From: Ronnie
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2026 6:59 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for A & M BBQ
Dear Sebastopol City Council,
I am writing in strong support of A&M BBQ and to urge the City to seek reasonable solutions rather than actions that could threaten the future of this beloved local business.
A&M BBQ is more than just a restaurant. It represents hard work, craftsmanship, local culture, and the independent spirit that has always made Sebastopol special. People travel from all over Sonoma County and beyond because authentic wood-smoked barbecue is something unique, something real, and something worth preserving.
The spirit of Sebastopol and freedom itself are at stake here.
Sebastopol has always been a place that values individuality, small businesses, creativity, community, and the freedom for local entrepreneurs to build something meaningful. If a business that follows traditional cooking methods and brings so much value to the community can be pushed out because of complaints that should instead lead to compromise and mitigation, what message does that send about the future of small business in our town?
No one is asking the City to ignore concerns from neighbors. Reasonable solutions, smoke mitigation technology, operational adjustments, and cooperation should all be explored. But shutting down or severely restricting a successful local institution should be the absolute last resort — not the starting point.
If the community and the City truly believe changes or upgrades are necessary, then the burden should not fall entirely on a small local business that was legally approved to operate. The City approved this restaurant and benefited from the tax revenue, tourism, and economic activity it brings to Sebastopol. If costly modifications are now being demanded in the name of the broader public interest, then the community should put its money where its mouth is and help support those improvements through city funds, grants, or other public assistance programs rather than attempting to financially crush a local business.
A&M BBQ creates jobs, brings people into Sebastopol, supports the local economy, and contributes to the character of this town. The smell of wood smoke from a real barbecue restaurant is not a nuisance to many of us — it is part of the experience, part of the culture, and part of what makes communities memorable and alive.
Please stand with local business owners, local workers, and the many residents who believe Sebastopol should remain a place where small independent businesses can thrive.
I respectfully ask the Council to work collaboratively toward practical solutions that protect both neighborhood concerns and the future of A&M BBQ.
Sincerely,
Ronnie Carrillo