From: Jeanne Fernandes
Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 6:03 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: A&M BBQ Support
Hello Mayor, Council Members, and City StaƯ,
My name is Jeanne Bassett Fernandes, and I am writing in support of A&M BBQ and its owners Mr. Kris Austin and Mr. Liss.
A&M BBQ is more than just a restaurant. It’s a small black-owned local business (one of very few in our community) that has contributed to Sebastopol’s economy, created jobs, attracted visitors and built a community with many connections. They donate their time and their energy and their product to many organizations by giving fantastic discounts as well as outright free product. Those are the types of businesses we want in our community! Their success should be viewed as an asset to our city.
I’m asking the city to approach the situation with fairness, transparency, and collaboration.
So far that does not seem to be what has transpired. Giving him 4 days to respond to a cease-and-desist order is not fair nor transparent.
It’s a shame that a handful of residents can drive a business out of the area. And I am surprised that the city would even consider this.
It seems that A&M BBQ has passed multiple health in fire inspections. If there were compliance or permitting concerns the city should work with the business to find practical solutions rather than imposing actions that can threaten its viability.
The owners are trying to relocate because they actually have outgrown the site. It would be reasonable for the city to consider giving them time to complete that transition without facing unnecessary financial hardship.
How’s Sebastopol response to this situation sends a message to our current and future business owners that Sebastopol should be known as a city that supports small businesses. values diversity and work collaboratively to solve challenges.
I respectfully urge the city council to pause any punitive actions and engage in meaningful dialogue with A&M BBQ while pursuing a solution that balances community concerns with fairness and economic opportunity.
Thank you,
Jeanne Bassett Fernandes