CVS/Chase - After the approval with conditions

[1104GT]

No, this is not "government as compromise". It is government working within the limits of it's power. When governments go beyond the power given to them by "we the people", in this case as described in our Municipal Code, that's called tyranny (bad). Governments can't make up new rules as they go. I know many want to stop CVS and Chase, (the corporate entities) from operating in town, but today our government officials don't have that authority. If you want them to, then volunteer to work on the update of the General Plan.

John's comments are those of a creative, resourceful, informed and thoughtful person working within the authority of the City Council. You may think this is "details and minutia", but these are the only tools of regulation available to our Council members. For John to make recommendations that go beyond those powers would be wrong and, to me, scary.

Ted

Seems he has no problem with the corporate move-in but has concerns involving details and minutiae. Hardly an unequivocal stance. Government as compromise. Thanks for the interview, Barry.

[Peter Schurch]

[ Peter Schurch is a member of the Sebastopol Design Review Board - Barry]

We tried to resist the intrusion of suburban business models into the
downtown core. We failed. Sebastopol already has too many big suburban
players downtown. CVS will make Sebastopol more of a drive-thru town than
it already is. There are other big corporations like Whole Foods which
value local flavor where they do business. CVS didn't want to play that
way. They don't understand a pedestrian friendly site plan. Sebastopol is
nice because of its vibrant culture and pedestrian friendliness. That's
what should be maintained and developed. CVS could have fit into that model
too. But they weren't willing to do it. That's their arrogance. Too bad
for Sebastopol that they got away with it.

[Barry]

I thought I'd try my hand at video! Still haven't gotten used to talking into the camera, but this is passable...

Bonus points to anybody who posts a video reply! If you're interested (and have a webcam) but don't know how, let' me know and I post a video demo! It's pretty easy!

To talk with John Eder, go to [email protected] or call 696-4310 or go to johneder2012.weebly.com
Robert Jacbobs: go to www.Jacob4council.com, or [email protected]

To send a contribution to Committee for Small Town Sebastopol click here
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HK4AGZUNQSV2Q

(you 'll be asked for an amount and either login to your paypal account or enter a credit card number)
or send check or make electronic transfer to
Committee for Small Town Sebastopol,
Exchange Bank, 720 Gravenstein No
Sebastopol 95472

[Peacetown Jonathan]

I thought I'd try my hand at video! Still haven't gotten used to talking into the camera, but this is passable...

Bonus points to anybody who posts a video reply! If you're interested (and have a webcam) but don't know how, let' me know and I post a video demo! It's pretty easy!

To talk with John Eder, go to [email protected] or call 696-4310 or go to johneder2012.weebly.com
Robert Jacbobs: go to www.Jacob4council.com, or [email protected]

To send a contribution to Committee for Small Town Sebastopol click here
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HK4AGZUNQSV2Q

(you 'll be asked for an amount and either login to your paypal account or enter a credit card number)
or send check or make electronic transfer to
Committee for Small Town Sebastopol,
Exchange Bank, 720 Gravenstein No
Sebastopol 95472

Well said and quite thorough. I agree that the Barlow Project is NOT the same as the CVS Project--their location is very different and Barlow feels like it will EXTEND our wonderful downtown, while the CVS Development will feel like a wall keeping it out.

Thank you, Vee-jay Barry!

[Helen Shane]

I thought I'd try my hand at video!

Hi Barry - well, you are brave and true. I think your video is very comprehensive and persuasive. One minor point re the Council's conditions. The last iteration of the Petaluma Ave access, in addition to the one at Abbott Ave, is an "in-only" driveway. The Councill's condition is that it be a fire lane only. I must say Mayor Guy took great pains, grilling the fire chief. Braga at first resisted the concept of making it simply an EVA, reason being the additional time it would take to remove the bollards or other device used to prevent other cars from using it as a drive in. Wilson pushed on, saying that surely with today's technology some system could be devised that would work without delaying access by the emergency vehicle. Braga finally agreed, saying "I only want access." So, if this condition were complied with, the only commercial access on Petaluma Ave would be via Abbott Ave.

Thank you for your work and attention to the critical matter of the application. I love Jonathan picking up on the Wall that would be created by that long, doorless entrance on Sebastopol Road, blocking the way to Barlow and the town's entrance, rather than extending our local downtown.

