"For years, this scenic Russian River Valley enclave has worked to foster a community supportive of local businesses, in part, by making it difficult for large chains to move in. In 2018, Sebastopol leaders created an outright ban of certain chain businesses - particularly restaurants and hotels - from its downtown. But this month, one of the nation's largest pizza chains plans to open up in that exact downtown area - much to the concern, and surprise, of many locals."
"The new Little Caesars restaurant was somehow approved in error, city officials recently admitted, as first reported by the Press Democrat. The approval of the new franchise for the chain appears to have been granted despite being directly in conflict with the city's prohibition of "formula," or chain, businesses in its downtown. Officials with the city of Sebastopol owned up to the mistake, but said it was too late to reverse course on the Little Caesars project,"
Sebastopol enacted a downtown ban on certain chain businesses, especially restaurants and hotels, to protect local commerce. A Little Caesars franchise was approved in the downtown zone despite that prohibition. City officials acknowledged the approval was an error, said it cannot be reversed at this stage, and expressed regret and accountability. The city announced a comprehensive review of the permitting process to find the cause and implement corrective actions. Officials stated a commitment to transparency, consistent enforcement of policies, and strengthening processes, while the community expressed surprise and concern about the chain opening downtown.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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