PAGE 8- WEDNESDAY, OCT. 27, 2010 • CLOVERDALE REVEILLE • CLOVERDALE, CALIFORNIA LINERS TOTHE EDITOR CONTINUED • Let's clear up some misconceptions Editor: Much has been said in the Reveille regarding Asti Winery's possible inclusion in Cloverdale's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) as an exclusion zone. Unfortunately, much of what's been said has been misinformation. One opponent of Asti's inclusion has written in this paper that Asti has never been a part of the Cloverdale community. The author must believe that several generations of Asti employees who live here in Cloverdale don't read the Reveille. Likewise, the author must also think that all the Cloverdale kids that have played on Asti-sponsored sports teams don't care to read this paper. Perhaps the author never saw an Asti truck and Asti employees in the Citrus Fair parade, or Asti displays down the many decades at the Citrus Fair itself. The author must suppose that those who were involved in the North Coast Wine and Visitor Center, or those currently involved in the Clover- dale Historical Society and Cloverdale Arts Alliance choose to get their news elsewhere, rather than the Reveille. Because I've got a feeling that all of those listed above are quite aware of Asti's involvement in the Clover- dale community. Interestingly, the author must not notice how often Asti Winery appears in the Reveille's own 'Through the Years' column, and lo and behold, here's the Oct. 13 edition, again featuring Asti Winery in the Gall C. Pardini-Plass is now the office manager for Bert Branch Insurance Agency in Healdsburg Bus: 707-433-6524 • Fax: 707-433-7599 132 Mill Street, Suite 203 bbranch 1 @farmersagent.com OPEN M0n- Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 Sun 11-5 894 4080 www.godoverdale.com New & Vintage Furniture Serta Mattresses - Gifts and Collectibles Reasonable Prices. Conveniently Located. Delivery. Financing The Cloverdale Color Experts Local hair stylists Anna Bdle0ar&, Sarah Duna, from Bdla M0da Hair Studio and Linda Amann from R Salon, attended an educational class in Concord earlier this month. While there, they brushed up on their coloring skills by learning new highlighting techniques. The class was taught by renowned colorist David Stanko, who is an industry expert, award winning colorist, consultant to Redken 5th Avenue and a salon colorist in New York City. To make an appointment for your new look, call today. Anna BeUegarde and Sarah Duna 894-5546 or Linda Amann 894-2671. 'Historical Comer' section. The same author and others have continued raising the alarm that Asti will be turned into "urban sprawl," with the vineyards converted to "high density housing." Now, if you've been around Cloverdale long enough, you know that the Russian River floods around these parts often, and every couple of years Asti Winery's vineyards are under water from the historic Villa Pompeii through our northern property line, almost to the airport. Who would build a home there? Who would be allowed to build a home there? But even this "urban sprawl" argument is a fabrication, because the proposed UGB exception zone only includes the winery site itself and the Villa Pompeii, NOT the vineyards of Asti. This argument also assumes that the exception zone automatically means annexation of Asti by Cloverdale, which is by no means a certainty. Some have argued that Cloverdale has nothing to gain by adding Asti to the UGB as an exception zone. I would submit that revenue would be a very good reason for the City of Cloverdale to consider Asti, in the form of sales tax. Not only is the tasting room at Asti open and selling wine, but there are many revenue generating events held on the property, and the opportunity for much more exists with Asti's K zoning, which allows for restaurant and hotel potential. Who do you think gets that revenue currently? Not the City of Cloverdale. Opponents of Asti's inclusion also take great pains to point out that the current owner is a corporation, as if that notion should scare people. Funny, but Asti Winery has been owned by many corporations over the almost 13 decades since it's incorporation in 1881, and thus far Asti has offered nothing but benefits to Ctoverdale. In fact, during Fosters' tenure, Asti has seen the installation of the largest solar array in all of Sonoma County; has done a bioengineered Russian River bank stabilization that is held out as the model for such work; has had rebates from PG&E and others for the environmentally-friendly construction and equipment pur- chases and energy reductions during peak use, and recently was awarded by the Sonoma County Business Environmental Alliance. Oftentimes, only these large corporations have the wherewithal to make the financial commitments to achieve these kinds of results. In this current environ- ment and for the foreseeable future, could you imagine the State of Cali- fornia, the County of Sonoma, or the City of Cloverdale being able to produce this kind of record? Finally, if we as citizens of Cloverdale truly want a voice in what happens to Asti in the future, what better way would there be but to have Asti within the City's sphere of influence? I'm not so sure that Cloverdale needs an Urban Growth Boundary, but I absolutely believe that if Cloverdale is to have an UGB, then it should include Asti Winery. Whichever way you vote on the issue, you deserve to have the facts at your