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WHO I AM…
City Council member since 2022, currently the Vice-Mayor
Sebastopol resident for 38 years
Former non-profit director, California Public Utilities intervenor and small business owner
I am a mother, grandmother, artist, gardener, and I love Sebastopol.
WHAT I OFFER…
I have been involved in Sebastopol politics since 2007. I helped create environmental policies, updates to the General Plan Community Health and Wellness goals, and worked to obtain the lower kelvin streetlights in Sebastopol. I worked at the California Public Utility Commission and helped win the right for all California Investor Owned Utility customers to opt out of smart meters.
That advocacy taught me essential skills that have been valuable on City Council: researching complex issues, listening to different perspectives, and advocating for residents and the environment.
It’s been an honor to serve on the Sebastopol City Council since 2022. A few of my accomplishments include: preserving public comments at the beginning of meetings, city sponsorships of events, re-establishing annual goal setting, land acknowledgment, helping restore the Labyrinth of Life Teen Memorial, and obtaining a rent stabilization ordinance for Fircrest Mobile Home Park. I added the 12 year sunset clause to Measure U and we are starting to improve our roads with repaving and pothole repairs.
THE ISSUES…
Sebastopol is facing important local issues and residents are highly engaged. Responsive and respectful leadership is a key to facilitating successful outcomes.
Structural deficit: The structural deficit must be corrected in order for the City to be fiscally sustainable. I’ve been on the budget committee for 3 years and I am confident that we can find a path forward. It will require diligent oversight, budget cuts where possible, and raising revenue.
There are two downtown hotels pending. Council recently approved a 50% tourism tax sharing agreement with the Barlow as an incentive to build. If the Piazza Group wants the same deal I think the City could also provide it.
There is a Dollar Tree going into the old CVS building. They are planning to divide the building and move into half of it. Filling empty stores will be helpful, as would promoting our bounty of wonderful restaurants and having more events that feature music, art and food.
Sonoma County Grand Jury Report: The Grand Jury report stated the City took $5.5 million too much from the water and sewer accounts over 20 years. The City disputed these findings, however I believe the City needs to assess the over-allocation, and reconcile the accounts even if it takes 20 years to pay back.
The current City Council did not cause this problem. We are working to correct the problem and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Here’s steps the Council has taken and will be addressing:
Formed a Water and Sewer Oversight Committee called the Enterprise Fund Oversight Committee (EFOC).
Forgiven a 1.2 million dollar General Fund loan to the Sewer Account
Frozen water rate increases
Eliminated tiered pricing
Switched attorney time to direct billing
Started time tracking for public works employees and admin staff
Refunded $350,000 in attorney fees
Set aside $75K for a new water and sewer rate study paid for by the General Fund
Revised the Cost Allocation Plan to be based on actual costs 2 years prior
Completed a Master Water Plan: We were told repairs are needed but overall our water infrastructure is in good condition.
A Master Sewer Plam is currently underway
On October 6th the Council will address adding a Certified Public Accountant to the EFOC.
On October 20th the Council will address EFOC recommendations for City Council, City Manager, City Clerk and Admin Services allocations.
Grocery Outlet store proposal: Residents are expressing strong opinions both for and against Grocery Outlet. I have been listening to residents and researching this for the past year. The local independent grocery stores and their customers are strongly opposed. Community Market was opposed in 2013 for similar reasons: “We already have too many grocery stores”. Will Grocery Outlet put the local independent stores out of business? I would not want that to happen. Sebastopol has a ban on chain stores in the downtown core. Grocery Outlet is an independently run chain store and it would replace Rite Aid which was a chain store. Whole Foods and Safeway are also downtown chain stores.
Grocery Outlet has a super fan base. People treasure hunt there. Grocery Outlet saves a massive amount of food from going into the landfill. They serve people who need more affordable food, however, you often can’t find the same item week to week and need to shop at other grocery stores too.
This proposal will first go before the Planning Commission and if their decision is appealed it will come before the City Council. I will substantiate my decision with facts, applicable policies, and vote for the best interest of Sebastopol.
The Commons proposal: The Commons Committee recommended the City Council do due diligence towards the purchase the $18 million dollar O'Reilly buildings at the north end of town. The buildings are 90,000 sq. ft, and the parking is ample. The committee held two town halls to generate support for the idea. There were many in support and many opposed. Many did not want to move the Library, Senior Center and City Hall out of the downtown core and/or opposed for financial reasons. The Committee had an older plan to build a second story onto the current library which would have cost more than the purchase of the O'Reilly buildings.
I proposed an alternative. The downtown cell tower (behind City Hall) lease expires in May 2031. We could evaluate this property as a possible (Commons) library addition. The Council supported including both the O'Reilly and downtown properties as part of the scope of a new ad hoc committee to be formed in December.
There are many other important issues. I’m committed to public health and safety, a thriving business community, improving our parks, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, and supporting the arts. My overarching goal is to preserve Sebastopol’s small town character and support a vibrant community.
I respectfully ask for your vote for Sebastopol City Council.
Endorsed by Sonoma County Democrats, Sonoma County Conservation Action, Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, former 5th District Supervisor Ernie Carpenter, Diana Rich former Sebastopol Mayor, Jim Corbett/Mr. Music, Skip Jirrels, and more.
How you can help
Donations: Send a check payable to: “Sandra Maurer for City Council 2026” 200 Frankel Lane, Sebastopol CA 95472. Or you can donate online with Paypal They accept credit cards. Please note: Campaign rules require that we collect donor information as follows. $100 or more: include full name, street address, city, state, zip code, occupation and employer. $25-$99 include full name, street address, city, state, and zip code. $24 or less include full name. Anonymous donations cannot be accepted.
Yard Signs: We have 60 yard signs that can be placed in Sebastopol. We’re collecting donations for a postcard to be mailed to households in Sebastopol. See above to donate and click here to contact us.
Endorsements: Please send us your first and last name and title (either your business, occupation or education) Click here to contact us.