Ed Gilardi
Cotati, CA 94931
Dec. 10, 2024
Dear Mayor Sparkes, Vice Mayor Ford, Councilmembers Harvey, Lemus and Rivers, I wish I could be here to address you in person tonight regarding item 12c, the 2025 VERONDA-FALLETTI RANCH WORKPLANS AND LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH PHOENIX FARM CONCEPTS.
The overall proposal looks great, but I do have a concern with Sandy Loam’s proposal for the “Pollinator hedgerow”, page 3 of their proposal under “Property Management” item 2.
Several of the proposed plants are not safe for animals and some are considered toxic and should be removed from the list.
Toyon is not safe for dogs or cats
Blue elderberry can be fatal to animals
Narrow leaf milkweed can be toxic to animals especially to horses and other equine Bee plant depending on the variety is toxic to animals
While long term future plans for the layout of the property need to be worked on, I feel that planting a hedgerow at this time is premature. Unless the plan is to plant the hedgerow on the outside of the fence along the sidewalk/path area and not on inside area of the property as indicated by the sketch.
Thank you for continuing your work on the future of the Veronda/Falletti Ranch. It is an important asset to the community and a connection to Cotati’s past.
Ed Gilardi