History

Since 2002, the FPA has grown from a small group of residents concerned about Forestville’s future to a respected 501-c-3 grass roots organization.

Dedication, countless hours, and diverse skills and talents have contributed to making FPA widely recognized as a proactive advocate for the community, a valuable source of information and a forum for exchange of diverse ideas and opinions.

Synopsis
June 2, 2002
16 residents agree to the need for a town council of elected representatives to serve as the official voice of the community for a proactive, positive influence on the town’s current and future growth.

Sept 14 – First Town Meeting
130 residents gather for information about existing and pending plans for the town. Divided into smaller work groups to define an identity and a future image of the town.

Formation of FPA and interim Board of Directors.

Founder and Interim Board Chair: Joan Riback

Oct. 5, 2002
First meeting of interim Board. 21 persons attend and form 3 committees:

Governance, chair: Allan Tilton

Communications, chair: Mary Luttrell

Planning, chair: Margaret McLaren

Nov. — Dec., 2002
Planning Committee forms 3 sub-committees: Vision, Issues, Training

FPA files Articles of Incorporation as nonprofit association and applies for 501-c-3 status.

Feb. 2, 2003 – Second Town Meeting
Presentation of drafts of mission, vision and identity statements (see webpages), based on feedback from first town meeting.

Overview of issues with feedback sessions and plans for action.
Bypass; Crinella property; storage units; affordable housing; West County trail; quarry expansion; crosswalk

Spring, 2003
Numerous committee meetings; during a walk through town the Board realizes the need to develop a master plan for downtown.

Downtown committee chair: Ursula Bischoff

Planning committee chair: Sig Anderman

Governance chair: Raynetta James

June 21, 2003 – Third Town Meeting
Focus on Bypass and traffic issues. Pro and con presentations followed by open discussions.

Summer, 2003
Regular monthly committee meetings and recruitment of additional volunteers.

Oct. 4, 2003 – Fourth Town Meeting
Topic: Expansion of Quarries. Presentations by proponents and opponents, followed by a moderated panel discussion. Survey forms distributed.

2004
Committee meetings continue monthly.

Change of committee chairs:
Downtown Planning: David Carpenter, Communications: Elizabeth Naegle

Jan. 25, 2004 – Fifth Town Meeting
a. Review of issues: quarry expansion EIR; “Woodstone” proposed housing development; “Meadowlark” Burbank housing ; Crinella property ; proposed carwash.

b. Informational presentations on proposed Russian River flow reduction. See: article: Save the Russian River, Save Sonoma County

c. First election of first Board of directors. See: FPA Board Elections

Spring, 2004
Downtown Planning Committee invigorated with increased participation and action.

Design guideposts developed, incl. sidewalks, bike paths, landscaping, benches, lighting, parking, slow down of traffic.

May 1, 2004 – Sixth Town Meeting
Agenda: Downtown Planning and updates on ongoing issues.

a. Endorsement of statements of identity and vision which include desires for:

    • a pedestrian and bicycle friendly town;
    • landscaped with native plants and local art;
    • a town square as a venue for residents with farmers, market and music performances;
    • limit of building heights to 2 stories

b. Proposal ( by Elaine Neiswender) unanimously accepted that Forestville move towards designation as a "Wildlife Habitat Community" under the guidelines of the National Wildlife Federation.

c. Division of opinions re. developing Forestville as a tourist destination vs. a locally oriented town. Compromise suggested: aim development at local community while making it attractive to visitors for economic viability. Coordinate planning for Crinella property with the rest of town for a cohesive appearance.

June 19, 2004 – Special Town Meeting
Purpose: to review the newly published Quarry EIR and its impacts on Forestville before the June 25 deadline for feedback to the county PRMD.

2005
FPA began supervising federal grant money for the Green Valley Creek Restoration

Sponsored the first Downtown Social in August

2006
Town meetings held to give townspeople a place to discuss their views on quarries’ request for expansion

Bodean Company reaches a Good Neighbor agreement with Citizens for Sensible Growth and FPA re: mitigation measures for expansion. They will make an annual donation for the town’s improvements.

Forestville Community Fund Advisory Committee was created to review applications and recommend grants to the FPA Board who then dispurses the money

Town Meetings held to give citizens a forum to voice concerns, ask questions about Orrin Thiessen’s plan to develop Crinella property. People said they would like to have a public Town square if this property must be developed.

2007-2010
Town Meetings held for: Report from County Supervisor Mike Reilly re: roundabout proposal on 116

Forum for new candidates to debate- running for Mike Reilly’s seat

Efren Carrillo,new supervisor spoke re: issues in county that concern us

Energy Symposium held to present cost-saving and environmentally friendly alternatives available.