FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FPA?
The Forestville Planning Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation. Its mission is “to serve as a proactive planning committee, a conduit of information, and a voice of advocacy for the residents and businesses of the Forestville community.”
What does the FPA do?
The FPA seeks to identify and research local issues which it then presents to the community for consideration. The FPA’s role is primarily educational — providing information with which individual Forestville residents can make informed decisions, and identifying ways in which individuals can effectively make their opinions known. This is achieved through FPA sponsored Town Meetings, email alerts, and newspaper articles.
Since Forestville is an unincorporated area, it is governed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The FPA stays in dialogue with various County agencies (e.g. Planning Department, Transportation Department, Board of Supervisors) about issues which directly affect Forestville.
The FPA also administers the Forestville Community Fund and annually makes grants to local initiatives.
In addition, the FPA for three years administered a federal grant for the restoration of the Green Valley Creek.
How do I join the FPA?
If you live or work in the 95436 zip code you are already considered a member of the FPA. You can become further involved by attending Town Meetings, volunteering to be on different FPA committees, and/or by offering yourself as a consultant on particular issues. Go to the Volunteer page for more info.
What does the FPA plan since it is a planning association?
Forestville is an unincorporated area. Therefore building and development in the town and the 95436 area (30 square miles) is permitted and supervised by Sonoma County. Since Forestville’s character and needs are different from other parts of the County, the FPA seeks to have the local community define and lobby for how it wants Forestville to be.
When the County legislates local development (such as the prior approval of density and zoning for the Thiessen project), the FPA seeks to involve the community in a creative dialogue with the planners of those projects in hopes of having the projects reflect the character and values of the community.
The FPA also tries to anticipate local projects and involve the community in design planning. For example, the FPA’s Downtown Planning Committee was very involved in helping design the proposed Town Square which will be included in the Thiessen project. More recently, we are getting community proposals to submit to the County and State on how best to design the center circle (with a 50 foot circumference) that will be in the new roundabout at Mirabel and 116.
Does the FPA support growth and development in Forestville?
No. The FPA takes no official position regarding land or building development in the area. However, we do seek to well publicize such proposals, educate the community on the design and implications of such proposals, and empower individuals to voice their opinions via letter or at County meetings.
When a development has already been approved by the County, we will work with the developer to make the design as compatible as possible with the community’s character and values.
Is the FPA against quarry expansion?
No, it is neither for nor against expansion. In recent years, both Canyon Rock and Blue Rock Quarries petitioned the County to expand. A complicated environmental impact report was produced. The FPA sought to educate the community on the content of the report as well as on the pros and cons of the expansion.
We hosted two Town Meetings in which there was a simple explanation of the environmental report, questions and answers, a formal debate of those in favor and those against expansion, identification of County officials to contact with opinions, and announcement of County meetings which locals could attend to make their views known.
Citizens for Sensible Growth, another organization in Forestville, eventually sued Canyon Rock Quarry. The FPA was not involved with nor took any position on that suit.
How is the FPA governed?
The FPA is governed by the Board of Directors all of whom live in the 95436 zip code. Currently, there are eight members.
There are also ad hoc committees to deal with specific issues — such as the Downtown Planning Committee, the Roundabout Design Committee, and the Forestville Community Fund Advisory Committee.
How are Board members elected/selected?
Anyone who lives or works in the 95436 area code may serve on the Board. All Board meetings are open to the public. Please attend one or more to find out if you are interested in participating. New Board members are elected by the existing Board members.
Do people on the Board make any money?
No. All participants in the FPA are volunteers.
How do I donate to the FPA?
All donations are tax deductive since the FPA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Read more at the Donate page.
What is the Forestville Community Fund (FCF)?
The FCF provides cash grants annually for local initiatives and projects.
What is the relation of the Forestville Community Fund (FCF) and the FPA?
The FPA as a non-profit corporation administers the Forestville Community Fund. The FCF Advisory Committee takes grant applications and recommends to the FPA Board which proposals should be funded. The FPA Board makes the final determinations.