Cell towers, new SVHS football coach, and more
Sonoma’s Planning Commission approved three small cell towers in commercial zone locations within city limits. Basically, it had to: federal laws – heavily weighted in favor of the carriers – don’t give local governments much choice in the matter, except for the category of “aesthetics”. So the panel added one stipulation: while there will be a street pole for each location, all the electronic equipment must be placed in vaults below the sidewalk. Verizon doesn’t like that idea, and, choosing to pay lawyers rather than hole-diggers, may appeal the vote. Meanwhile, opponents of the new towers may also appeal, based upon health concerns over radio emissions. (And this is all about 4G technology, not 5G.) Is it a good sign when both sides are unhappy?
Clay Jackson, currently the athletic director at St. Francis Solano School, is Sonoma Valley High School’s new varsity football coach. “(He) will be the right fit for our student athletes and school,” said school Principal Alberto Solorzano. “He’s eager to work with our student athletes, build bridges with our community and alumni.” Jackson, who had previously coached at San Rafael and Napa high schools, replaces Hervy Williams, who stepped down after one year.
What word comes to mind when you’re prompted to think of Sonoma County? The destination-marketing organization Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) did a survey of visitors and locals to find out. The research discovered that Sonoma County is perceived to offer “a unique brand of luxury, one that is intimate, organic and engaging.” Other descriptives: Connecting, Fiercely Independent, Progressive, Real, Generous and Unpretentious. Wow, we sound wonderful!… The data was crunched into the County’s “Life Opens Up” branding campaign, which just won a major industry award. SCT honcho Claudia Vecchio believes, not exactly unpretentiously, “the brand perfectly aligns the DNA of Sonoma County with current traveler preferences.”
Exiting stage right, as in a move back to New York City, is Stephan Stubbins of the Transcendence Theatre Company and his recent bride Libby Servais. A frequent performer in the Broadway Under the Stars shows (as was Servais), Stubbins served as co-executive director and chief marketing officer of the company which he co-founded 13 years ago. From humble beginnings (trained theater geeks, in a van, crossing the country to find the exact right location), Stubbins helped build a renowned company of Broadway-level talent to national prominence. He will remain on the TTC board, and co-ED Brad Surosky will go solo in the lead role… Backstory: Brad is married to Amy Miller; both are founding members of the company and both familiar faces in TTC productions. Rounding out the cast is Micah, their month-old son… And, scene.
— Val Robichaud, [email protected]
