March 18, 2024
Mayor and City Council
7120 Bodega Avenue
Sebastopol, California 95472
Dear Mayor and City Council:
We understand that the City Council is beginning its discussion of how it will address Sebastopol’s fiscal challenges. We offer our comments regarding one aspect of City funding.
As the City Council is aware, several Sebastopol nonprofit organizations provide a range of services, which, in many other cities, are provided by the city itself through a Parks & Recreation Department. We believe that such services are part of what make a great and economically vibrant community.
In recognition of the services provided by the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center (SCCC), the City of Sebastopol has provided funding support, which supplements the Community Center’s self-generated funding. We have used this City funding to support our classes, youth programs and cultural events and concerts.
We greatly appreciate the support of the City in its community-building efforts, which enhance the well-being of the Sebastopol community and contribute to the vitality of local business.
We understand that the City of Sebastopol is facing major projected financial challenges and in response, is considering cutting all of its financial support to the Community Cultural Center.
This would have a devastating impact.
We have been working towards greater independent financial sustainability, but this is challenging given our mission of serving the community, providing many classes and events at low- or no-cost, and not being a profit-driven enterprise.
We request that you consider retaining the current level of SCCC funding.
We very much appreciate your consideration of this request.
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Board of Directors:
-Rick Williams, President
-Leah Taylor, Vice President
-Philena Chantha, Treasurer
-Kenyon Webster, Secretary
-Robin Latham, Member
-Angie Byrd, Member
Here is a snapshot of some of the many programs we have hosted that would be at risk:
● Local performances by world-class musicians
● Jazzercise, yoga, and dance classes
● Sonoma Alternative Symphony for Youth
● Author talks hosted by Michael Krasney (Isabel Allende and Dave Barry were recent guest speakers)
● Youth karate classes
● Latin Fusion dance fitness
● Youth archery and fencing classes
● Use of facilities as warming center
● Free school assembly performances (in past, by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Bobby McFerrin) ● Summer sports camps for youth
● Rental venues for quinceaneras, birthday parties, and other private meetings and events ● Hosting special festivals and music events
● Venue and technical support for official meetings of the City of Sebastopol ● Blood drives
● COVID vaccine sites
● CPR classes
● Food drives
● Local non-profit fundraisers
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
SCCC dedicates itself to celebrating and fostering the culture, enrichment, and well being of the community 707-823-1511
www.seb.org