Dezmond Remington / Thursday, June 18 @ 12:49 p.m. / Agendizer
Is He Full of Hot Air, or is He On Fire? Arcata Planning Commission Will Decide Tomorrow
Vondrak’s preferred stoves. Photo used permission of Lamppa Kuuma.
PREVIOUSLY
- Arcata Wood-Heated Sauna Proposal Not Quite Shot Down in Flames by Planning Commission
- Despite Wood-Burning Appliance Ban, an Arcata Entrepreneur Hopes the City Will Give Him a Break on Wood-Fired Sauna Facility
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The Arcata Planning Commission will determine tomorrow evening the fate of one man’s dream.
At their last meeting two weeks ago, sauna entrepreneur Zachary Vondrak presented his plan to the commission: a cold-water and sauna contrast facility located on South G Street across from the marsh. (Several employees would also construct saunas to-order in the back.) The business idea, they decided, sounded good and was likely to generate positive activity in an underserved area of Arcata, potential traffic increases notwithstanding.
However, one of Vondrak’s desires stalled the proceedings for a couple weeks. He wants to heat his saunas with wood-fired stoves, some burly models from an upper-Midwest company. Arcata banned the installation of new wood-burning appliances several years ago when the council passed the Gateway Plan. Burning wood emits lots of particulate matter, which can damage health.
Vondrak claimed his preferred system was superior and hardly made any smoke at all, courtesy of some fancy engineering that burns most of it off. Most of the five commissioners — though far from convinced — were interested enough to delay deciding whether or not they’d grant his permit for two weeks to do some research on the “gasification” technology.
At least one commissioner, noted wood-burning detractor Peter Lehman, is likely to attempt to stop Vondrak from using wood-fired saunas. He’d asked him to instead consider using gas or an electric element.
“I have experience with gasification technology, and those are nice words that you said, but, yes, there are particulates coming out of the smokestack, and yes, they are unhealthful,” Lehman said at the last meeting. “And I just can’t support burning wood in Arcata…we just can’t have more particulate matter. And I don’t think the city should support wood burning.”
Vondrak has told the Outpost that he’d consider basing his business elsewhere if he couldn’t burn wood. Vondrak points to the “softer feel” and higher temperature of burning wood, compared to an electrical or gas heating system. He said wood-burning saunas were more enjoyable, offering a nicer ambiance.
“If you go back, it’s one of the most primal things that people have done to connect to one another,” Vondrak said several weeks ago, referring to burning wood. “It’s important for the sauna to have that, because when you’re in there and the wood is burning, you see it, and the feeling around it makes people so, like, at ease and comfortable, and the level of communication is undeniable.”
The commission will meet tomorrow evening at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at 736 F Street.
Arcata Planning Commission
June 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
a. Land Acknowledgement
a. Roll Call
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of May 26, 2026
a. Approve the Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of June 9, 2026
4. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Approve a Minor Use Permit for Contrast Therapy and Sauna Manufacturing at 40 South G Street; File No. 256-028-MUP – CEQA Exempt
The Planning Commission is considering approving a permit for a contrast therapy and sauna manufacturing facility at 40 South G Street. The project involves converting storage containers into saunas and manufacturing spa units on-site. The proposal also includes parking, landscaping, and wastewater considerations. The project must comply with various conditions, including prohibiting wood-burning appliances and obtaining a Coastal Development Permit. The site is in a flood zone and has historic contamination issues, but these are not expected to be a problem for the proposed project.
— LoCOBot
As the Planning Commission meeting on the approval of a Minor Use Permit for Contrast Therapy and Sauna Manufacturing at 40 South G Street began, all eyes were on the Director of Community Development, David Loya. He stood before the commissioners, his clear voice echoing in the room as he presented the staff report. But there was more to David than just his professional demeanor.
David Loya was a man who had dedicated his life to his work, always striving for excellence in everything he did. But behind his confident facade, there was a longing in his heart for something more. He had put his personal life on hold for so long, focusing solely on his career. Little did he know, that was all about to change.
As the meeting progressed, a new face caught David’s attention - a stunning woman named Sophia Reynolds. She was the applicant for the Contrast Therapy Facility and Sauna Manufacturing project. Her beauty was captivating, but it was her passion for the project that truly drew David in. He listened intently as she explained her vision for the facility, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
Despite the professional setting, there was an undeniable spark between David and Sophia. As they discussed the details of the project, their conversations turned from business to personal matters. They discovered they had more in common than they ever could have imagined. Both were workaholics, determined to succeed in their chosen fields, but deep down, they craved companionship and connection.
As the meeting came to a close, David couldn’t shake the feeling that meeting Sophia was more than just a coincidence. He knew he had to see her again, to explore the possibilities that lay between them. And so, he mustered up the courage to ask her out for dinner, hoping she would say yes.
To his delight, Sophia agreed, and their first date was a night to remember. They talked for hours, sharing their hopes, dreams, and fears. It was as if they had known each other for a lifetime, their connection deepening with each passing moment.
As their romance blossomed, so did the Contrast Therapy Facility and Sauna Manufacturing project. Together, David and Sophia worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life, their shared passion fueling their drive to succeed. And as they stood side by side, watching the project come to fruition, they knew that they had found not only love but also a partnership that was truly meant to be.
In the end, the Planning Commission approved the Minor Use Permit, and David and Sophia celebrated their success with a kiss under the stars. As they looked towards the future, hand in hand, they knew that their love story was just beginning, and that they had many more adventures ahead of them. And so, they embarked on their journey together, ready to conquer the world as a team, bound by love and a shared dream.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Action, Findings of Approval, Conditions of Approval, and Plan Set.pdf • Attachment B - Plans of Operation – Contrast Therapy Facility and Sauna Spa Manufacturing.pdf • Attachment C - Remedial Action Completion Certification.pdf
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
7. CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS
8. ADJOURNMENT
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