Thank you Laura again for your AMAZING reporting on these critical issues that matter to the citizens of Sebastopol and our broader community! Hopefully other community minded reporters take your lead.
While I'm sure we are all glad that farmworkers will get housing, let's not forget about the 48 families who will now be displaced, with no sure spot to go. My senior parents live at Woodmark, and finding somewhere like this in Sebastopol, close to their kids, was a huge boon for us as a family. It has changed our lives for the better, and this is incredibly sad and frustrating. I spent many months on waiting lists, desperate to find them somewhere that was close to myself and brothers, as well as affordable and decent. The fact that we have to start the process again, with my aging parents, isn't something to be celebrated.
I've been a paid subscriber since the Sebastopol Times first began, and this is why: vital community issues being covered doggedly and thoroughly. We all know how important this is to us as individuals and as a community. Kudos and thanks to Laura for wonderful follow up, and to Dale for helping local journalism be available. Truthful reporting!
Bravo for this breaking story. Can’t imagine the stress and uncertainty evicted tenant’s face because of the “corrective action” now taken by Woodmark. Several community members wrote county, regional and state representatives. Who or what agency made Woodmark accountable to housing 51% farm workers? Were there any financial penalties against Woodmark?
Exactly Marty. This is the most tragic housing story I’ve heard in forever. A very close friend of mine lives there now. Can you imagine being a single mom of 2 and finally having some housing security, then it gets ripped away with a couple months notice right as school is starting!! And they tell you to move to Santa Rosa or Rohnert Park like it’s no big deal be be torn out of your community for a paltry $5K-$10K?! It’s unconscionable.
Again, reporting that makes a difference. Thank you.
This news of Woodmark is so very disturbing, especially since it reveals difficulty for so many - of major disruption in lives. And, it all began with what seems to be intentional irresponsibility in not fulfilling the initial housing for farmworkers. Now, we must pay close attention to the safety there of the farmworkers who may be targeted for deportation.
From my understanding, the project was approved for 84 units to go up. Half of the units were to be reserved for agricultural workers and their families, while the other half was to be, in fact, open for low income families/people in the county. Multiple sources stated this going back as far as 2021. From what I have been able to unpack online, an additional large building (or two), additional parking and a basketball court were still to be going up on the lot of land, completing the approved 84 unit complex - and would then provide the space needed to fulfill the promised ratio of farm-worker population at Woodmark. That has yet to have happened, obviously - as we all are now aware that only 48 units are in existence. I'd be curious to know what is going on with this original plan.
Regardless, we now have 45+ individuals and families that are devastated at the prospect of having to vacate. Many of these people will have to face, yet again, the chaos and absolute joke that is the housing crisis of this region. I cannot begin to imagine the gut wrenching feeling of insecurity that these families are bearing. I know, for a fact, that not "all" of these tenants are being relocated to other low-income complexes in the area (if any at all). That is misinformation. First of all, immediate availability of comparable housing at this capacity doesn't exist in this moment! Most aren't even income-based and generally start at over $2k/mo.
I am certain that for many, if not all, of the tenants here had just come up for air in their lives after landing housing security at Woodmark. My heart goes out to each of them. The entire thing is so wildly irresponsible on so many levels. Just unbelievable.
Woodmark made this mess, not the 45+ families, seniors, moms, dads and children currently calling this place HOME. Shame on Woodmark. They should absolutely be held responsible to right this mess as ethically as possible at this juncture - with not only farmworkers' interests being centered, but now too, with the interests of the community members they welcomed in as deserving tenants back in January. And I'm sorry, but a swift kick-to-the-curb for $10k doesn't cut it. Complete the project to 84 units and allow these families to stay put - as they also deserve justice in this immoral and embarrassing situation. And if the prospect of completing the proposed number of units is no longer an option, than allow the current tenants to vacate naturally over time, with the oversight of incoming tenants being farmworkers until half of the units are so.
Dozens of agricultural workers, presently employed by and living on the many closing dairy farms in Point Reyes, are currently looking for housing and ag work elsewhere. This opportunity could be a lifesaver.
Thank you for your excellent, ongoing reporting. We are very proud to support the Sebastopol Times with our paid subscription.
It permitted the project as farm worker housing and at least perfunctorily signed off on the financing structure. It could have monitored the leasing process particularly after the initial reports came in. The Developer initially scammed the system with at least tacit approval of the City
Thank you Laura again for your AMAZING reporting on these critical issues that matter to the citizens of Sebastopol and our broader community! Hopefully other community minded reporters take your lead.
