From: Dan Friedman
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2026 11:01 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: A&M BBQ
Dear Sebastopol City Council,
I love the City of Sebastopol, which is why I am deeply frustrated by what I’ve been reading regarding the treatment of A&M BBQ.
It is extremely disappointing to see the city entertaining exaggerated claims from a small but vocal group of neighbors attempting to pressure one of the very few Black-owned businesses in town to have to make expensive upgrades. Describing a small local barbecue restaurant with two smokers as an “industrialscale export meat operation” is plainly absurd, and many residents can see that for what it is.
A&M BBQ is not some faceless corporation. It is a beloved local business run by people who have contributed positively to this community and created a gathering place that many residents genuinely value. Small independent businesses are already diƯicult enough to sustain in Sonoma County without coordinated pressure campaigns.
I urge the Council not to cave to a vocal minority at the expense of the broader community. Sebastopol should be a place that supports diverse, locally owned businesses and welcomes new energy and culture into downtown — not a place that pushes people out because a few loud residents object to change.
If they do need to upgrade, give them reasonable time to do so. You can even help them with some TOC money!
Please approach this situation with fairness, consistency, and common sense.
Dan Friedman
Sebastopol
PS I live in Sebastopol and I vote!