I may get my cam up and running, and will let you know if I do.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[1104GT]

Dian, you need to remember that property owners have certain rights which are regulated by codes and regulations. Government can only restrict citizen's freedoms in ways that are specifically described in law. Elected officials can't make stuff up as they go, even if the will of the people want it. That will must be coded into law BEFORE government can act.

And there MUST be a process through which citizens' wishes are known.

This is exactly what we've been doing in public meetings for the last 2 years. The other tool we have is voting.

Just as most people don't know that a jury can make findings independent of instructions received from the bench. The power to do that is democracy.

True, but jury's cannot make new laws as they go. They can only decide on actions relative to EXISTING laws.

According to you there would be no legal precedent, no change in law or custom.

No, these are different processes; 1) making laws, 2) enforcing laws and 3) Interpreting law. We have to change the law first, then enforce it. That's what the General Plan update is all about.

Ted

[Magick]

I really love the calm, logical tone you use to explain these basic facts of life. I certainly hope that Dian, a very passionate woman, who cares deeply about the natural world, has got her head on straight now that you have explained things..
Except for one thing...your whole story is based on the acceptance that we own the earth, that we in our short life span can come in, make some deals with other humans, buying and selling all the other species and the earth itself, then cut the trees, poison the water, steal the precious oil, drive other species to extinction, all because we, who will not live nearly as long as a redwood tree, own everything!
Ownership is just a fancy word for SLAVERY!
We don't own shit!
And we don't have a right to shit everywhere, especially not in the water..
We got work to do here, and its not about protecting the ruling class! Corporations like Chase and CVS are screwing us and every other species alive.
Or maybe we are all taking too many pharmaceuticals to wake up and smell the coffee!
As Tracy Chapman so aptly put it, "All that you got is your soul! "

Please no more condescending speeches to my sisters that are sick and tired of your laws.
There are laws of nature, there is order here, and it wasn't invented by people.
Ask the sky what it thinks about pollution, what the sea creatures think about plastic.
Thank you, Dian, I hear you loud and clear!
I will take my answer off-line, in other words, if you have something to say about what I just said, you know where to find me.
Yours truly,
Magick
Lawyer from Venus, here to defend Mother Earth in the custody case for the human race!
Contact me through: The FIRMament

Dian, you need to remember that property owners have certain rights which are regulated by codes and regulations. Government can only restrict citizen's freedoms in ways that are specifically described in law. Elected officials can't make stuff up as they go, even if the will of the people want it. That will must be coded into law BEFORE government can act.

This is exactly what we've been doing in public meetings for the last 2 years. The other tool we have is voting.

True, but jury's cannot make new laws as they go. They can only decide on actions relative to EXISTING laws.

No, these are different processes; 1) making laws, 2) enforcing laws and 3) Interpreting law. We have to change the law first, then enforce it. That's what the General Plan update is all about.

Ted

[Shepherd]

The influence of money in elections is not new. When it comes from big business into a small town, that can be a big problem, especially if those businesses have a history of throwing their money around, including paying millions of dollars in fines for illegal, immoral, and unethical behaviors.

It’s all about the money. That’s all that Chase Bank, CVS Pharmacy, and Armstrong want from the people of Sebastopol—extract our natural and social wealth. As for those of us who live here, we love Sebastopol. It is our home.

These three mega-corporations take. They do not give. Sebastopol has nothing to gain from them. And lots to loose. They are greedy. They prey on small towns, sucking them of their resources.

I am concerned about the big bucks that Chase/CVS/Armstrong might give to the two candidates who favor their moving into our downtown core—Kathleen Shaffer and Kathy Austin. Fortunately, these two are running against two successful local businessmen—Robert Jacob and John Eder. Please spread the word to Sebastopol residents to vote for them and thus save our small town.

Kathleen Shaffer and her friends made it clear after the last election that they wanted her to be the mayor. An issue is what lengths would she go to in order to achieve this ambition. It is important that one or both of Robert and John be elected to prevent that from happening and thus selling out our town to the highest outside bidder.

I hope that you will also join us next Tuesday for the Sebastopol City Council meeting, which starts at 6 p.m., where the Council plans to vote on a resolution regarding Chase/CVS.

Following is a draft of a letter to the Sonoma West editor that I submitted for this week’s paper. It was published, except for the last three paragraphs, which are the meat of the letter. I suggest how big money might influence our small town. This week’s paper also has some other letters favorable to and opposing Chase/CVS. Please follow this issue carefully and write letters to editors.

The Bohemian also has a letter of mine this week. I start teaching full-time next Monday, so my voice will be quiet for a while. I hope others will comment more on these matters. Our town’s future is at risk.

