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Resolutely defiant

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Sonoma Valley Sun

2012 is going great, except for those darned New Year’s resolutions. Chances are you’ve already ignored or forgotten one or more of those vows that on Dec. 31 sounded so great, so noble, so easy. Well, that was last year. Get over it… The list of most commonly broken resolutions looks suspiciously like the one with all that silly wishful thinking: Eat healthier, lose weight, get fit (after the cookies are gone, maybe); Quit smoking; Reduce debt, save money; Learn something new (like how to save money?); Spend more time with family (unless they have candy and cigarettes); Travel to new places (like not the buffet line); Volunteer; Be less stressed (with all this to worry about?); and Drink less. Which reminds me, is there any champagne left?

Now that Governor Jerry Brown’s demolition of the state redevelopment agency system (his crowning achievement so far, he says) has been ruled legal, it’s time to figure out what it all means locally. The monies that the Sonoma City Council, and the County Board of Supervisors, could dedicate to urban renewal, affordable housing and economic development projects, totaling in the millions, will now go directly to Sacramento. The Sonoma council, which acts as the Community Development Agency, will convene a special meeting Jan, 12 to discuss the fallout. The 5:30 public session will be held in (aptly?) the Emergency Operations Center, 175 First Street West.

It was a swinging time at the Mentoring Alliance New Year’s Party at The Lodge. But the real bash must have been the night before, at least for one near-guest. He was too hung-over to make an appearance, and stayed holed up in the hotel, enjoying the gala’s fine dinner smuggled up to his room by loyal friends.

Move over, 1st District candidates, and make room for Keith Rhinehart. The teacher and former UPS supervisor, now the fifth in the field of declared candidates, lives in the north-eastern corner of the newly enlarged district, not far from Susan Gorin’s new home. The Santa Rosa City Council member moved into the redrawn district to also vie for the seat, which will be vacated by Valerie Brown. Who’s next?

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter, Sonoma Bear Flag Post 1943, has announced its public safety officers of 2011. Copping the 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was Deputy Rocky Seffens of the Sonoma Police Department. Matt Garner of Schell-Vista Fire Protection District was named as the Firefighter of the Year. Both are now eligible for statewide honors. Well done.




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