Williams-Sonoma event expansion appealed; City’s new budget; Relay for Life update

The Sonoma Planning Commission decision to grant an expanded use permit to Williams-Sonoma – a move that legitimized what the retailer had already been doing without permission – has been appealed. The paperwork was filed by former mayor and three-term city council member Larry Barnett. Barnett (a member of The Sun editorial board) is not addressing the commission’s approval of the expanded retail use at the location, which constituted retroactive approval since Williams-Sonoma had violated its original use permit provisions by expanding retail display into both the “residential” unit and the garden space at its Broadway location. Instead, the basis of the appeal is primarily focused on special events for up to 80 people and the valet parking necessary to handle the crowds. The company failed to provide an adequate Special Event parking and traffic mitigation plan required by the Planning Commission, Barnett said; Written evidence of permission for use of the USPS parking lot, for example, was not provided. Next step, after his $630 check for filing the appeal clears, the hearing makes its way to a City Council agenda… Sorry, Larry, but it’s hard to imagine the council ruling against the mighty Williams-Sonoma empire. Even at age 99, Chuck Williams is more powerful than five mere elected officials. Plus, who doesn’t love a party – particularly when the food is prepared with imported cookware?

That filing fee of $630 – it was $300 until recently – seems excessive. Nobody likes nuisance actions, but that’s a lot of cash to, essentially, participate in planning decisions by making sure the topic gets one more public hearing. And, it’s non-refundable. So you win your appeal about your neighbor’s fence, you’re still out the $630… That number, by the way, is the highest in the region. A few other quotes: Petaluma $221; Healdsburg $150; Santa Rosa $412, Sebastopol $505, and Sacramento $100. Some of these fees are fixed, and others “may be subject to additional processing costs.”

The Sonoma City Council approved Monday a budget for fiscal year 2015-16 (it starts July 1) of $31.6 million. Tourist-related revenue, through hotel room tax and related sales tax, is at record levels. City Manager Carol Giovanatto reports, “the city has experienced a healthy economy with significant gains in major revenue sources over the past several years. This is mainly due to the recovery from the recession and the vibrant tourism and real estate market.” She told the council that hotel occupancy rates are pushing 90 percent, and even near 100 percent for some high-season and big-event weekends. Giovanatto, ever prudent, said there are signs of a slowdown — “a leveling off of the economy which is and should be expected.” The golden goose, it seems, can’t produce Foie Gras forever.

Visors off to Felice Torri and Golly McGinty who have taken a wobbly Relay for Life event and really run with it. The streamlined event, which raises money to fight cancer, takes place Saturday, August 1 at, as usual, the Sonoma High School track. But although check-in is the night before, the walking begins Saturday morning. The day includes the Survivor’s Lap, fun activities and a silent auction, the ring of Luminaria at dusk and, of course, an overriding sense of camaraderie and purpose. By forming or joining a virtual team, you don’t have to walk the track, but do it, at least for a lap or two. Rarely is walking so moving.

— Val Robichaud

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