Grass program revised

Sonoma home- and business-owners have a greater incentive to rip out their lawns than simply saving water, thanks to a recent expansion of the city’s “Cash for Grass” rebate program.
Councilmembers voted unanimously on Sept. 3 to raise the square-foot payback from 50 to 75 cents, and increase the total rebate cap to $1,000 for residential customers and $3,000 for commercial. In her report to the council, Sonoma Public Works Director Milenka Bates said the program – now in its second year – is resulting in a water savings of 33 gallons per square foot.
Bates added that the city will also be starting a rain-sensor giveaway this fall, with the aim of preventing automatic sprinklers from operating in the rain.