Before I reached my teens I met relatives from Europe with blue numbers tattooed on their wrists. I grew up with black people. I learned that everyone, regardless of any differences, deserves to be treated with respect, unless, by their actions, they prove otherwise. I am appalled that neither their parents, nor our educational system, has instilled that idea into the heads of these kids. I am appalled that, with all of Sebastopol's brain power, we cannot (or will not) correct this situation.
I’d like to give those kids a piece of my mind! But don’t think it would matter since I’m a little old lady now. Could even be dangerous. But this behavior should be illegal! Monkey noises? Disgusting. Graffiti? Appalling. Both should have serious consequences.
You are so right. Graffiti is one thing (bad), but racist crap like monkey noises is beyond the pale. Teenagers should know better. As my dad would say, "Someone needs to knock a patch of hair out of their head(s)!
There is plenty of education in our schools about the civil rights movement and the Holocaust staring in 4th grade. This is a community problem. We all need to step up to protect our neighbors.
Minneapolis is an example for how to protect neighbors. Can we form a group that is willing to stand at this spot after school to show our support for the families? You can email me at cindy.whitman@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
Not anymore. I certainly got that education when I was a kid. Yup, it's horrifying. We've only been here for a couple of years. I expected better of Sebastopol.
I typically stay away from comment sections to maintain my own journalistic integrity, but I think I need to pipe in here on Analy's behalf.
Similar to what RC had to say about a nearby district, Analy does have a pretty extensive curriculum centered on civil rights and the Holocaust. Now, it (of course) could be better, but it is far from absent. Night by Elie Wiesel is required reading for freshmen, and we repeatedly have family members of Holocaust survivors come to speak in classes.
In Analy's Global and Ethnic Studies courses, which are quite popular, we often have guest speakers talking about (among other things) the intersection of minority groups and the "-isms" (racism, sexism, etc). In past years Analy hosted a so-called "Unity Week," where guest speakers of all backgrounds would come and give presentations to students for a week in February. Unfortunately that was canceled last year in favor of other activities but they may bring it back this school year.
While I am certain that Analy could do better—and probably should—it is certainly not fair to our teachers to say that education about civil rights is absent.
This isn't true. I know at my school (a different high school), we teach about the Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust, and Night is required reading; and we're far from alone in this regard. I've brought in Holocaust survivors to speak to my classes. But what you should also remember is that teenagers will focus on the things that upset adults, laughing it off as being ironic or teasing. They will find the things that offend you most and mess with it. It doesn't make it right or OK (and it's a slippery slope, which I discuss with my students), but any "sacred cow" is exactly what they will focus on, until they mature and develop a sense of empathy (well, most of them). Don't blame schools for edgy adolescent behavior-- we're some of the people fighting this ignorance on the front lines, and I would imagine that Analy is trying to combat this, too.
Thank you, rc. I'm VERY glad to hear this. I have been hearing stories about the lack of history & civics ed in our schools these days, and it's been very upsetting. Where do you teach?
I'd rather not mention the school, if that's OK. (I'm trying to maintain privacy.) If there's a way to direct message, I'd be happy to share that with you.
all we need is a small group of boring-ass adults to hang out in that spot for a few weeks intermittently, and play our old-ass music and eat tea and crupmets and whaever ever else suits our fancy. the "cringe" factor will drive any youngster away for good! byo-lawn chairs with the lil' side table for your readers and tea cup
Headscratcher why Safeway and or the city wouldn't install a few cameras. This would clearly id the problem childs so action could be take n to solve the problem. And a few cameras would be cheaper than cleaning up the graffiti.
Yes, but don't penalize all the kids. Besides, it could be happening after school. Just identify the culprits and disallow them to leave campus during school hours. The school absolutely has that authority.
It's really outrageous. that kids from our community (Peace town!) are behaving like this. And so sad that these kids are being raised so poorly. In 2026. In Sebastopol. Man oh man; so sad
Yes, let's boycott Safeway until they do something. This letter is going out today.
