From: Nizza S
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2026 4:26 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter in support of A & M BBQ
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my strong, unequivocal support for A&M BBQ and its owner, Kris Austin. As the council prepares to address the recent zoning and neighborhood complaints regarding their outdoor smokers, I urge you to look at the broader picture of what this business truly represents to the fabric of Sebastopol.
A&M BBQ is far more than just a place to get a meal; it is a vital community hub. Kris Austin has poured his heart, soul, and hard work into building a business that brings people together. In a time when small businesses face immense economic hurdles, A&M BBQ has managed to thrive, becoming one of our town’s most celebrated, diverse, and vibrant gathering spaces. The aroma of local food and the sight of a bustling small business are signs of a healthy, living downtown ecosystem, not a nuisance to be regulated out of existence.
The City of Sebastopol frequently and proudly touts its commitment to inclusivity, equity, and community. True inclusivity means supporting and protecting our diverse, independent business owners, especially those who actively give back and build up the community around them. Driving out a beloved, community-minded local institution over the complaints of a few individuals stands in direct contradiction to the very values this city publicizes.
Every vibrant, thriving town must balance the interests of its residents with the realities of a healthy commercial district. However, we cannot allow a small, vocal group of individuals to dictate the economic and cultural future of Sebastopol. If a handful of complaints can trigger code enforcement severe enough to force a successful business to look for a new home outside city limits, it sets a damaging precedent for any current or future business trying to operate here.
I ask the City Council to live up to Sebastopol's reputation as a welcoming, inclusive place.
Please work with Kris Austin to find a constructive, technical, or administrative solution to keep A&M BBQ exactly where it belongs: open, smoking, and serving the community right here in Sebastopol.
Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your consideration of the community’s collective voice.
Sincerely,
Mr and Mrs Jason Sequeira
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