The Sonoma City Council has named an Interim City Manager. Dave Kiff, currently in that role for Healdsburg, will take over for Cathy Capriola on January 1. On his resume: 20 years with the city of Newport Beach, nine as city manager. Before that, he worked for the County of Orange, the City of Orange, and the California State Legislature. “These are challenging times that require all of us to look at innovative ways to sustain city government, businesses, nonprofits, and community groups, and all of the activities that make Sonoma special,” Kiff said.
This item has been updated to correctly identify Newport Beach
Upcoming agenda City Council items: Swear in Jack Ding as its newest member (replacing David Cook); choose a new mayor (Rachel Hundley is the current vice-mayor); and decide what to do about the cannabis situation. In its “old” incarnation, the council backtracked on its decision to grant SPARC the City’s one and only permit for retail sales. Will Ding’s vote change things?
That missing Zoom square at the recent City Council meeting? An absent David Cook, who was released on $250,000 bail last week after a night in jail on a child molestation charge. Presumably, Cook will also skip his final two meetings, including the December 7 stream at which Jack Ding will be sworn in to take the open seat. Cook did not run for a third term. “I should note that Councilmember Cook will not be joining us this evening,” observed Mayor Logan Harvey as he brought the session to order. Harvey was at a bit of a loss as to protocol. “What do you do? I don’t even know how to handle it.”… Cook faces a felony count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. Acting on a complaint into Sonoma PD, the Sheriff’s Office’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault unit interviewed Cook and decided there was sufficient evidence to make the October 27 arrest. He posted bail the following day.
Upcoming agenda City Council items: Swear in Jack Ding as its newest member (replacing David Cook); choose a new mayor (Rachel Hundley is the current vice-mayor); and decide what to do about the cannabis situation. In its “old” incarnation, the council backtracked on its decision to grant SPARC the City’s one and only permit for retail sales. Will Ding’s vote change things?
Measure P, which strengthens oversight of the Sheriff’s Office by a citizen board, was approved by voters despite vehement opposition by the Sheriff himself. The review board came into being because of the department’s nasty history of excessive force… On October 29 came the latest troubling news from the County jail: one inmate dead and another, her cell-mate, hospitalized. Few details, though the Sheriff’s report did state, “There were no signs of a physical altercation.”
Looking for a clear path to government service not involving delayed vote counts, trumped-up lawsuits, or lawn signs? Community members can serve (as volunteers) on an official committee that has policy input to city and county government, such as the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission, and Sonoma’s Community Services & Environment Commission. Apply by December 18 at Sonomacity.civicweb.net.
Still live and blessedly in person: the Friday Farmers’ Market, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Sonoma’s Depot Park parking lot. Reminder that the Thanksgiving week market will be held on Tuesday, November 24. A chance to stock up, support local farmers and producers, and enjoy a six-foot mingle with actual people.
— Val Robichaud, Page3@sonomasun.com
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