Hearty soup, cheese and bread — all made locally and consumed leisurely – was the emblematic meal as Sonoma and the Sonoma Valley officially received America’s first Cittaslow designation.
Officials from Cittaslow International from Greve, Italy, kicked of a five-day visit with a public reception Wednesday at the Sonoma Community Center.
Cittaslow, meaning “slow city,” embraces ideals such as quality of life, tradition, local culture, use of local food, artisanship and strong environmental policy.
Gian Luca Marconi, the president of the 128-city organization said the designation has tangible economic benefits. Much like a seal of approval, the Cittaslow label will draw tourists and encourage like-minded businesses to invest in the area, he said through an interpreter.
The “Slow” movement is compatible with growth and progress. It welcomes technology and innovation, he said, if they forward the Cittaslow philosophy.
Driving the Cittaslow effort locally was Virginia Hubbell, who led a team of volunteers through the exhaustive application process. Strong local support, along with the city’s commitment to upholding the Cittaslow ideals, were important factors in the decision, Marconi said.