Dear Safeway Manager,
As a long time Safeway shopper I am appalled at the lack of action at your Sebastopol store in regard to preventing vandals from defacing your property and harassing your neighbors. I understand that by simply fencing off your loading dock the situation would be improved.
Therefore, until Safeway management takes concrete steps to address this problem i will not be spending my dollars in your store.
I have read that over 40 percent of Analy Students are transfers in from other parts of this area, mostly Santa Rosa. It would be probable to guess that these myriad children are on their way to their home with a pass near Safeway on the way to transportation. There is really no welcoming place for these students to hang out and mingle anywhere near downtown Sebastopol. And children on ocassion may be loud and possibly anti-social. We need a place for children that is safe. But where is the crime here? No physical violence just rude children. Am I missing something...or is Sebastopol just too full of folks that do not have much tolerance for loud children growing up in a very un loud living situation under the eyes of very greying senior population.
In my view, this situation might be best and most effectively adressed with a restorative justice program led by Sebastopol Police Dept's most wonderful chief.
I think this situation has elements in common with those found in successful restorative justice projects -- youth offendedrd, community crime, neighbors who want to address the crime in supportive vs punitive ways, opportunities for victims and perpetrators to meet in person in community setting, and community policing law enforcement resources.
So pipes in a voice from Forestville.
And a question -- am I correct in understanding that the Sebastopol Safeway teen crime problem is a fairly recent development, and was not as serious a problem downtown before the District closed El Molino HS in 2021?
I feel so sad and ashamed that our neighbors dealing with this awful problem have not felt supported.
Before I reached my teens I met relatives from Europe with blue numbers tattooed on their wrists. I grew up with black people. I learned that everyone, regardless of any differences, deserves to be treated with respect, unless, by their actions, they prove otherwise. I am appalled that neither their parents, nor our educational system, has instilled that idea into the heads of these kids. I am appalled that, with all of Sebastopol's brain power, we cannot (or will not) correct this situation.
I’d like to give those kids a piece of my mind! But don’t think it would matter since I’m a little old lady now. Could even be dangerous. But this behavior should be illegal! Monkey noises? Disgusting. Graffiti? Appalling. Both should have serious consequences.
You are so right. Graffiti is one thing (bad), but racist crap like monkey noises is beyond the pale. Teenagers should know better. As my dad would say, "Someone needs to knock a patch of hair out of their head(s)!
There is plenty of education in our schools about the civil rights movement and the Holocaust staring in 4th grade. This is a community problem. We all need to step up to protect our neighbors.
Minneapolis is an example for how to protect neighbors. Can we form a group that is willing to stand at this spot after school to show our support for the families? You can email me at cindy.whitman@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
This is pretty horrifying. I suspect that there is not much education in schools about the civil rights movement and the Holocaust.
Not anymore. I certainly got that education when I was a kid. Yup, it's horrifying. We've only been here for a couple of years. I expected better of Sebastopol.
I typically stay away from comment sections to maintain my own journalistic integrity, but I think I need to pipe in here on Analy's behalf.
Similar to what RC had to say about a nearby district, Analy does have a pretty extensive curriculum centered on civil rights and the Holocaust. Now, it (of course) could be better, but it is far from absent. Night by Elie Wiesel is required reading for freshmen, and we repeatedly have family members of Holocaust survivors come to speak in classes.
In Analy's Global and Ethnic Studies courses, which are quite popular, we often have guest speakers talking about (among other things) the intersection of minority groups and the "-isms" (racism, sexism, etc). In past years Analy hosted a so-called "Unity Week," where guest speakers of all backgrounds would come and give presentations to students for a week in February. Unfortunately that was canceled last year in favor of other activities but they may bring it back this school year.
While I am certain that Analy could do better—and probably should—it is certainly not fair to our teachers to say that education about civil rights is absent.
Thanks so much for telling me this! It's very encouraging.
