Having lived and worked in many places, large and small, (L.A., Germany, Mexico) I finally found a perfect place: Sonoma! Here I started and have continued to run A Victorian Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast for over 28 years. Recently I have had dual surgeries on my knee and have not been able to drive for a while. My two wonderful employees, who are both studying to be in the medical field, take me everywhere.
One morning over a breakfast in the inn dining room with persons from all over the US and Europe, a discussion began on how great a small town is, as opposed to large cities. I happened to mention that I needed to get something new to read, but had no way to get out of my place (my employee’s car was not available), so I called Readers’ Books and spoke with Thea. She then came down here, walking the two and half blocks carrying a bag of books for me! The guests were totally surprised. I told them that this wasn’t the only thing about Sonoma that was special. Other people do much the same. Andy from Broadway Shell came by himself, picked up my car to be “smogged” and returned it into the garage. I also mentioned that the people at Homegrown Bagels deliver the bagels they were now eating to our door and the coffee they were drinking comes in whole beans from Barking Dog Roasters, also delivered. I can also speak personally with Mrs. Curatto, owner of the Sonoma Garbage Collectors, a local company…
Such is the “small-town” atmosphere we are so fortunate to have here! What large corporate places would do all those special things? Keep it a little town and respect the “Mom and Pop” stores and small businesses, such as those mentioned in this letter.
Also, why no mention of the “Sign of the Bear” when discussing “Williams Sonoma” coming into town? We already have everything we need here!
Sincerely,
Donna Lewis
Sonoma Resident and Business Owner
Editor:
Be First to Comment