Archives



Endorsement flap; market music on the cheap; Council’s gameplan

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Sonoma Valley Sun

A publicity breech at the Valley of the Moon Water District, where a board member has vehemently disavowed his own letter to the “Press Democrat” endorsing Gina Cuclis for Supervisor. There are a few problems with that letter, allowed Jon Forman in a follow-up printed May 9. Indeed. Forman admits to signing it, but says in his mea culpa missive that he did not draft the original, and is “ashamed and appalled” that he failed to diligently read it before sending. “I didn’t consult with my fellow board members,” he said. “None of them endorsed the letter or were aware of its existence until it was published.” He then takes extreme exception with language in the letter that disparages Gorin, calling the insult “cruel, mean-spirited and blatantly untrue.” He goes on to salute Gorin’s accomplishments, and to offer her his “heartfelt and sincere apology.” His message of “considerable personal embarrassment” sounds sincere. But where the heck did the letter come from, an episode of “House of Cards”? One could drown in conspiracy theories… Meanwhile, let’s hope the agency takes more care figuring our water bills. As for the inevitable rate hikes, feel free to deny those as well.

All the talk about the Tuesday Night Farmer’s Market budget – what should the event pay the city? What should vendors pay for space? — has musician Josh Yenne singing the blues. Left out of the conversation is the low pay the performers get, he says. The City’s RFP called for music, and market management has delivered by upgrading and expanding the roster of weekly talent, and, unlike the old days, actually paying the performers. (Sing local!) Still, Yenne says the $150-$300 gig fee is “horrific pay for a band of four to five people… sad to do that to our local musicians.” He says the city council should rescind its recent rent hike to the market, and use the money for a fairer wage for the musicians, “especially since they are the centerpiece of the event.”

June 7 is Election Day for area supervisor, assembly and state senate. Not in play is the Sonoma City Council, two seats of which will be contested in November. Up for reelection will be Laurie Gallian and David Cook.

Even though they might not all be around to see it through, current members will make the Sonoma City Council to-do list on May 23, and you can help sharpen the pencil. The annual goal-setting workshop (1 p.m., 175 First Street West, behind the Police Station) sets priorities for the panel for the fiscal year that starts June 1. Each adds their two cents (on how to spend $14 million), public comments and ideas are incorporated, and then its all ranked formalized. The result serves as a guide to the City Manager (the day-to-day boss at City Hall) on where “to focus attention or redirect efforts towards the programs, issues and projects.”

 — Val Robichaud

Send your info, tidbits and blurbs to [email protected]




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA