Dear Tennis;
I am a 30-year resident of Sonoma county living on a formerly quiet country road in Sebastopol. Due largely to wine-related tourism, my road has become like a freeway.
I oppose the roll-out of the red carpet to nearly anyone wishing to plant a vineyard or build an event center. Our narrow, pothole-ridden roads can’t support the traffic; our limited rainfall can’t support a water-intensive crop (especially when one factors in frost-protection measures); and rural neighborhoods should not have to accept the noise and traffic that results when winery owners are able to sidestep regulations prohibiting restaurants.
I live in Sonoma county because I love the rural character, the wildlife (which wineries place at risk), the quiet, and the beauty. Please look at what you are doing and take measures to stop unmitigated winery/vineyard growth before our beautiful home is changed beyond recognition.
Deb Preston
Bloomfield/Lone Pine/Cunningham Neighborhood Association