More rooms at Sebastiani Theatre
Editor: Contrary to what some are saying about the future of our beloved Sebastiani Theatre, it could be a money-maker.
I just got back from seeing a film at The Film Center in San Rafael, also known as The Christopher B. Smith Rafael Theater. It is owned and operated by the California Film Institute, a non-profit organization, that completely remodeled and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The Rafael Theater has revitalized and transformed San Rafael. There are four screening rooms at The Rafael, each showing a different film 3-4 times a day. It is a perfect model for what can happen with the Sebastiani Theatre. There is enough space upstairs above the Sebastiani Theater for three more screening rooms.
More screening rooms = more independent and first run films every day = more foot traffic around the Plaza!
Let’s get on it!
Justine Ashton
Glen Ellen
More dances at Boys & Girls Club!
Editor: I was pleased to see Lauren Harf’s articulate letter about the recent dance for high school aged youth hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. The Club has been working hard to reach the older segment of Sonoma’s youth and provide engaging, safe, and fun activities and programs on a daily basis for them. The dance, attended by 180 teens, was an excellent example of this, and it is great to read an unsolicited comment from a high school student who attended and enjoyed the dance. The good news is that the Club has another dance planned very soon – May 23 to be precise. We hope that Lauren and many other teens are able to enjoy another fun evening at the Club! For more information on all of the current programming geared toward teens, please visit our website at bgcsonoma.org under Programs.
Dave Pier
Executive Director
Thank You
Editor:Thank you for running my letter concerning issues around vacation rental properties. The response was nearly unanimous in support of the observations and recommendations set forth in that letter. Here’s an update: at a hearing April 21, a draft “code of conduct” will be presented. As I pointed out, a relatively simple solution is within reach. The vacation rentals are vital for our economic health, and the problems connected to them easily remedied by the adoption of, and adherence to, an industry-wide code of conduct that requires “VRBO” owners to manage their properties in a professional, responsible manner.
I’d like to encourage everyone – property owners, business owners, and the Board of Supervisors – to support and, as quickly as possible, implement this code, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief and move on. This solution is a model of problem-resolution in a small community, and we should acknowledge, gratefully, all who have worked so quickly to achieve this solution.
Respectfully & thankfully,
Julie Atwood
Sonoma