The City of Boyes Hot Springs?

If the recent activity surrounding Rico Martin’s facade and painting projects in Boyes Hot Springs is any indication, a community is arising with interest in investing in its own future. Between the long-delayed street and sidewalk improvements to the upcoming affordable housing project, The Springs, like the rest of Sonoma Valley, is feeling its oats. Perhaps it’s time to talk about creating The City of Boyes Hot Springs.

Breaking away from the County of Sonoma to incorporate as its own city is a major undertaking and requires strong community support. All the advantages and disadvantages must be examined carefully and the lengthy process conducted properly. Forming a city requires an extensive analysis of boundaries, projected revenues and costs, elections, and ultimately hiring city staff and providing facilities. All this is outlined in documents created by the State of California and our local LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission), the regional body empowered to administer the incorporation process. The City of Windsor incorporated in 1992; the formation of incorporated cities is complicated, but also represents the normal evolution of a region.

There once was talk of the City of Sonoma annexing The Springs, and even a vote of Springs’ residents took place over 25 years ago; at that time annexation was rejected, and we suspect sentiment about annexation remains the same. But incorporation is something different; The Springs (including Boyes, Verano, Fetters and Agua Caliente) would elect its own city council, mayor and city manager. Revenues would come from property taxes, fees and TOT, and the latter is substantial: the Sonoma Mission Inn is one of the largest TOT producers in Sonoma County. On the other hand, running a city is an expensive and complex undertaking subject to state mandates, voter sympathies and in need of competent and professional employees.

At the moment, The Springs often seems last in line. Redevelopment spending took so long to implement that redevelopment agencies themselves were phased out by the Governor and Legislature before The Spring’s projects were even completed. The roads are in terrible shape, there are numerous blighted properties along the Highway 12 corridor, and a large number of homeless people. Meanwhile, rental housing in The Springs is being increasingly converted to vacation rentals, depriving working residents of affordable places to live.

There are undoubtedly many who like being ignored by the county. For them, the reach of government feels intrusive. Becoming an incorporated city undoubtedly will change many things. The process of incorporation brings a heightened level of scrutiny and awareness, but also greater control over outcomes. While our 1st District Supervisors have always kept The Springs under their wing, an elected council member who lives in the community is generally more responsive and accountable.

And then there is the issue of community character. The Springs contains a large number of Latinos, and Latino culture permeates the area. Incorporation may well bring an opportunity for greater representation of the Latino community in local politics, and better input into the formation of policies and priorities. Gentrification is already generating significant effects, and if The Springs is going to remain a multi-ethnic community, something needs to happen to insure that. Perhaps incorporation is an option. Ultimately, this entire question depends on the energy and interest of those who live in The Springs.

–Sun Editorial Board

ART BY MICHAEL ACKER