Chase/CVS/Armstrong Update
The conditions attached by the Sebastopol City Council to their August 7 tentative approval of Chase/CVS anchoring our downtown commons may doom it, since Armstrong Development previously rejected them.

The Small Town Sebastopol Committee has filed a lawsuit contending that the project violates the California Environmental Quality Act. It asserts that an Environmental Impact Study should be required, including the traffic that will be generated by the new Barlow Project.

The Council plans to formalize its decision August 21. Now is a good time to write them and letters to editors, as well as attend that meeting. Whatever happens, the issue may dominate the campaign for the two open seats on the Council to be decided Nov. 6.

Successful businessmen Robert Jacob and John Eder are the two viable candidates who oppose the development. Sonoma County Conservation Action has endorsed them as the environmental, green candidates.

Candidate and current Councilmember Kathleen Shaffer has been the cheerleader for the development, becoming known to some as “the CVS lady.” Though she has done good work for the city, she may be best remembered for radically changing its small town character.
Candidate Kathy Austin also supports the two giant outside corporations dominating our small town center.

Given that Shaffer and Austin support Chase, the wealthiest bank in the U.S., and its frequent partner, CVS, one wonders how much support these mega-corporations may provide them. Informed sources report that an Independent Expenditures (IE) committee is being organized to funnel money to the big business advocates. IE’s can receive an unlimited amount of money for candidates. How democratic or fair is that?

What might they do with all that cash? Hit pieces and deceptive mailers before the absentee ballots arrive in early October and then again right before the election might arrive. If you receive many slick mailers at those times making rash accusations, without evidence, it could be a sign of the presence of outside money.

The majority of the community has rejected this project and spoken against it for over two years. This may be the ugliest and dirtiest election in Sebastopol history in recent years.

Shepherd Bliss, Sebastopol

[podfish]

I really love the calm, logical tone you use to explain these basic facts of life.... <...>
Except for one thing...your whole story is based on the acceptance that we own the earth, <....>
And we don't have a right to shit everywhere, especially not in the water..
We got work to do here, and its not about protecting the ruling class! Corporations like Chase and CVS are screwing us and every other species alive. <...>Please no more condescending speeches to my sisters that are sick and tired of your laws.
There are laws of nature, there is order here, and it wasn't invented by people.

so calmly using logic is condescending?? passionately flailing about will give better results??

Failing to understand the forces you're dealing with, failing to understand the source and limits of their powers, means, in the end, you will fail to achieve the end you hope for. "The whole story" isn't remotely based on the premise that we own the earth. The laws of nature allow for a lot more outcomes than you seem to think - nature is a place of intense competition and quite frequently is a place of upheaval and destruction. "Ownership" is a human idea meant to limit what other humans do (well, you could say it's broader than that. A bird has pretty analogous behavior regarding its territory - so it's maybe an animal's way of limit what other animals can do).

In this issue, passion can be valuable. It's a way to get people involved and concerned. But it can also be destructive to the cause, because until you reach the level of open street fighting, those who use the laws and regulations will prevail over those offering only what the system treats as irrelevant arguments. Wishing passionately that the opposition will be seen as an embodiment of evil forces isn't a strategy for success.

[1104GT]

I am concerned with only one thing, and that is being effective. To do so, I recognize that I have to work within the existing framework of laws, government and elected officials. Calm, polite logic has served me well so far and I make no apologies for it. Passion is great, but worthless if you can't make progress because you insist on ignoring the existing way things work in our world. Wishing for a better system that doesn't exist is a waste of time and energy and results in always having to protest things. We need to move beyond "protest" mode and become progressive planners.

That said, if you want to work on a better system, I'm all for it!. The General Plan update is a great opportunity to float new ideas. I completely agree that the whole idea of "ownership" has introduced huge problems into the world, but am not aware of a better system that works with large complex populations. Don't we need some set of rules or laws? Otherwise the thin veneer of civilization comes off exposing the not-so-pleasant nature of humans.

Condescending Ted

I really love the calm, logical tone you use to explain these basic facts of life. I certainly hope that Dian, a very passionate woman, who cares deeply about the natural world, has got her head on straight now that you have explained things..
Except for one thing...your whole story is based on the acceptance that we own the earth, that we in our short life span can come in, make some deals with other humans, buying and selling all the other species and the earth itself, then cut the trees, poison the water, steal the precious oil, drive other species to extinction, all because we, who will not live nearly as long as a redwood tree, own everything!
Ownership is just a fancy word for SLAVERY!

