From: Sonic
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 3:35 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: A&M BBQ
Dear Mayor McLewis and City Council,
The city has confirmed that A&M BBQ is out of compliance with their permit by installing two massive commercial-grade smokers which are inappropriate for this location and restaurant size. Even with one smoker in use, Purple Air data from near the hospital shows that PM2.5 spikes to levels which are unhealthy, especially for children and the elderly. I am one of the many residents in the neighborhood that falls in these categories.
A&M BBQ has been operating in violation of their permit as well as Sebastopol’s wood smoke ordinance for many months. They have received a cease and desist order which they are ignoring. They are exploring options to relocate and the City should expedite whatever permits are necessary to make that happen. In the meantime, they should go back to using the smokers that were approved in their permit.
It is unconscionable that the residents in the area should have to pay the price for A&M BBQ’s non-compliance to the permit they agreed to and were issued in the beginning.
Thank you for your consideration of this serious matter.
Sincerely,
Patty Holden
Resident on Eleanor Ave