Springs Splash by Thomas Martin - September 2019

A visitor to Flowery School (Hwy 12 west of Mercado El Brinquito) will find walls of art, some donated, others indigenous. Ceramic tiles highlight the walls outside classrooms. The tiles have been created by students in their final year at Flowery for over thirty (30) years! It is their legacy to classmates for years to come. Each tile carries a message to students in following years. It may be a greeting, name, year of graduation, or special symbol.

This practice began in 1987 when Flowery had its own kiln. The tiles are now kiln fired at Sonoma Valley High School. Any funds needed, are raised by the students themselves. After graduation the tiles are mounted on the walls of the school by Jose Sandoval. Mr. Sandoval said he has been doing this for 25 years. He meticulously mounts and plasters each tile to the wall. On a recent weekend day this writer observed him at work.

Ms. Karina Rubio in the Flowery office proudly notes that students return years later to see their tiles. Many bring their children to see the artwork of fellow Flowery friends from years gone by. The art and tile tradition makes It is easy to see why parent Dan Levitis expressed admiration and plaudits for Flowery at a recent community meeting. On another note Ms. Rubio indicated that Principal Esmeralda Sanchez Mosely has obtained new swings for the school yard. Flowery has been the only elementary school in the district without swings until now.

Ready to assist? There’s a place for you!

Springs Community Alliance Seeks New Leadership

Rich Lee, Chair of the Springs Community Alliance, told an ad hoc meeting of Springs residents in late July there was a need for new leadership. Rich has been the Chair of SCA for many years. He thinks a “local” should step up and take over. In addition, Ellen Conlon, who for years has been an SCA mainstay has been appointed to the Springs MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee). Ellen is not leaving SCA, but has new responsibilities. She also is a Sonoma-City job commuter. Interested in participating? Contact Rich Lee (richlee@sonic.net).

Discussion of issues filled out the evening agenda…. What issues face SCA leadership? That question went around the room and a healthy discussion followed.

There is a need to support the newly formed Springs MAC. While Sup. Susan Gorin appointed them, the members of the new MAC needindependence to form agendas they see as essential for the Springs. It was noted that Springs MAC meetings need publicizing.

Potholes: A never ending complaint and demand for action by the County.

Mari-Carmen Reyes of the Sonoma Community Health Center, reported on the need forwater stations at various locations in the Springs.

Dan Levitis, a parent at Flowery School and activist with the Sonoma Ecology Center, reported on the coming campaign to eradicate French Broom along Sonoma Creek between Larson Park and Flowery School. This entails a lot of labor and will likely occur in November.

How will Springs residents move about during Boyes Blvd. bridge reconstruction periods? Ellen Conlon opened discussion on whether SCA should change IRS titles to allow for endorsements of candidates and freedom to lobby for legislation.

Parking in the Springs brought on lively discussion.A question of $2.1 million in County earmarked funds for the Springs was discussed. Have the funds been spent? If so, on what. People said they believed the funds were earmarked for parking, the Plaza, and roads. An answer is being sought for presentation at a future meeting. General comments were shared about the Springs Specific Plan, the Mattson projects and long term needs such as a bank and library. Active attendees engaged with the issues above were Veronica Napoles, Bill Hoban, Ron Harrison, Linda Murphy, Chris Murphy, Emory Noyes, and this writer.

Plan to attend the next meeting of the Springs Community Alliance! Date and Location To Be Announced.