Please no more condescending speeches to my sisters that are sick and tired of your laws.

[Helen Shane]

Funny, Ted, I thought that it was I who was being told I was condescending. Yeah, of course it's all about me, as Howie would say.

I do agree with your strategy. One can express emotion to make a point, but all we have is innate kindness and laws. I have often wondered how our driving traffic works...signals are installed, stop signs, driver ed, but it all boils down to respecting, observing and following the guidelines. As to the General Plan, I believe what I've believed in since about age seven; follow the laws; if they seem unfair, work to change them. So I hope we will bring our energy to fix what we found from our recent experiences, is broken or ill-defined in the GP, . This is the end of my philosophizing and back to work on the issues.....Y'awl come next Tuesday! More later.

I am concerned with only one thing, and that is being effective. To do so, I recognize that I have to work within the existing framework of laws, government and elected officials. Calm, polite logic has served me well so far and I make no apologies for it. Passion is great, but worthless if you can't make progress because you insist on ignoring the existing way things work in our world. Wishing for a better system that doesn't exist is a waste of time and energy and results in always having to protest things. We need to move beyond "protest" mode and become progressive planners.

That said, if you want to work on a better system, I'm all for it!. The General Plan update is a great opportunity to float new ideas. I completely agree that the whole idea of "ownership" has introduced huge problems into the world, but am not aware of a better system that works with large complex populations. Don't we need some set of rules or laws? Otherwise the thin veneer of civilization comes off exposing the not-so-pleasant nature of humans.

Condescending Ted

[Occupy Tim]

It is disheartening that here in Sebastopol of all places, even with the community mobilization and outcry, the council still did not have the nerve to stand up to the prime example of predatory corporate capitalism that is the CVS/Chase project. The project is wrong for Sebastopol on so many levels, from design and planning, to the moral and spiritual. It is very unfortunate that the Council did not kill this thing in the beginning by upholding the planning commission's decision, or at least later, the DRB's.

I agree with Barry that we can still stop this project, although, I believe the window to do so is shrinking. Occupy Sebastopol has held three demonstrations on the 12/116 corner, passing out fliers with information about the project and the council members emails. We also put these fliers in 400 Laguna farm CSA boxes. Both Guerney and Wilson said that they had received more email on this issue than on any other and I think that OS is at least partially responsible for this. We also have a petition going designed to put economic pressure on CVS. It sates that the signers will stop shopping at CVS if it moves, and there is room to write how much each person spends annually. The idea was to present this to CVS execs to show them how much money they will lose if they move downtown. We also have discussed doing a weekly/daily picket with the petition in front of CVS's current location.

Occupy Sebastopol plans to continue taking action against this project to the best of our ability. Our next General Assembly will be on Sunday at 3 p.m. in front of the occupy tent. I encourage and invite everyone who cares about this project to attend. OS has the potential to be a very powerful force, we have a highly visible billboard at the center of town, and we are tied into a global and local network of activists and activist groups. However, in order to stop this project we are going to need a level of community participation not yet seen. Occupy Sebastopol is the people of Sebastopol, that tent is our tent, it is a place for participatory democracy and an incubator of new ideas. Occupy is a conductor and the people are the energy that flows through it, empowering new realities to exist.

Please join us on Sunday (8/19) at 3 p.m. in the plaza to plan the next steps in stopping this project. We are going to need everyone to chip in if we hope to be successful. We need YOUR ideas and passion. If this project is important to you and you want to get involved in stopping it, attending Sunday's GA is a good way to start.

Tim Ryan
member, Occupy Sebastopol

[Magick]

Thanks, Tim, for your perserverance on this issue. I can't come Sunday, but I agree we need to go to the next level.
I would support a boycott now...and would be willing to sign up for shifts.
Magick

[AllorrahBe]

This looks like what many of us have been asking for: A way to act, to make a difference.
Let's get on with it!
Peace to all,
Rev. BE

Occupy Sebastopol plans to continue taking action against this project to the best of our ability. Our next General Assembly will be on Sunday at 3 p.m. in front of the occupy tent. I encourage and invite everyone who cares about this project to attend. OS has the potential to be a very powerful force, we have a highly visible billboard at the center of town, and we are tied into a global and local network of activists and activist groups. However, in order to stop this project we are going to need a level of community participation not yet seen. Occupy Sebastopol is the people of Sebastopol, that tent is our tent, it is a place for participatory democracy and an incubator of new ideas. Occupy is a conductor and the people are the energy that flows through it, empowering new realities to exist.

