City of Sebastopol 7120 Bodega Avenue Sebastopol, California

www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us Fall 2008

City of Sebastopol Community Newsletter

Challenging Period Ahead
The United States is facing unprecedented economic turmoil including substantial declines in home values, widespread mortgage defaults, bank and financial institution failures, and severe impacts on business and housing finance. The effects of these events are of an historic nature and may last a number of years. At the same time, constrained by funding mandates and a sometimes dysfunctional political process, the State of California budget has been in precarious financial condition for several years, with the recent downturn raising more questions about the state of the State. This year, to address its budget problems, the State took $186,000 in local redevelopment funds from the City of Sebastopol. Sebastopol has managed its finances prudently, but will not be unaffected by these events. Closure of the local Ford dealer illustrates how national factors affect the local economy, and the loss of that business and others has already affected Sebastopols revenues, which are used to provide basic City services. Negative revenue trends are expected to continue, and in the coming year, may necessitate difficult decisions resulting in service reductions. There is also the potential that the State may take additional local revenues to address its own budget problems, which would compound challenges for cities and counties. Maintaining a strong local economy and essential public services and public infrastructure is particularly critical in these difficult times. In addition to carefully managing its revenues and expenditures, the City will be discussing economic development actions it can take, including working with the Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce on ways to support Sebastopol businesses, and initiatives to diversify and strengthen the local economy.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner The unique American holiday of Thanksgiving is on November 27. Some of us have family and friends to share the holidays with, others do not. Some in our community lack the means to afford a warm meal for their family. The Community Church of Sebastopol is sponsoring the 8th annual Thanksgiving community dinner for those who are in need. Volunteers and donations are welcome to help provide a warm meal on this special day. The dinner will be on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th from 1pm to 5pm at the Community Church, 1000 Gravenstein Highway North in Sebastopol. If you would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to The Community Church Thanksgiving Fund. For more information please call 823-2484.

Hollyhock Affordable Housing Development Approved

Following Planning Commissions review, the City Council approved the 34-unit Hollyhock affordable housing development at 961 Gravenstein Highway South in October. The project will be built by Burbank Housing, and will include 34 single-family homes using Burbanks self-help program, where future owners help construct their homes. A related approval was for an 8-unit market-rate mixed-use project on the sites highway frontage. The projects will include construction of sidewalks and planting of street trees along the sites highway frontage, as well as installation of a traffic signal at Lynch Road and Highway 116 which will improve traffic safety. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the self-help housing project, call Burbank Housing at 526-9782.

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Josies Favorite Pumpkin Muffin Recipe Try this great vegan recipe from Postpunkkitchen for some moist pumpkin muffins: Utensils: Jumbo muffin tin Ingredients 1 3/4 cups flour 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup pureed pumpkin (fresh or from a can) 1 tablespoon soy yogurt 1/2 cup soymilk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons molasses Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease muffin tins with vegetable shortening or spray on oil. Sift together dry ingredients (flour through cloves). In a separate bowl, wisk together wet ingredients (pumpkin through molasses). Pour wet into dry and combine. Fill muffin tins 2/3 of the way. Bake for 27-30 minutes, till a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

City of Sebastopol Community Newsletter

Housing Element Update Initiated

Sebastopol has begun an update of its Housing Element of the General Plan, last updated in 2003. The Housing Element sets City housing policy, including programmatic actions to address local housing needs. Under State law, Housing Elements are required to be updated every five years. The Element was certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Certification is required for eligibility for an increasing number of funding programs, and in addition provides a measure of legal protection to the City. Adoption of the Element in 2003 was followed by a number of implementation actions, including significant revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, and City financial support of three major affordable housing projects, as well as several smaller affordable housing projects. Information about the update of the Housing Element can be found on the Planning Department page of the City web site (www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us). If you have policy or program suggestions, or questions about the update, please contact the Planning Department at 823-6167.

Laguna Preserve Designated as Watchable Wildlife Area

Sebastopols Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve has received a prestigious Watchable Wildlife designation. The California Watchable Wildlife Committee (CWWC) celebrates the states wildlife and diverse habitats by acknowledging and elevating the value of wildlife viewing to benefit individuals, families, communities, and industries while fostering awareness and support for wildlife and habitats. Comprised of representatives from government agencies, non-profits, and private businesses, the CWWC strives toward educating the public by coordinating and promoting ethical wildlife watching. California alone is regarded as one of the best wildlife viewing locations in the nation. The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation spearheaded the effort for designation of the Laguna Preserve in coordination with the City. Check out the Watchable Wildlife web site at www.cawatchablewildlife.org.

City Manager Dave Brennan to Retire

After nine years, Dave Brennan, Sebastopols City Manager has announced his retirement. Under the oversight of a five-member elected City Council, the City Manager is appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations and financial management of the Citya complex and demanding job. In addition to the typical duties of a City Manager, Mr. Brennan has played a key role in Sebastopols development as one of the leaders in implementation of solar technology. His steady guidance and wisdom will be missed.
We are on the Web! www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us

The City Council has initiated the search for a new City Manager, retaining a specialized consulting firm to find the best and most qualified candidates for this unique community. The Council hopes to make a hiring decision by the end of 2008.