This isn't true. I know at my school (a different high school), we teach about the Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust, and Night is required reading; and we're far from alone in this regard. I've brought in Holocaust survivors to speak to my classes. But what you should also remember is that teenagers will focus on the things that upset adults, laughing it off as being ironic or teasing. They will find the things that offend you most and mess with it. It doesn't make it right or OK (and it's a slippery slope, which I discuss with my students), but any "sacred cow" is exactly what they will focus on, until they mature and develop a sense of empathy (well, most of them). Don't blame schools for edgy adolescent behavior-- we're some of the people fighting this ignorance on the front lines, and I would imagine that Analy is trying to combat this, too.
Thank you, rc. I'm VERY glad to hear this. I have been hearing stories about the lack of history & civics ed in our schools these days, and it's been very upsetting. Where do you teach?
I'd rather not mention the school, if that's OK. (I'm trying to maintain privacy.) If there's a way to direct message, I'd be happy to share that with you.
OK. I'm not sure how you can DM me....
all we need is a small group of boring-ass adults to hang out in that spot for a few weeks intermittently, and play our old-ass music and eat tea and crupmets and whaever ever else suits our fancy. the "cringe" factor will drive any youngster away for good! byo-lawn chairs with the lil' side table for your readers and tea cup
Boycott Safeway.
Patrol Safeway.
Headscratcher why Safeway and or the city wouldn't install a few cameras. This would clearly id the problem childs so action could be take n to solve the problem. And a few cameras would be cheaper than cleaning up the graffiti.
Yes, show the pictures to the school staff. I guarantee they will now those kids by name. There called the high flyers; every school has some.
This has already been done.
So then were the students responsible identified and disciplined and were their parents informed?
And if they don't have the budget, I'll be happy to donate to the cause
Safeway has the money, but (so far) not the will to do anything.
What happened to the idea that Analy is a closed campus. We won’t shop Safeway during school hours until school ends next year. What a drag
Yes, but don't penalize all the kids. Besides, it could be happening after school. Just identify the culprits and disallow them to leave campus during school hours. The school absolutely has that authority.
It's really outrageous. that kids from our community (Peace town!) are behaving like this. And so sad that these kids are being raised so poorly. In 2026. In Sebastopol. Man oh man; so sad
Yes, let's boycott Safeway until they do something. This letter is going out today.
Dear Safeway Manager,
As a long time Safeway shopper I am appalled at the lack of action at your Sebastopol store in regard to preventing vandals from defacing your property and harassing your neighbors. I understand that by simply fencing off your loading dock the situation would be improved.
Therefore, until Safeway management takes concrete steps to address this problem i will not be spending my dollars in your store.
I have read that over 40 percent of Analy Students are transfers in from other parts of this area, mostly Santa Rosa. It would be probable to guess that these myriad children are on their way to their home with a pass near Safeway on the way to transportation. There is really no welcoming place for these students to hang out and mingle anywhere near downtown Sebastopol. And children on ocassion may be loud and possibly anti-social. We need a place for children that is safe. But where is the crime here? No physical violence just rude children. Am I missing something...or is Sebastopol just too full of folks that do not have much tolerance for loud children growing up in a very un loud living situation under the eyes of very greying senior population.
In my view, this situation might be best and most effectively adressed with a restorative justice program led by Sebastopol Police Dept's most wonderful chief.
I think this situation has elements in common with those found in successful restorative justice projects -- youth offendedrd, community crime, neighbors who want to address the crime in supportive vs punitive ways, opportunities for victims and perpetrators to meet in person in community setting, and community policing law enforcement resources.
So pipes in a voice from Forestville.
And a question -- am I correct in understanding that the Sebastopol Safeway teen crime problem is a fairly recent development, and was not as serious a problem downtown before the District closed El Molino HS in 2021?
Thank you :)
who is responsible for the Cemetery on Bodega Hwy? there are large piles of vegetation and downed trees that are really ugly.
The cemetary owner, Stephen Lang, is responsible for the property. For the last several years, he’s had some trouble keeping it up.