Please join us on Sunday (8/19) at 3 p.m. in the plaza to plan the next steps in stopping this project. We are going to need everyone to chip in if we hope to be successful. We need YOUR ideas and passion. If this project is important to you and you want to get involved in stopping it, attending Sunday's GA is a good way to start.

Tim Ryan
member, Occupy Sebastopol

[scamperwillow]

Interesting article about a similar situation in England

Totnes: the town that declared war on global capitalism
Addressing similar problems we are facing with CVS & Chase. Some interesting ways the are addressing the problem Costa [coffee chain] has already been approved by the Planning Commission. However the town of 7,500 [meaning Totnes, not SEB], is still fighting against them and are taking some interesting action to try to Costa to change their minds about moving in. They are moving into the most visible spot in town. Totnes is a thriving center for music, art, theater and natural health. It has a sizable alternative and "New Age" community, and is known as a place where one can live a bohemian lifestyle.

https://www.guardian.co.uk/business/...sm?INTCMP=SRCH

[Shepherd]

I think that Totnes may also be town in England where the Transition Movement started. There are now hundreds of transition towns around the world, including Sebastopol and Cotati. The USA office is here in Sonoma County in Petaluma.

Interesting article about a similar situation in England

Totnes: the town that declared war on global capitalism
Addressing similar problems we are facing with CVS & Chase. Some interesting ways the are addressing the problem Costa [coffee chain] has already been approved by the Planning Commission. However the town of 7,500 [meaning Totnes, not SEB], is still fighting against them and are taking some interesting action to try to Costa to change their minds about moving in. They are moving into the most visible spot in town. Totnes is a thriving center for music, art, theater and natural health. It has a sizable alternative and "New Age" community, and is known as a place where one can live a bohemian lifestyle.

https://www.guardian.co.uk/business/...sm?INTCMP=SRCH

[Barry]

Thanks to you and all those that have contributed to Occupy Sebastopol actions on this!

I encourage everybody who can to show up at Occupy Sebastopol's General Assembly this Sunday at 3pm at the plaza!

For those of us who can't make it, please post about what was decided and how we can help!

Barry

I agree with Barry that we can still stop this project, although, I believe the window to do so is shrinking. Occupy Sebastopol has held three demonstrations on the 12/116 corner, passing out fliers with information about the project and the council members emails. We also put these fliers in 400 Laguna farm CSA boxes. Both Guerney and Wilson said that they had received more email on this issue than on any other and I think that OS is at least partially responsible for this. We also have a petition going designed to put economic pressure on CVS. It sates that the signers will stop shopping at CVS if it moves, and there is room to write how much each person spends annually. The idea was to present this to CVS execs to show them how much money they will lose if they move downtown. We also have discussed doing a weekly/daily picket with the petition in front of CVS's current location.

Occupy Sebastopol plans to continue taking action against this project to the best of our ability. Our next General Assembly will be on Sunday at 3 p.m. in front of the occupy tent. I encourage and invite everyone who cares about this project to attend. OS has the potential to be a very powerful force, we have a highly visible billboard at the center of town, and we are tied into a global and local network of activists and activist groups. However, in order to stop this project we are going to need a level of community participation not yet seen. Occupy Sebastopol is the people of Sebastopol, that tent is our tent, it is a place for participatory democracy and an incubator of new ideas. Occupy is a conductor and the people are the energy that flows through it, empowering new realities to exist.

Please join us on Sunday (8/19) at 3 p.m. in the plaza to plan the next steps in stopping this project. We are going to need everyone to chip in if we hope to be successful. We need YOUR ideas and passion. If this project is important to you and you want to get involved in stopping it, attending Sunday's GA is a good way to start.

Tim Ryan
member, Occupy Sebastopol

[Peace Voyager]

Thanks for keeping Occupy going Tim!

We need to write some letters to the Editor of the PD, and Sonoma West Times on our progress; to counter the anti-Occupy ones they've been printing.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday; and sharing all our peaceful, proactive ideas to improve the quality of our towns; and mindfulness of how we: shop, live, work & play.

Best wishes,

Colleen Fernald

Sebastopol's Constitutional
Candidate for PEACE!
City Council 2012
www.campaignforpeace.org
(Just like me; this site is a work in progress.)