While I'm sure we are all glad that farmworkers will get housing, let's not forget about the 48 families who will now be displaced, with no sure spot to go. My senior parents live at Woodmark, and finding somewhere like this in Sebastopol, close to their kids, was a huge boon for us as a family. It has changed our lives for the better, and this is incredibly sad and frustrating. I spent many months on waiting lists, desperate to find them somewhere that was close to myself and brothers, as well as affordable and decent. The fact that we have to start the process again, with my aging parents, isn't something to be celebrated.
I know that others filed complaints with the Ag Department too. Congratulations to everyone.
Where was the City when all the incorrect leasing happened?
What could the City have done?
I've been a paid subscriber since the Sebastopol Times first began, and this is why: vital community issues being covered doggedly and thoroughly. We all know how important this is to us as individuals and as a community. Kudos and thanks to Laura for wonderful follow up, and to Dale for helping local journalism be available. Truthful reporting!
Bravo for this breaking story. Can’t imagine the stress and uncertainty evicted tenant’s face because of the “corrective action” now taken by Woodmark. Several community members wrote county, regional and state representatives. Who or what agency made Woodmark accountable to housing 51% farm workers? Were there any financial penalties against Woodmark?
This is outstanding reporting. I’ve been wondering what was going on and now I know, thank you Sebastopol Times!
Sad for everyone all around. What crooks these guys are. They should have to pay more to the people moving AND find them a comparable place to live.
Exactly Marty. This is the most tragic housing story I’ve heard in forever. A very close friend of mine lives there now. Can you imagine being a single mom of 2 and finally having some housing security, then it gets ripped away with a couple months notice right as school is starting!! And they tell you to move to Santa Rosa or Rohnert Park like it’s no big deal be be torn out of your community for a paltry $5K-$10K?! It’s unconscionable.
Again, reporting that makes a difference. Thank you.
This news of Woodmark is so very disturbing, especially since it reveals difficulty for so many - of major disruption in lives. And, it all began with what seems to be intentional irresponsibility in not fulfilling the initial housing for farmworkers. Now, we must pay close attention to the safety there of the farmworkers who may be targeted for deportation.
Laura Hagar you're awesome! Thank you for your excellent ( as always ) reporting! Everyone in Sebastopol and surrounds should subscribe!
From my understanding, the project was approved for 84 units to go up. Half of the units were to be reserved for agricultural workers and their families, while the other half was to be, in fact, open for low income families/people in the county. Multiple sources stated this going back as far as 2021. From what I have been able to unpack online, an additional large building (or two), additional parking and a basketball court were still to be going up on the lot of land, completing the approved 84 unit complex - and would then provide the space needed to fulfill the promised ratio of farm-worker population at Woodmark. That has yet to have happened, obviously - as we all are now aware that only 48 units are in existence. I'd be curious to know what is going on with this original plan.
Regardless, we now have 45+ individuals and families that are devastated at the prospect of having to vacate. Many of these people will have to face, yet again, the chaos and absolute joke that is the housing crisis of this region. I cannot begin to imagine the gut wrenching feeling of insecurity that these families are bearing. I know, for a fact, that not "all" of these tenants are being relocated to other low-income complexes in the area (if any at all). That is misinformation. First of all, immediate availability of comparable housing at this capacity doesn't exist in this moment! Most aren't even income-based and generally start at over $2k/mo.
I am certain that for many, if not all, of the tenants here had just come up for air in their lives after landing housing security at Woodmark. My heart goes out to each of them. The entire thing is so wildly irresponsible on so many levels. Just unbelievable.
Woodmark made this mess, not the 45+ families, seniors, moms, dads and children currently calling this place HOME. Shame on Woodmark. They should absolutely be held responsible to right this mess as ethically as possible at this juncture - with not only farmworkers' interests being centered, but now too, with the interests of the community members they welcomed in as deserving tenants back in January. And I'm sorry, but a swift kick-to-the-curb for $10k doesn't cut it. Complete the project to 84 units and allow these families to stay put - as they also deserve justice in this immoral and embarrassing situation. And if the prospect of completing the proposed number of units is no longer an option, than allow the current tenants to vacate naturally over time, with the oversight of incoming tenants being farmworkers until half of the units are so.
Dozens of agricultural workers, presently employed by and living on the many closing dairy farms in Point Reyes, are currently looking for housing and ag work elsewhere. This opportunity could be a lifesaver.
Thank you for your excellent, ongoing reporting. We are very proud to support the Sebastopol Times with our paid subscription.
It permitted the project as farm worker housing and at least perfunctorily signed off on the financing structure. It could have monitored the leasing process particularly after the initial reports came in. The Developer initially scammed the system with at least tacit approval of the City