Elections have consequences, and the most recent election in Sonoma has resulted in a progressive City Council which, in turn, has appointed a more progressive Planning Commission. As a result, land speculators and commercial developers now find their plans more closely examined to ascertain if... Continue
Editorials
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) recently announced the release of a regional Bay Area housing plan called the CASA Compact. CASA is a good faith attempt by a field of public-interest entities to address California's serious housing... Continue
For many years, the Sonoma City Council has talked about addressing the need for more affordable housing, while preserving city character. Somehow nothing seemed to get done, perhaps because a council majority was content with the status quo. Now the city has a council majority... Continue
Mayor Amy Harrington recently raised questions about staff's failure to provide city financial reports monthly to the City Council, as required by Sonoma's Municipal Code. She also objected to her signature being applied by rubber stamp to city checks without her having a detailed check... Continue
Like every city in Sonoma County, the City of Sonoma utilizes the City Manager form of government. City managers hold the top administrative position in each city, an organizational model similar to corporations where a Board of Directors (the City Council) employs a CEO (City... Continue
The addition of Logan Harvey to Sonoma's City Council has shifted the council's center of gravity to a more pro-government stance. Former council member Gary Edwards was reliably right-of-center, often arguing that "market forces" are more dynamic and workable than government planned solutions. He consistently... Continue
The minimum wage in Sonoma, and Sonoma County, needs to rise faster and considerably higher than it is on track to do. The California minimum wage is currently $10.50; $11.00 for employers of 26 or more. This will rise to between $11.00, and $12.00 for... Continue
There will be representation for the Springs, and soon. First District Supervisor Susan Gorin is determined to bring to the Board of Supervisors a proposal to establish a Springs Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), representing Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs, Agua Caliente and El Verano... Continue
With the re-election of Rachel Hundley (coming in first) and Logan Harvey's victory (coming in second), a potentially powerful new majority (with Amy Harrington) has been created on Sonoma's City Council. Perhaps now, matters of funding affordable housing, ensuring that development is properly scaled to... Continue
An increase in Sonoma's Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT - commonly called the Hotel Tax) is on the ballot this November, an increase of 2% from 10% to 12%. This is still below Healdsburg's or San Francisco's 14%, and it's long overdue; Sonoma's TOT has not... Continue