disposal rather than arguments that are not based in truth. Jeff J Collins Cloverdale resident General Manager, Asti Winery Vote no on Measure Q Editor. Before you go to your polling place to vote, here are some facts* to consider which will influence how the city will be spending your tax dollars if Measure Q passes: 1: Asti Winery, a foreign-owned holding of Fosters, currently employs 20-49 people (4-6 full-time, permanent positions with the remainder being part-time, seasonal. In 2005, before the planned sale of this proper- ty to Coppola fell through, Foster's moved its corporate headquarters along with all of its production, except Cellar 8, to Napa. 2: Sonoma County has designated the parcel on which the Asti Excep- tion Area (AEA) lies as B6 20 (1 unit per 20 acres). The County will remain the designator of zoning until such time Cloverdale annexes the parcel to the City. Only then will the City be able to change the zoning designation. 3: The AEA is on one parcel of land extending from Washington Road to the bottom of Industrial Exception Area (the lumber mill). By default the whole parcel will be includ6d'ifiny annexation. 4: The new General Plan stages ht the C/tycan change the zo_ning designation of the exception areag to  Urban Use (after annexation, of course), which would open the entire 121.46 acre parcel to development. 5: The City has already made provisions in its plans to upgrade and increase the water and waste infrastructure t,o accommodate southerly expansion to Asti. Yes, Cloverdale needs an Urban Growth Boundary ... but not this one. If Measure Q passes, who will benefit? The answer is clear: Fosters, a foreign-owned corporation. Isn't it time we demanded that our public officials put the interests of their constituents ahead of wealthy corporate giants? Isn't it time to take a stand on how your tax dollars are spent? Say no to sprawl. Vote no on Measure Q! *Refer to: www.sustainablecloverdale.org Reece Foxen Cloverdale Land Use Coalition Consider Joe Palla Editor: We would like to voice our support for Joe Palla, who is running for a second term for Cloverdale City Council. His character, honesty and integrity top the list of qualities he posseses. His proven leadership in our community includes being a current Council Member, former Mayor and former Police Chief. Joe has also served for many years in the United States Coast Guard and has done extensive community service through- out Sonoma County. Most important of all, he is a devoted family man. Some City Councils in Sonoma County have become very partisan in their leadership. This has caused a breakdown in cohesive and dignified dialogue between the members. Joe keeps his personal politics to himself and instead embraces non-partisanship in the intended form. His sense of decorum, fair play and excellent communication skills would not allow him to contribute to any partisan bickering. We respectfully ask the citizens of Cloverdale to consider voting for Joe Palla, a proven leader and fine man. Sally Weman and Karin Weman, Cloverdale CITY OF CLOVERDALE Meeting of the City Council and joint meeting of the Community Development Agency Board of Directors and CIoverdale Improvement Authority REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2010 CLOVERDALE SR. CENTER, 311 N. MAIN ST., CLOVERDALE, CA AGENDA SUMMARY PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AGENDA ORDER HAS BEEN CHANGED FOR THIS MEETING: PUBLIC BUSINESS SESSION WILL BEGIN AT 5:30 P.M. AND CLOSED SESSION WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW. 5:30 P.M. - PUBLIC BUSINESS SESSION ACTION ITEM SUMMARY 1. Minutes of previous meeting -October 13, 2010 2. Resolution No. 061-2010 Adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Water System Improvements 2011 Project 3. Consideration and action to allow submittal of the Annexation Application for Riverdale Ranch CLOSED SESSION There is a solution: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS A.A. Hotline Central Office 546-2066 449 Center St Healdsburg 707.473.9720 Store Hours Mon-Sat 10am--6pm Sun 11am--Spin On Monday, Oct. 11, with the help of her daughters and friends, the Cloverdale History Center was filled with the sound of Happy Birthday celebrating Louise Morris' 90th birthday. Louise was greeted my many friends such as Iongtime friend and former Cloverdale resident, Viola Groves who turned 98 on Oct. 9. Both Viola, on the left in the photo above and Louise have been very active with the Cloverdale Historical Society and both kept the Women's Improvement Club going until recent years. Louise has also been active with the Senior Center as well as the History Center where she was a founding member. The birthday party was a very festive occasion for a very special person. Happy Birthday Louise. Marge Gray photo FORUM CONT. we're talking about the property maintenance ordinance that is in a draft stage, that's really dealing with public safety hazards-high weeds and appliances stored in the yard, things like that affect the quality of life on the whole block. SMART train: I've written letters to the SMART board and spoken with Congressman Mike Thompson saying we need the train and federal and state government funds need to be made available. I've also spoken with Supervisor Paul Kelley and Supervisor-elect Mike McGuire about the need for SMART to build the entire line, all 70 miles. Casino: I oppose a casino in