Editor: The Grassroots effort to Save Banco de Sonoma and Glen Ellen branches is a group of concerned citizens, political officials, land owners, business owners, and professionals that are trying to raise awareness of the importance of a bank and vital products and services in the Sonoma Valley Springs area since it consists of significant volume of low-moderate income families, designated census tracts, Bi-lingual persons in need of special language assistance in transacting business, and designated a County Special Economic Redevelopment Zone.
We believe Westamerica Bank through the reduction in hours November 1 to noon to 4 p.m. and closed on Saturday (the only branches in their entire 50-plus branch footprint), has disenfranchised a large population of the working class and business owners. We believe through a series of public statements and in written communication, that Westamerica intends to close the branches acquired through the failed Sonoma Valley Bank.
We believe there are protections afforded in the Community Reinvestment Act for these special designations in the surrounding assessment area and are worthy of exploiting for the economic future and viability of all of Sonoma Valley.
Letterwriting, researching, legal assistance, coordination and organization, project management, event coordination, public relations, media relations, and cyber relations are in particular need. If you feel a calling please contact the group and show your support we will find a way for you to contribute. February 2011 is the anticipated decisioning time for Westamerica to decide whether to close the branches and is fast approaching.
Ralph Hutchinson
Sonoma
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