Page 38 - Sonoma County gazette September 2018

NEXT Forestville School Board Meeting is September 13. 6pm - Teacher’s Lounge at Foresville School. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
Homeless in Graton
I got a wonderful surprise the other day. Something I get to check off my “Wouldn’t it be cool” list. You know, that list that isn’t quite Bucket-List caliber such as seeing the Northern Lights (not yet) or jumping out of an airplane (done). No, this cool surprise was local and tied to Forestville History. I got to actually see one of those rare “Forestville Chairs” made by
the Faudre Chair Factory, which put Forestville on the map in the late 1800’s. Wagon loads of them were taken up and down California and as far as Arizona and Colorado. Around 100,000 were made but try finding one of these collector items now! They are simple and beautifully crafted.
In the last publication, I asked for readers to send me their suggestions, concerns or questions regarding the expanding homeless population in Graton. I received a lot of feedback. Some from e-mails, some calls and then some just passing conversations on the street.
The one I saw was being lovingly restored by another local treasure, Jeremy of Interim Chair Repair. You may have noticed his sign on your way past Graton on 116. Jeremy is not only a master woodworker but a poet as well, filled with great stories, not just about chairs! He’s worthy of a Stop By Visit!
I struggled with that for a bit and then decided to move forward with it. I understand this is a fair objective however, since the greater community is aware of the situation it is best that we arrive at a solution collectively while hearing everyone’s opinion. It is incredibly difficult for an amateur writer to cover this with the diplomacy and skill it deserves so I have decided for the first round to simply write in either a synopsis of the sender’s e-mail communication or quote it but leave it all anonymous. This gives the reader a chance to know how their neighbors are feeling.
“Wouldn’t it be cool” to support another treasure?
Our Fire Department holds its 67th annual drawing and it’s not too late to purchase tickets to win a trip to Hawaii, an iPad Air, a $250 local dining
However, this topic deserves more than just opinions so I have started doing some research and interviews. In the next edition I will share with you what I find out and what alternatives there are. It is such a huge topic and I want to be considerate to all perspectives.
package and more. Think about it. Your purchase supports things like the 350 medical emergencies they handled last year, or the 15 fires they put out, or the 75 accidents they responded to, 7 water rescues and 101 public utility calls. Over all they fielded 734 calls. Was one of them from you? No? Well don’t count on being lucky every year, buy tickets and help them get the equipment they need in case you are one of those calls needing help next. Think of it as an investment, plus you might win one of those pretty cool prizes.
Please continue to e-mail mail me as I image this will be covered in the next two editions. But for now here is some of the feedback...
A few years back we thought “Wouldn’t it be cool” to get some land in downtown Forestville so we could host things like the upcoming 4th Annual Craft Fair. Yes we did, and yes it’s here! The Craft Fair takes place two Farmers Market Tuesdays, September 4th and 11th from 4-7 pm. Stop by to check out the market, live entertainment, handmade cards, woodwork, jewelry, ceramics, beauty products, unique clothing and more. A fun family event where you can relax, decompress and breathe for a moment, let the kids play in the park, have a glass of wine, beer or spirits, run into neighbors, meet new people, pick up produce for the week, get stone fruit while they last, and grab a bite to eat. A break from the routine is good for us. Connecting with other human beings and being in nature is proven to be good for us. And when you think about it, it’s your park, you should be enjoying it. Thank you FPA for taking good care of this local treasure for us. And thanks to the Chamber for putting this on.
• “No one is getting hurt and that space isn’t being used (Bowen & Shirley) so why not let them stay there?”
The Youth Parks Outhouse Classic Golf Tournament at the Windsor Golf Club has a shotgun start at 1 pm on Saturday, September 7th. Call Scot Brown at 707-293-0700. I hear it’s the best tournament around, but if you actually don’t play golf, you can still have fun at their dinner, raffle and auction afterwards in Charlie’s Grill. Yummy.
• “We should have no overnight parking allowed in Graton. That would be a good first step. As a business owner I can tell you that I am unhappy with the image it gives to visitors have this problem in Graton”
The always cool Hollydale Club has their big Pasta Feed Festivity with the rocking’ band The Thugz on Saturday, September 8th starting at 6 pm. $15 gets you Antipasto, salads and pasta with special homemade sauces and the knowledge you are keeping a treasure of a clubhouse going.
road. How are we allowing this in downtown Graton?”
• “I feel badly for everyone both the homeless and the homed. I know no one’s
“Wouldn’t it be cool” to cool out with “Soul Cafe”, a free music event with attendees able to buy a soup and salad dinner happening Sunday, September 23 from 5-6:30pm. They plan to do one once a quarter.
“Wouldn’t it be cool” to find classes in just about anything you want to learn? Check out www.nblearningsource.com where you’ll be taken
to Deborah Wiig’s site, a Mirabel Heights resident who has listings Mike McGuire calls a treasure. AND make sure you take a peek at the Gazette’s EDUCATION CALENDAR as well - there’s no limit to learning!
“Wouldn’t it be cool” to save a bundle of money on upgrading to efficient windows, furnaces, solar or water conservation systems etc.? Wayne Gibb reminds us that the County has a program that does just that. Go to sonomacountyenergy.org and apply online. Get financing options, no money down, no income qualifications, minimal fees and consumer protections for
a 7% loan for purchase, which can be tacked on seamlessly to your property taxes. Thanks Sonoma County for doing your part to save the planet one household at a time and for making my husband’s allergies bearable.
38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/18
wants to see another person suffer and have nowhere to call home but I also understand that residents don’t want to have an unplanned dwelling in their neighborhood. We need the county and state to come up with long term viable options for the housing crisis. In the meantime compassion is the best practice.”
Not many suggestions and a lot of unloading. More than one person wrote me stating that they fear that brining this to print will force an unfavorable action against the homeless. They feel concern that if we put it in the spotlight then people will react and push the homeless out.
From your neighbors...
• “The garbage piled up is a concern to me. It is unsightly and a potential fire hazard. I don’t like to think of the creek getting polluted”
• “I don’t mind that the homeless are there. We don’t know their history or their situation and we shouldn’t judge. How would you like it if you had nowhere you live and no one wanted you?”
• “I don’t feel safe. I don’t walk that way at night anymore and I don’t let my daughters ride their bikes in that direction”
• “The other night when I was passing by I heard a big fight coming from the motorhomes on Bowen. It was scary. Obviously there are problems greater than just homelessness and we need to address the bigger picture like mental health”
• After the fires so many people have had to find other resources for housing” • “It makes me feel angry when I walk by. There is garbage lying about, broken down cars, and dogs off leash. I have also seen extension cords crossing the
• “it is unacceptable and I want something done about it”
Just one more reason I love Graton
Freshly picked blackberries on the bike path... Yummy
You can help make Graton history!
Written by HollLynn D’Lil
Please come to help dedicate Graton’s new green, Sunday, September 30,
from 2 to 6 at the Graton Labor Center (Centro Laboral) on Bowen Street. This 3rd Annual Graton Green Gathering will include a historic march led by the Hubbub Club around the new Graton Green. Dojin and others from the Stone Creek Zen Center will sprinkle water on the land as we march. Everyone will have an opportunity to dip their hands in the Center’s water vessel to add their blessing.
GRATON cont’d on page 39