The inaugural Sebastopol Bloom Festival is set to begin this Friday, but the new wellness event is clouded by financial and legal controversy.
According to the Press Democrat, the festival, founded by local business owner Jonathan Pinkston, is facing scrutiny because the nonprofit designated to receive the proceeds has had its federal tax-exempt status revoked since May. This legally prevents it from fundraising.
Furthermore, Pinkston has publicly stated he would use festival profits to create a new park on the main festival site. However, the land’s owner, Piazza Hospitality, confirmed it has no agreement to sell the property, stating they still plan to build a hotel.
City officials and business owners have expressed concern over the planning and the gap between the organizer’s grand promises and the legal realities.
