Meanwhile in Graton... - July 2011

The Siren Still Sings

The community spoke and the elected officials listened.  June 7^th, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the move of the siren with the Graton Fire Protection District (GFPD) to their new facility on Hwy 116.  About 30 people from the Graton area attended the supervisor’s hearing with most endorsing the continued use of the siren.  The supervisors approved the GFPD recommendation to silence the siren from 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. The siren will continue to sound during the night hours for certain kinds of emergencies. 

Park Supporters Sound Off

At the June GFPD Board meeting about 25 Grateronians* gave eloquent testimony in support of the Board releasing their old firehouse to the community for use as a park. The Board has received an offer on the property from a private party.  Those speaking said they are asking that the board keep the community in mind and our efforts to lease or buy the property for a park. 

According to California law, the board may lease or sell the property to a private party after it has been offered to the county and local school district.  The board has the legal right to lease or sell the property for less than market value, if it so desires, to the community represented by the Graton Green Group (GGG), a non profit organization with a mission to create a park in Graton.  The GGG is applying for two grants, and has launched a brick sponsorship drive in the local schools.

Local students have the opportunity to earn $15 gift certificates to Art & Soul of Sebastopol for every five brick sponsorships sold. Local businesses and individuals have many opportunities to be recognized for their contributions to the park.  For more information, contact Aaron Smith at 478-1502.

The GGG wants to express great appreciation to Guy Erdman of Accent Printing in Santa Rosa for printing the new GGG brochures.  The brochures provide a conceptual drawing of the proposed park which will include a sculpture garden, bike racks, playground features, drinking fountains, and picnic areas. 

A Historic Graton Park Event

The very first performance in the (proposed) Graton Park happened on Pete Segar’s birthday as Terry Hallowes, Lynn McCool and Lisa Matheisen performed “Blowing in the Wind” for Grateronians* everywhere.  See the photograph of this first time event! 

Making Graton Day

Carol Shirrell and Ellen Swensen of Graton Community Projects say there is a need for folks to step forward to make another memorable Graton Day September 24^th.  The call is out for all musicians, organizers, gamers, raffle gatherers, pie makers, graphic artists, food vendors, setter uppers and taker downers.  Carol and Ellen need to hear from you by July 13^th.  Please contact Ellen (829-3716) ellen_swenson@comcast.net or Carol (829-2801) cshirrell@comcast.net to pitch your ideas and/or volunteer.

See you at the Hallberg Butterfly Garden for the Open Garden Tour June 26^th! 

* Grateronians - Those who live in real estate Graton, post office Graton, fire district Graton, sewer district Graton, zip code Graton, potluck Graton and those with Graton sensibilities.