Cloverdale. The city has been actively involved in a review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. We're doing everything we can. We need to strongly negotiate to mitigate the impacts of a casino here, such as police, fire and municipal services like sewer and water. The developer would pay to mitigate those impacts. Trader J0es: The city and our Economic Development Consultant have made contact with Trader Joes and other companies. The problem is demographics. They want 25,000 people. We tried to get Baskin Robbins to come to Cloverdale a few years ago and we heard the same thing. It's really dishearten- ing, but we're not giving up. Landlords and vacant lots: I would like to see a Downtown Master Plan for Cloverdale. We've met with one landlord who had agreed to making upgrades but that commitment hasn't been kept. We've made an appointment with another which was cancelled. This is our town and we need to determine what the options are. There are some tough decisions that could include condemnation. Government and Community: Local government needs to be accessible to the community. It is here to help mitigate situations. City government is interested in hearing what our residents need and what they want. Strategies to promote economic development: An overall master plan has been prepared and presented to the council by city manager Nina Regor. It lists seven objectives and 48 strategies, each with a timeline. Given our limited budget and staff, the timelines may change but there is a master plan. The plan is available on the city's website. Jessalee Raymond (incumbent) Measure Q-UGB: I was against the UGB at first, but after listening to my constituents, I am now in favor of it mostly because the county has more relaxed zoning electronics , video games.:- toys 0:0 microwaves vacuums.:" home d&or designer clothing .:. bed & bath .> kitchenware appliances -:. tools €. purses -:- pet supplies make-up ,t. gifts .:- fumiture.....etc. and densities. Without a UGB we eliminate the possibility of getting tax dollars from businesses in the Industrial area. I believe the document that the council unani- mously approved is a good one. Subcommittees: The subcommit- tee process does bring the public more into the process of city government. Before we used the subcommittee process the council usually did what the city staff recommended. Now individual council members are involved with issues from the beginning. Each council member serves on several subcommittees and information is shared with the other council members at each city council meeting, so the entire council is better informed. This structure is good for citizens and city staff. Expansion of health care facilities: The city should do whatever it can. Cloverdale is growing and residents need closer access to health care. AVRMC provides training and education also. We don't know what the, future will bring but we will do everything that we can to make this happen. Business friendly: I know that business would like a streamlined process. The city needs to offer incentives and we need to be more flexible. So many building owners don't live here and we need to do what we can to improve that situation. Accomplishments in next four years: Within the next four years I would like to see a skateboard park for the kids, be in the black finan- cially and bring in businesses that complement us, not big box stores. Hispanic community involve- ment: I have been working on a Youth Master Plan for Cloverdale and we involve all cultures in this community. I would like to see events expanded to include the Hispanic community and business- es. The best way to reach out is individually. That's what I do and it is working. Property owner responsibilities/ RVs: Motor homes can be a safety hazard and that is a concern, but as far as private properties and yards go, owners have a right to maintain their own property. SMART train: I have written to Representative Mike Thompson and spoken to both Paul Kelley and Supervisor-elect Mike McGuire and asked for their help in bringing the train to Cloverdale. I also fully support council member Carol Russell in her efforts on the SMART board and her efforts locally to mobilize residents and businesses in getting the SMART board to bring the train to Cloverdale. Casino: As a city we may not be able to stop the casino from coming to Cloverdale. But we do have a right to be paid for the municipal services that may be provided. In Geyserville the casino was built without county approvals but it funded a new fire station. But even if the financial incentives would be enticing, I would say "no" to them. Trader Joes: I have submitted the on-line petition to bring Trader Joes to Cloverdale and I support the effort wholeheartedly. Landlords and vacant lots: The city has a plan to work on this issue. Our absentee landlords have been a problem for years and so far we've gotten nowhere. Maybe there are ways to incent those landlords to fix their buildings. Government and communities: I'm really not very fond of the federal government or the state government. Each city and county should take care of their own. The federal government should provide for the nation's safety, but for the most part I can do without government. >PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 14 Payless Self Storage Forget all other Deals! We will BEAT any PRICE ha town by $10 a month: 894-9300