Please join us on Sunday (8/19) at 3 p.m. in the plaza to plan the next steps in stopping this project. We are going to need everyone to chip in if we hope to be successful. We need YOUR ideas and passion. If this project is important to you and you want to get involved in stopping it, attending Sunday's GA is a good way to start.

Tim Ryan
member, Occupy Sebastopol

[Peace Voyager]

To see what the true majority wants on any major issue; we need more polls on WaCCo, and more WaCCo members from the general community, so they know there is a place to add their voice to our mix.

Partnering with a local paper could work to inform Sebastopol residents, visitors & shoppers about the poll topics.

This is a good model for all villages to gauge the temperature of the majority's will. If it doesn't fit your style, it's time to migrate to one which does. So having a color coded map of each village's majority preferences would go a long way towards preventing discontent. :anyone:

I'm in the process of updating my campaign website from the US Senate race to the City Council. The poll up now is the old one.

I'd like to know what issues, besides CVS/Chase, voters would like to have the candidates take a stand on as I add new questions.

Much thanks,
Colleen Fernald

[Peace Voyager]

Funny how the 1%ers hijacked "the Bohemian lifestyle".

Interesting article about a similar situation in England

Totnes: the town that declared war on global capitalism
Addressing similar problems we are facing with CVS & Chase. Some interesting ways the are addressing the problem Costa [coffee chain] has already been approved by the Planning Commission. However the town of 7,500 [meaning Totnes, not SEB], is still fighting against them and are taking some interesting action to try to Costa to change their minds about moving in. They are moving into the most visible spot in town. Totnes is a thriving center for music, art, theater and natural health. It has a sizable alternative and "New Age" community, and is known as a place where one can live a bohemian lifestyle.

https://www.guardian.co.uk/business/...sm?INTCMP=SRCH

[La.Sereniti]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemianism

A Bohemian is simply an artist or "littérateur" who, consciously or unconsciously, secedes from conventionality in life and in art.

....voluntary poverty (not reflective of class!)
....

Quixote-like, righted some wrongs in fact, I have played many parts.
I have seen both the bright and the dark of the world and the things that are its,
like the dove that flew forth from the ark: In a word, I am given to flits.
For the life of a rover is mine, A rover by land and by sea:
With a lady to love and a flagon of wine, oh, the world is the village for me!
To-day, as you see, I am here, Enjoying my pipe and my bowl:
To-morrow, and I may appear inscribing my name on the Pole.
The next day may see me once more, content as a hog upon ice,
Far down on the Florida shore, existing on bacon and rice.
I have hobnobbed with peasant and king, with a hundred to run at my call;
I have seen the sweet flowers of spring lose their odor and grace before Fall.
I have loved with the warmth of the boy and adored with the passion of man,
But the altar's it's drop of alloy, so I came buck to where I began!

....Bohemian Club member ... supplied this description of the amorphous place called Bohemia:

To take the world as one finds it, the bad with the good, making the best of the present moment—to laugh at Fortune alike whether she be generous or unkind—to spend freely when one has money, and to hope gaily when one has none—to fleet the time carelessly, living for love and art—this is the temper and spirit of the modern Bohemian in his outward and visible aspect. It is a light and graceful philosophy, but it is the Gospel of the Moment, this exoteric phase of the Bohemian religion; and if, in some noble natures, it rises to a bold simplicity and naturalness, it may also lend its butterfly precepts to some very pretty vices and lovable faults, for in Bohemia one may find almost every sin save that of Hypocrisy. ...

...Love it! Right on Peace Voyager! Thanks for the lovely read today.

PS I am posting an ad in housing forum today looking for a land lease for my RV. Please contact me or pass on and ask a friend... that is all I ask for in my service to you - the people of Sebastopol and West County.
Here's my info: https://WhatDreamsMayCome.org

Funny how the 1%ers hijacked "the Bohemian lifestyle".

[caverly]

Possible avenues to pursue in voicing our opinion and working with council members :
START a petition with Change.org - Start, Join, and Win Campaigns for Change .
and promote it actively thru facebook .
Contact council members who voted for CVS and ask them to express their reasons at a forum ,
like Wacco.bb . Explain to them that this is an important issue and that we will definetly vote in upcoming elections against them if they continue to support CVS { unless they persuade us that they are right }.
Tomorrow at 3:00 at Occupy Sebastopol bring your ideas ....

[Barry]

I have moved several posts about an alleged "Occupy Sebastopol camper" engaging with criminal activity to a new thread entitled Occupy Sebastopol and criminal behavior.

