Issues Facing Sebastopol
- First and foremost is our Financial Health. This great recession has hurt all of us, including the City Government and it's ability to function at it's best. Tax revenue has plummeted and our Redevelopment Authority was dissolved by the state who took millions of dollars with it. Staffing is at a low not seen since 1986. Our infrastructure is badly needing repair and replacement. The roads are visibly needing repair, but unseen are the aging sewer and water pipes, many over 50 years old, all needing repair or replacement.
- Traffic continues to be a problem, particularly in the down town where the two state highways of 116 and 12 intersect. This is a difficult nut to crack since they are controlled by CalTrans and not the City. It took 15 years of planning with CalTrans to have the new crosswalks installed down town as an example.
- Environment will always be in the forefront for Sebastopol. We have the precious resource of the Laguna de Santa Rosa along our east side and the watershed of the Atascadero Creek on the west side of us. We must continue to prevent any contamination into these watersheds. In addition we must continue to preserve and restore the Laguna as much as possible. We pump our water from wells that tap into the aquifer under us so we must be vigilant regarding ground water issues.
- Sustainable Design is an area where Sebastopol has excelled with new construction. More can and should be done with our existing homes and businesses to reduce energy and water use to meet the States commitment to net zero energy use by 2030. This is a topic that Kathy is an expert on.