Going … Going … NOT Going
Sonoma County officials were quick to clarify news reports last week that the several Veterans Memorial Buildings in the county might be sold. County supervisors assured local residents that the buildings in Cloverdale, Cotati, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Sonoma would not be sold, despite operating deficits and relative lack of use. In any case, the local halls honoring those who have served in the U.S. armed forces cannot be put to other use without consent of the veterans’ associations, unless those groups have abandoned use of the building, as is the case in Guerneville.
Paint it Green?
The Sonoma City Council pondered at some length during its meeting last week whether to approve the purchase of an SUV for the fire chief. Chief Philip Garcia was hoping to retire the Department’s Ford Expedition, with over 140,000 miles, and get a new Chevy Tahoe. Members of the council wondered about getting a Toyota Prius, instead, or some other hybrid car. Garcia noted that, while a sedan might be just fine for 90 percent of the calls, it would be convenient not to have to switch vehicles when he is needed in a command situation that requires four-wheel-drive or high ground clearance. City staff was asked to research the availability of hybrid SUVs.