Let's keep this focused about what do about CVS/Chase.

[Peace Voyager]

Always considered myself a Bohemian in all original uses of the word. I moved every few years as an Air Force brat; then crossed the country again after leaving the nest at an early age.

All that satisfies my soul is using creativity to save our communities and planet. If I can pay my bills doing this; it's a bonus.

What has become of the Bohemians from the "Grove"; with limited exception; is faux bohemia, leading to the very dangerous faux Green, a lot of sexual sickness, abuse of our laws and rights by multinational execs, elected & agency officials who frolic and conspire there, as they misuse law enforcement & military resources, while plunging us into insurmountable debt.

It's just like the big developer who fells the native oaks to put in cookie cutter tract homes, and names it Oak Grove Acres, on a big sign next to the token Oak they left standing. Step right up to be the next in line holding the toxic asset bag of tricks.

Being home to the Grove, there is little wonder why this County is so corrupt. The sickness from the faux bohemians spreads like a chem trail we all are doomed to inhale.

Our challenge is how to make a decent living inventing the best filtering gas masks & marketing the ideal natural remedies to strengthen our immunity, restoring integrity in our DNA, for the best of our species to carry on; not just the ultra privileged ones with the most toys.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemianism

A Bohemian is simply an artist or "littérateur" who, consciously or unconsciously, secedes from conventionality in life and in art.

....voluntary poverty (not reflective of class!)
....

Quixote-like, righted some wrongs in fact, I have played many parts.
I have seen both the bright and the dark of the world and the things that are its,
like the dove that flew forth from the ark: In a word, I am given to flits.
For the life of a rover is mine, A rover by land and by sea:
With a lady to love and a flagon of wine, oh, the world is the village for me!
To-day, as you see, I am here, Enjoying my pipe and my bowl:
To-morrow, and I may appear inscribing my name on the Pole.
The next day may see me once more, content as a hog upon ice,
Far down on the Florida shore, existing on bacon and rice.
I have hobnobbed with peasant and king, with a hundred to run at my call;
I have seen the sweet flowers of spring lose their odor and grace before Fall.
I have loved with the warmth of the boy and adored with the passion of man,
But the altar's it's drop of alloy, so I came buck to where I began!

....Bohemian Club member ... supplied this description of the amorphous place called Bohemia:

To take the world as one finds it, the bad with the good, making the best of the present moment—to laugh at Fortune alike whether she be generous or unkind—to spend freely when one has money, and to hope gaily when one has none—to fleet the time carelessly, living for love and art—this is the temper and spirit of the modern Bohemian in his outward and visible aspect. It is a light and graceful philosophy, but it is the Gospel of the Moment, this exoteric phase of the Bohemian religion; and if, in some noble natures, it rises to a bold simplicity and naturalness, it may also lend its butterfly precepts to some very pretty vices and lovable faults, for in Bohemia one may find almost every sin save that of Hypocrisy. ...

...Love it! Right on Peace Voyager! Thanks for the lovely read today.

PS I am posting an ad in housing forum today looking for a land lease for my RV. Please contact me or pass on and ask a friend... that is all I ask for in my service to you - the people of Sebastopol and West County.
Here's my info: https://WhatDreamsMayCome.org

[La.Sereniti]

Who's got the contact info for CalTrans?

Some people have expressed interest in requiring a traffic study.

....Thinking back to the fire that shut down Highway 12 for hours, it highlights how vulnerable that location is to impacting the ingress and egress of Sebastopol.

[Shepherd]

According to today's PD article, which is available on-line, Mayor Guy Wilson has re-opened public comment at tonight's City Council meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. at the Community Center. Please come and express your comments, focusing on the legal issues. This matter is "not over, until it is over." Please invite others to come.
Shepherd

[Barry]

According to the article below, there will be time for public comment tonight (6pm Community Center) before the final decision from the City Council. The agenda on the city website does not say there is a public hearing. It does say that there will be a presentation on the proposed single use bag ban before the CVS/Chase topic.

I'll post Helen's comments below.

Barry



Sebastopol City Council expected to OK CVS
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120820/ARTICLES/120829965/1350?p=all&tc=pgall
By BOB NORBERG
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Monday, August 20, 2012 at 4:38 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 7:55 a.m.

The Sebastopol City Council is expected tonight to give final approval to the controversial CVS Pharmacy project but not before giving opponents a platform for a last-minute effort to try to derail the proposal.

