Editor: Through discussions and study of the County Redevelopment Plans, a central business district (aka “The Hub”) is essential. With the anchor of The Springs the mighty Sonoma Mission Inn Spa and Resort, the Boyes Boulevard intersection of Sonoma Highway is shaping up to be the center of the regional economic engine. A bank, post office, open space, arts and cultural shops would be ideal.
Many of the businesses in the area appear to have taken advantage of the County “Façade Improvement” program and it has made a noticeable improvement. One such notable building is El Molino Central, just north of Boyes Boulevard. The restaurant is owned and operated by Karen Waikiki and what a gem her culinary skills are to Sonoma Valley. I understand she also operates a produce market in the Ferry Building in San Francisco as well.
However, Ms. Waikiki also owns the worst eye-sore of The Hub area and perhaps The Springs formerly known as “Uncle Patty’s” just across the designated “Hub area.” Not only is this building fit for condemnation but the dilapidated boards have been torn down and I witnessed remnants of habitation, drugs, sex, human waste and foul stench. No responsible corporate citizen should subject their neighbors to such risks for our citizens, families and children that walk by and witness such a disgusting sight.
Please Ms. Waikiki, I urge you to clean up this building and get with the Development Program. Uncle Patty’s is embarrassing. Complete the circle for us all to enjoy.
Ralph Hutchinson
Sonoma
I patronized El Molino 11-24-10 with a guest of mine and sprung for the check for lunch ans spent $42 for lunch, two entree’s, chips and a salsa/guacamole blend, and two teas. The quality was superb but the prices were definately San Francisco and not suitable for The Springs and us “real people.”
Since Ms Waikiki accepted our tax dollars from The County Redevelopmentr program to improve facades within The Springs it seems unethical to say the least to now subject us all to the eye-sore that is the former “Uncle Patty’s” and greedily hold out on the real estate for some personal gain. Unlike what Gordon Gekko in the 80’s Oliver Stone cult classic “Wall Street” Its flat out WRONG! Mr Gekko after years in “The Pen” realized that Greed was NOT GOOD afterall. Perhaps Ms Waikiki will have a change of heart this Holiday Season as Dr Suess’ “The Grinch that Stole Christmas” eventually did?
I urge Ms Waikiki to work together with the other Springs Merchants and County to develop the Hub and find resolution with that property to either: board it up, clean it and mothball it appropriately, raze it, sell it to another interested developer, develop it herself, rennovate it and open it up with another successful flagship model business, sell it to The County or donate it to the Springs Efforts.
A Grassroots Effort to save Banco de Sonoma and assist in redevelopment of The Springs has adopted clean-up of certain properties such as Uncle Pattys and will be exploring certain violations of Code and various agreements to make improvements, safety violations, and danger/hazard protections afforded The Springs residents and filing complaints for more aggressive Enforcement of County and other ordinances and rules to ensure The Springs is cleaned-up, safe and a sense of renewed Pride and Respect returned to the Citizens of the entire Sonoma Valley. Stay tuned for more developments.