Don’t ‘sell out’ on Hanna Boys

Editor, Index-Tribune: Hanna Boys Center, Sonoma Valley’s beloved institution, is about to make the terrible mistake of selling its precious unspoiled property for development.|

Editor, Index-Tribune:

Hanna Boys Center, Sonoma Valley’s beloved institution, is about to make the terrible mistake of selling its precious unspoiled property for development. Sadly, Hanna is unable to recognize the value of the wild Sonoma Mountain foothill land at the west end of the property, zoned as a “public facility,” and is requesting an amendment to the General Plan to be able to sell it for three luxury estates. This is a tremendous loss to current and future Boys of Hanna, as well as an inappropriate reminder of the huge gap between the boys’ financial backgrounds and the wealthy families staring down on them.

For 60 years this pristine piece of native California ecology has been enjoyed by the Boys of Hanna, who have been able to camp and hike on this beautiful, rugged, natural classroom. This is a shortsighted plan with long-term negative consequences. Dividing and developing the rightful legacy of future Hanna Boys will forever rob them of an irreplaceable natural treasure. Statistics show schools with environmental education programs score high on tests in math, reading, writing and critical thinking.

We support the excellent work of Hanna Boys Center. As the best-equipped school in the Valley, Hanna should expand to serve more boys. Sacrificing this natural legacy is not the way to raise funds for expansion. Amending the General Plan requires public benefit. There is no public benefit to destroying this beautiful area. There is considerable, lasting benefit to preserving and protecting it.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m., the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will have the final vote on the General Plan Amendment. Contact Supervisor Susan Gorin - susan.gorin@sonoma-county.org - and let her know you oppose this development and amendment to the general plan.

Bob Gossett, outdoor-education teacher

Georgia Bostedt, nature camp leader

Joanne Filipello, former teacher

Nick Rupiper, ecologist

Rebecca Bozzelli, former Hanna Boys supervisor

Seth Dolinsky, Sonoma Community Center

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