After a lengthy meeting Aug. 7, the council voted 3 to 2 to give the developer, Armstrong Development of Sacramento, design approval.

However, the council added two conditions: that a street entrance be provided at the corner of the CVS Pharmacy building to provide access to foot traffic, and that a one-way driveway be converted into a fire lane.

Tonight, the council is expected to adopt its findings, which overturns the denial by the Design Review Board and is one of the final steps paving the way for the project.

"Given all the time that we have put in on both sides, I would hope that they would accept the conditions," Mayor Guy Wilson said.

Armstrong is proposing to build a 14,576-square-foot CVS Pharmacy and 4,327-square-foot Chase Bank branch at the site of the former Pellini Chevrolet dealership, which has been vacant for five years.

The $10 million project is on a 2.45-acre site at one of Sebastopol's most prominent and most heavily traveled intersections.

Both CVS and Chase now are located at the Redwood Marketplace in Sebastopol.

Armstrong has redesigned the project three times at the request of the Design Review Board and the City Council but has not indicated whether it will accept the two new conditions.

"We have not heard any indication either way," Planning Director Kenyon Webster said.

Armstrong Development officials did not return calls Monday.

Although the final approval may be a formality, Wilson said that public comment will be reopened and is expected to again be lengthy.

In the earlier vote, Wilson and council members Patrick Slayter and Kathleen Shaffer voted yes, while Vice Mayor Mike Kyes and Councilwoman Sarah Gurney were opposed.

The proposal has been one of the more controversial projects in Sebastopol, already subjected to two dozen meetings and hours of lengthy and often-emotional testimony.

The chief critic has been Small Town Sebastopol, which has filed suit in Sonoma County Superior Court challenging the adequacy of the environmental impact report because it doesn't require a full traffic study.

The group also believes the design is not in character with the Main Street downtown feel of Sebastopol.

"I am urging people to show up and be prepared to speak," said group founder Helen Shane. "My legal hat is there is no impact report and an authentic traffic study. The community hat is that it is a terrible project."

Supporters of the project will be at the meeting as well.

"It is not like we are in love with CVS or Chase; it is that they are trying to do something meaningful with that corner," said Dan Swedenborg of Sebastopol Citizens.

"There are people who want to go back 25 years and freeze this little town, with bicycles and pedestrians, even though it was never that way," Swedenborg said. "Enough already, we need to move ahead. We appreciate the design changes they made."

The meeting is at 6 p.m. at the Sebastopol Community Center.

You can reach Staff Writer Bob Norberg at 521-5206 or [email protected].

[Barry]

Here's the draft of the approval of findings.

Here's Helen Shane's comments:

The staff report and resolution of findings re CVS/Chase/Armstrong to be discussed and acted on at Tuesday’s meeting is, at the very least, questionable. See the link above for text.

It accurately frames the two final conditions for approval agreed upon by the Council at it’s last meeting, but, inexplicably goes on to bless the many further violations of the General Plan and Design Review Guidelines that are still unresolved.

By cherry-picking the sections of both documents to certify the approval, it ignores the basic concept of design and site planning goals of the General Plan, DRB Guidelines, the Downtown Plan, the Downtown Project, and the consensus of most of those who oppose the project. The corporate structure of CVS/Chase/Armstrong triad, while reprehensible, is not legally relevant now. There are, however, in these latest Council findings, a great number of indefensible opinions for compliance carefully cited as fact.

We believe that this conditional approval once again, triggers the requirement for public testimony before Council certification.

Attached is a copy of the staff report. Read it and prepare your comments. Attend the meeting and, if possible, send comments prior to the meeting to:

Mayor Guy Wilson
[email protected]
Vice Mayor Michael Kyes
[email protected]
Council Member Sarah Gurney
[email protected]
Council Member Kathleen Shaffer
[email protected]
Council Member Patrick Slayter
[email protected]
City Clerk Mary Gourley
[email protected]

[Barry]

This showed up on our Facebook page the other day as a comment on this thread:

Liz NolanCVS is a terrible company to work for. I had worked as a pharmacy tech for Longs Drugs and then for CVS up until two years ago. They are a terrible company to work for and treat their employees terribly . I refuse to shop there now. They practice what is known as "Fast Food Pharmacy"... heads up if you get a prescription filled there.

[Barry]

What's happening with public protests to stop this project? Did anything come out of the Occupy Sebastopol GA last weekend???

Also we should be ready to fight vigorously again any change in the development plans that Armstrong requests. They may just find us too annoying!