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Local Sonoma Valley News

Legislators consider taxing veterinary services

In the past month, legislators have discussed new taxes on everything from golfing to amusement park tickets to alcohol. Now they are looking at a possible 9 percent tax on veterinary services. “That could push an already struggling economy out of control,” said local veterinarian... Continue

Hospital changes anesthesiologists as step toward growth

Following a management strategy that in the last six months has brought the financially ailing hospital $1 million ahead of budget, the board voted to replace North Bay Anesthesiologists, whose contract had expired, with Anesthesia Consultants of Marin. Finance Committee Chair Alden Brosseau, who introduced... Continue

Mayor will hold office hours

Sonoma Mayor Ken Brown will be holding office hours from 1 to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, beginning Feb. 2. He will be on hand to talk to local citizens at the council room, just inside the entrance to City Hall on the right. Beginning April... Continue

Sonoma Valley CAN to hold community forum Feb. 8

“What now?” was the question on many people’s lips the day after Barack Obama’s election. The starting point for some locals has become the Sonoma Valley Community Action Network, a new nonpartisan group formed to help people translate their concerns into concrete action. SVCAN is... Continue

Hospital okays $12 million bond sale

The Sonoma Valley Health Care District board of directors voted unanimously on Wednesday night to authorize the issuance and sale of $12 million in bonds. This represents the first issuance or “tranche” of the $35 million of general obligation bonds authorized in November by Measure... Continue

Record 32 applicants for city commissions

Local residents seem to have answered President Barack Obama’s call to service. A possible all-time high of 32 people applied for seven open positions on local commissions. The commissions advise the City Council on issues including development, planning, public art and the environment. “I do... Continue

Commercial vacancy is high

As people tighten their belts in the economic downturn, some of the first businesses to go are the small retail shops that depend on customers’ discretionary income. The economic conditions have led to a high commercial vacancy rate around town, changing the game for both... Continue

Bluetooth scammers strike Sonoma

Two Bay Area scammers took a trip to the wine country on Saturday, Jan. 17, adding another retailer to a long list of businesses hit up by the duo. Their game is as follows: one woman goes into the store, picks out a number of... Continue

Seedlings grows into thriving children’s store

The proud proprietor of Seedlings Children’s Boutique in Kenwood has lined up her colorful and enticing merchandise into neat little rows one would expect to find in a well-planned vegetable garden. Leslie Cotchett opened the tidy shop on Nov. 15 in a cozy space within... Continue

Workshop for independent retailers

strong customer relationship is the small business owner’s best weapon in a down economy. Everyone talks about customer service but few really stand out. The Sonoma Valley Economic Development Partnership and the Small Business Development Center are sponsoring a workshop to help small business owners... Continue