace, One Friend at a Time.”
Are you ready for Bike to Work Day? It’s May 15
The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition is hosting a variety of activities and challenges throughout the month of May to encourage more people to discover the benefits of riding a bike as a sustainable, practical and fun way to get around.
You don’t have to be a seasoned cyclist to participate. Start by taking the Pledge to Ride. Simply commit to riding your bike on Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 15, or throughout the month for errands and other short trips. Those who pledge will be entered into a prize drawing.
On Bike to Work Day, there will be a network of Energizer Stations throughout the county, offering snacks, swag bags and endless encouragement as riders make their way to work.
There will be two Morning Energizer Stations in Sebastopol on Bike to Work Day: one at the entrance to the Joe Rodota Trail on Petaluma Avenue and another at Community Market, 6762 Sebastopol Ave.
For more information on Bike Month activities, visit bikesonoma.org/btwd.
Looking for something to do this afternoon? Melanie DeMore leads Joyful Noise Community Sing today at 4 pm
Joyful Noise welcomes back renowned song leader, composer, performer, and music activist, Melanie DeMore, for a Community Sing on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Sanctuary, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Come ready to be lifted in song and united in community. All songs are taught in the moment, no music reading ability is necessary. Come to sing or just listen and enjoy.
Sebastopol Police Logs, April 21-27
The following are crimes excerpted from Sebastopol Police Department daily crime log entries and listed at the time the alleged violation was reported.
MONDAY
1:22 p.m. Assault on a person, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and controlled substances without a prescription, and violation of probation (misdemeanors) at Sebastopol Avenue. Suspect arrested.
3:55 p.m. Vandalism, including defacing property (misdemeanor) at Bodega and Washington avenues. Suspect arrested.
TUESDAY
7:22 a.m. Petty theft from a building (misdemeanor) at Gravenstein Highway North. Investigation suspended, leads exhausted.
10:05 p.m. Driving while under the influence of alcohol and resisting a peace officer (misdemeanors) at Healdsburg Avenue. Suspect arrested.
WEDNESDAY
4:09 p.m. Petty theft from a building, with two or more prior convictions (felony) at Sebastopol Avenue. Pending further investigation.
FRIDAY
9:56 p.m. Sodomy with an intoxicated or drugged victim and giving drugs to aid in a felony (felonies) at Sebastopol Avenue. Pending further investigation.
SATURDAY
7:19 p.m. Carrying a switchblade knife and violation of probation (misdemeanors) at Pleasant Hill Avenue North. Suspect arrested.
9:58 p.m. Battery on a spouse or companion and disorderly conduct involving alcohol (misdemeanors) at Petaluma Avenue. Suspect arrested.
SUNDAY
1:29 p.m. Motor vehicle theft (felony) at North High Street. Investigation suspended, leads exhausted.
OTHER POLICE ACTION
The Sebastopol Police Department also recorded 163 other events requiring police action during the period, such as lost animals, assisting citizens, parking violations, foot patrol, traffic hazards and reckless driving.
