Assemblyman Jared Huffman warned on Friday that the next few months are “not going to be pretty.” He said that there will undoubtedly be a hike in student fees at junior colleges, and the UC and CSU schools. He also said that it looks like the legislature will be passing an alcohol tax. He’s lobbying to get wine excluded from that tax, given its importance as an agricultural industry in the state.
About 150 local leaders gathered at the Sonoma Golf Club last week for the annual “State of the Valley.” Valerie Brown, District 1 Supervisor, and Ken Brown, mayor of the city of Sonoma, also spoke, as well as Edward Roe, president of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Their comments were unified by a single theme – that the Sonoma Valley is facing major challenges in the next year, but that there are also reasons to be hopeful.
The complete video of Jared Huffman’s speech is available online at sonomasun.com. Highlights from the event:
Valerie Brown, District 1 Supervisor
Keep money here: Brown pointed out that 55 percent of county revenues come from the state. She’s particularly focused on making sure redevelopment funds stay in the area.
Green tech: Brown said Sonoma County must take advantage of its head-start in green initiatives and that it has a chance to be a leader in the nation in green business.
Tourism: Brown said that fewer companies are renting out hotels and event centers for corporate retreats. She said the county needs to work to attract that business and voiced her support for turning the Vets building into an event and conference center.
Water: “This is no lie. Prepare to save water.”
Hang in there: “We do have a new energy. We will get out of this, but it will be a long bloody haul before we get there.”
Ken Brown, Mayor of Sonoma
Fiscally conservative: “Take away from this that our city government is prudent, practical and responsible and our staff are there for you,” said Brown. He said the city currently has $2.1 million in emergency reserves, $1.5 million in operating funds and $4.9 million in the capital project fund.
Joint-power agreements: Brown voted against the joint-power agreement with the Sonoma County Sheriff to provide policing in Sonoma, but he said that today, he’d vote in favor. He said that the city has realized cost savings and received excellent service. He’ll raise the possibility of more joint-power agreements at the mid-year budget hearing.
Edward Roe, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce
Shop local: “It’s all about keeping dollars in our community – businesses open, jobs in town,” said Roe.
Education: Currently, the graduation rate for Latinos in Sonoma County is 62 percent, compared to 78 percent for non-Latino students. The chamber is working through the Business Education Roundtable and the Latino Business Roundtable to support students at Sonoma Valley High School.
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