WE BROKE GROUND! (11/19/2021)

12/1/2021

What a day we had!
We were excited -- to see each other in person -- after all of these pandemic months and years. Members came from as far away as New Hampshire, Arizona, and the Bay Area. We were together celebrating this special day.

Scott did a fabulous job kicking off the ground breaking as the group's announcer for the day. We're lucky to have a natural, dynamic speaker in our community.

Our celebration began with a Welcome - Daa-nu’-yash -- from Lisa Walker, Washington Commons member and descendent of the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians of Oregon. She directed our attention to our feet, had us become in touch with the land, and imagine all the indigenous peoples that have stood here before us. She acknowledged that we gathered on the ancestral and unceded land of the Patwin, Maidu and Wintu Peoples past and present. She read a Land Acknowledgement created by Charlie Toledo, Founder and Director of the Suscol Intertribal Council of the Napa Valley. This acknowledgement sets the foundation for our community in the larger context of this place reflecting on how we came to be here and inspires us to live in solidarity, equity and justice with the Patwin, Maidu and Wintu Peoples.

“With open hearts, respect and gratitude to the all the ancestors, indigenous land stewards, and all those who are helping us to build our new village upon this land, shu’ nuu-xwanin-la, in the language of the Siletz Tribe – We Thank You.”

Chris Ledesma, Mayor Pro Tem, spoke about what we are creating and how it embodies the City's vision for housing variety that meets the diverse needs of the community. He pledged the City's commitment to continue its work to create a vital urban center in what he called the "soul of West Sacramento"... the Washington District. We are thrilled to be a part of the dynamic community that is West Sacramento.

Our mentor and consultant, Katie McCamant, spoke eloquently about our journey to create this first cohousing community in West Sacramento and about the vision of our founder Anne Geraghty. Anne noted “We’ve had many setbacks and delays over the years but each one has strengthened our resolve and our confidence in succeeding."

AND WE BROKE GROUND!!

On November 19th we had commitments for 27 units - the magical 3/4 reservation that we have been shooting for in order to get our construction loan from Five Star Bank. On Friday our latest member joined with her down payment check in hand, becoming the 28th. Welcome JoAnn Levy. We are over the top!
A friend remarked on the palpable feelings of joy, love and caring of all the people that were there - both those who are the members as well as the many supporters. It was a special day.

We couldn't have done it without our professional team. We give thanks for our amazing development team that brought us to this day: