News in the Valley and beyond
This week brings news from near and far. First and probably most forward in people’s minds is the closure of our only truly local bank, Sonoma Valley Bank. A Valley institution since 1988, Sonoma Valley Bank operated three branches throughout our town and all are now closed, turned over to newcomer West America Bank like a stray dog. Or at least that’s how customers and stockholders seem to feel.
The first Sonoma County bank to fall in the economic downturn, the news came as a sudden surprise to employees who found out on Friday from bank President Sean Cutting.
While all deposits will be honored, shareholders probably won’t be as lucky, leaving them more than a little chagrinned. Regardless of where your money rests, losing our only local bank feels bad from all vantage points and sadly, signals the end of an era for our town. Let’s hope big box stores are not on our horizon…
Good deed of the week
Robert Wilson, proprietor of Sonoma Old School Skate and Surf on Broadway has gallantly stepped up to the plate to adopt the local skate park. Saying it felt like equal parts duty, favor and obligation, Wilson will use a band of teen skaters to help keep the park clean and free of trash. He’s working with public works to remove the fencing – barring liability issues – and feels this is a step toward skaters taking responsibility for what he calls, “their park.” “This new effort makes me a glorified janitor but what I envision is the kids keeping the park clean. Placing trash and recycling cans in the park rather than outside the fence should help but it is up to them to decide the fate of the park.” The park has been closed twice this summer and Wilson says that more than one skater has approached him to say how appreciative they are of his efforts. He hopes his example will help skaters tow the line and protect what is theirs.
You spent how much?
Bad news for school funding this week comes from afar where California was left off the list for Race to the Top funding for the second year in a row. Only nine states and Washington D.C. will split the $3.4 billion pot of federal funding. Thirty-six states applied and according to Federal Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the government funded as many states as they could until they ran out of money. According to Duncan, California would have gotten some of the pie if there had been more to go around. What part of California’s proposal didn’t fly, Duncan didn’t say, and what the added funding could have meant to Valley schools remains to be seen.
Our district seems to be holding its own and asking for very little with the Prop. 39 bond measure on the November ballot – especially when compared with other cities, most notably, Los Angeles. Burdened with an unspeakable budget crisis, this week came the news that L.A.’s soon to open Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools has cost taxpayers a whopping $578 million, complete with a manicured public park, pool complex and architectural flourishes that are sure to help improve school performance. This in a district where one in three school students drops out according the The Los Angeles Times.
Hats off
Finally, with our own Valley students back in school, there was a collective sigh from parents and a groan from children. On Tuesday night, high school parents were treated to a friendly call from new principal, Dino Battaglini. The automated phone call came through around 6:30 p.m. when we were sitting down to dinner and was a truly welcome surprise. Mr. Battaglini was simply calling to welcome our student and family to the new school year and making himself available for questions, comments or anything other reason. A wonderful, proactive PR move on the part of Mr. Battaglini and one that we hope continues.
