From: JeƯrey Franey
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2026 8:12 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: A&M Barbeque
Council Members,
I am writing in support of A&M Barbeque as their team navigates recent criticism by some in Sebastopol CA. The situation seems to have gone to a place rather quickly, as the owner has begun to look for a new home. After having met Kris on a number of occasions, I don't understand how some kind of agreement couldn't have been met to meet both the neighborhood and business needs. To read some of the sentiment from neighbors that seem to have adopted a "not in my backyard" approach to one of the few black owned businesses in Sebastopol is unacceptable. If pushing this business out is decided upon, Sebastopol will continue to perpetuate a white-sentric community outlook that continues to lean on permitting and oftentimes outdated city ordinances to justify what is and is not allowable in the community. I urge the council to push back on what is happening to gather solid facts about the alleged air pollution specific to A&M vs. the huge number of vehicle traƯic within that area of the town. It could create a much larger issue for the city in the near future if allegations of air pollution, made by unqualified neighbors go unchecked.
Thank you,
JeƯ