Page 37 - Sonoma County Gazette August 2019

You can do something about the traffic in town! Walk, ride your bike, or take the Local Shuttle #24 and leave your car parked at home.
Now in their eleventh year, the volunteer leaders of the Sebastopol Walks Program continue to offer new adventures and to repeat some favorites around town, under sponsorship from the City. The three-hour-long events are scheduled once a month, from February through November, meeting on the last Saturday at The Plaza at 9 AM, with a 9:15 AM departure. This schedule may change due to holidays and special routes.
A Warm Welcome to Amber Stringfellow
as Oak Grove Union School District’s New Superintendent
is new to this position she is no stranger to the district. Amber has been a resident and long-time OGUSD parent with her three sons as students in the district. Amber feels “A real connection to these schools.”
“I have an investment to do what I do within my very own community.”
Sebastopol Walks
While Superintendent Stringfellow
On August 24, docent Simon Lowings will take participants where few people have hiked before: into the heart of the Laguna, an area only exposed in the dry season. The trails are rough so it might help to bring a hiking stick or poles, along with a hat, water and snack.
Amber brings over 20 years of experience and passion working in education. Starting her career as a middle school teacher, she has transitioned through a variety of elementary grade levels in both English speaking and bi- lingual classrooms. She has been the Principal at Healdsburg Unified School
This exceptional “Walk Through the Laguna” will start from The Plaza at the later time of 9:15 AM and will also finish later around 1 PM. From The Plaza, the group will board the FREE Shuttle #24 and ride to the southerly edge of town to walk to Laguna Farm, a CSA that produces vegetables for members’ food boxes and for farmer’s markets, including Sebastopol’s own on Sundays. The farm’s owner has promised a private tour. Then the group heads back to The Plaza through the Laguna Uplands and a section of the Joe Rodota Trail.
Ride The GREEN Bike Lanes
District and Guerneville School District.
We are very fortunate to have someone as experienced as Amber who states
The Council unanimously supports a new event created by the Ped/Bike/ Transit Sub-Committee: SebastoPedal GREEN on September 21, 2019, from
9 AM to 11 AM. Join new and veteran cyclists to experience the green bike lanes along Main Street, Petaluma and Healdsburg Avenues. This morning is sponsored by the City of Sebastopol and the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.
“This community is my home”.
Amber told me that that she learned very early on in her admin career
that “You are not doing anyone any favors if you are not honest with them.” Therefore, she welcomes communication. She wants to be open and involved with the students and their families. She knows that the district has been built on a “Great foundation and moving forward it will about refinement and where it can be reenergized with adopting modern standards”. She is excited “To try new things and get out of the comfort zone”. She states that “As challenging as that can get, this is in my wheel house. I was looking for a challenge and I am so happy to be able to do this in my own community”.
The event has several purposes. First, to educate cyclists about the safe and proper use of the bike lanes. Second, to encourage non-cyclists and former cyclists to get on bikes and try the green bike lanes in the more protected setting of an organized event. Third, to increase driver awareness of cyclists traveling in these lanes. Fourth, to populate the bike lanes during the event [to be filmed].
“We wholeheartedly support it,” reports Sebastopol’s Police Chief James Conner. “Bike and ped safety are important and we are committed to doing what we can to help improve it.” The meeting spot will be the SPD’s “front lawn” and parking lot on Laguna Parkway.
Clearly, a people person Amber said her best free days are spent with family and friends. She loves being outdoors whether it be hiking or camping. Any time with her sons is precious and she loves going to all their sporting events. She is active and involved in her community and schools. She said that she finds real joy in connecting with people and friends. Which is one of the reasons she loves the K-8. She feels that there is a great sense of community and that when you “have good folks on board those communities have longevity”.
The morning will start with a quick bike check, assuming local shops volunteer to help, then a safety talk and orientation to the green lanes. From the SPD location, riders will enter the green lane at the intersection of Laguna Parkway and McKinley [across from The Plaza] and travel north or south, to the stoplights and crosswalks at Mill Station and Lynch Road, for as many loops as each wants to ride. Imagine a ribbon of cyclists circling our town in the green lanes!
Amber is looking forward to her role as Superintendent at OGUSD and
one reason is because she feels that the district is “small yet nimble” She is very passionate about supporting all students both in and out of the general classroom. She believes in early intervention and inclusion for all. She understands that there needs to be coordinated services and catching kids before they fall behind is critical. But she also knows that may mean that some students need an extra challenge. She believes that with the right support “you can grow wherever you are”. She is looking forward to continuing to develop the districts academic and fine arts programs and said that the teacher and staff are excellent.
Bike helmets will be available for those without. Participants will receive a red “blinky,” the rear taillight for their bikes, as new safety gear.
Volunteers are needed. Can you help? Please contact me at sarahgurney.seb@ gmail.com and put GREEN in the subject line.
Bus Buddies Ride Again!
The Local Shuttle #24 is FREE for another year, thanks to the City Council’s continued support for public transit—and the Bus Buddies will ride again during September and October. Check next month’s column for specific details about how and when to find a buddy if you’d like one to help you learn your way around town.
Amber is “committed and focused on bringing professionalism”. “I love talking to the families and welcome all communication”. Superintendent Stringfellow’s first priorities will be Listening and Learning. Building relationships with students, parents, staff and the greater community. Planning by working with Board and reviewing current data policies and procedures and Communication by establishing consistent communication with current updates and providing relevant information.
We welcome you Amber Stringfellow and look forward to the school year!
Please let me know if there is something that you would like me to know or write about. You can reach me butlersjennifer@gmail.com
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Returning Buddies and new volunteers are welcome to sign up, for a training session [if necessary] and a one-hour buddy-ride. Email me if you’re interested and put FREE #24 in the subject line.
More Personal Actions to Reduce GHGE’s
Check out a brand new way to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions: The Sonoma Climate Challenge created by the Regional Climate Protection Authority in partnership with Daily Acts. It is an online community, to empower individual households to reduce their climate impact while saving money and creating a safer and healthier future. Join the Challenge and gain access to cost-saving resources, tools and inspiration.