Sebastappeal by Sarah Glade Gurney - May 2017
On April 18, the City Council endorsed the
This action is consistent with decisions made in February to adopt the Resolution for Safeguarding the Civil Rights, Safety, and Dignity of All Residents and to support SB 54 authored by Senator Kevin de Leon. It also addresses the City’s objectives to create a safe, healthy environment for residents and visitors and to build a cohesive and collaborative community identified as Peacetown USA.
One woman, working on her own, inspired this Council Proclamation. Forestville resident, Liz Larew, saw the sign in Mendocino last November and committed to its wider distribution. She started in her hometown, with help from the local gas station owner who was first to post the sign and has made over 600 free copies, then she expanded to Sebastopol.
Liz explains that, if someone on the street feels bullied, threatened, or harassed and sees the sign, they would know that the people inside would understand and, importantly, offer a safe space.
Others, like Gary Sugiyama, a third generation Sonoma County resident and member of the Japanese-American community, agree, “The simple act of providing a safe haven may be the least we can offer someone in need.”
It is hard and important work to create a society where people feel safe. We support you..in taking a stand for the protection of our most vulnerable citizens, especially at a time when our wider American culture grows increasingly suspicious and vindictive. We believe such a welcoming stance..not only signals safety to those who are marginalized, but will add to the unique and lovely qualities that make Sebastopol a place where all people can thrive,” writes Rev. Benjamin J. Broadbent on behalf of the Council of the Community Church of Sebastopol.
Our mission is to create peace and social justice through active nonviolence. Through our work at the Center, we are acutely aware that our current national climate is one in which none of us can take our safety for granted even in our very ‘blue’ Sonoma County,” according to Larry Harper, Board Member of the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County. Similarly, the Interfaith Council of Sonoma County is “committed to the rights and safety of all persons and all communities,” says Chair David Hoffman.
Reb Irwin Keller, Co-Chair of Of One Soul, comments, “While listing all the ways and reasons that we offer our welcome might seem unnecessary in a progressive place like Sebastopol, the national climate has created an environment in which no one can take their safety for granted. And so affirmative statements, like the sign that Liz Larew is offering, become a critical corrective to make sure that we are always embodying a spirit of welcome, kindness, safety and dignity.”
Omar Medina, President of the North Bay Organizing Project, believes “ The sign is an effective, visible tool to address the divide.”
“The placement of this sign in the Sebastopol commons will be a reminder of the values that we, as Sonoma County residents, hold dear. It will also add to Sebastopol’s unique atmosphere of friendliness and social awareness,” according to Patricia Andreine, President of The Women’s Support Network. “I will be pleased to ask individuals and offices and stores in Sebastopol to participate so that we are strong and public in our inclusiveness,” offers Barbara Briggs-Letson, international peace activist.
Cathryn Couch, Executive Director of The Ceres Community Project, speaks from the heart, “Liz’s effort is consistent with connecting people of all ages and from all walks of like to one another, and to their value as an integral part of the community.” The City has posted a downloadable version on its website and Facebook page; hard copies are available at City Hall.
