Cannabis Country: A voice of caution in cannabis conundrum
Marijuana seems to be almost everywhere in Sonoma County and not always where it ought to be. High school and even middle school kids smoke before, after and in-between classes. On highways and country lanes, drivers too stoned to adhere to the basic rules of the road jeopardize their lives and the lives of others.
Cityscape
Over the past two years the Healdsburg City Council has demonstrated its commitment to identifying lower cost housing solutions that allow our residents to live more affordably in our community. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), often referred to as second units, in-law units or granny flats are additional living quarters built on single-family lots that are independent of the single family residence.
Confusing cannabis vote
Marijuana continues to be in the local news just as we promised last year that it would. The latest news is next week’s special election to create a “cannabis business tax” in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. The single ballot item is called Measure A.
A developer’s dream
A developer's dream if I ever saw one. At [the Feb. 15] Windsor Council meeting it was decided development impact fees for sewer and water would be decreased from $19,500 to $13,200 per new dwelling unit with granny or auxiliary units fees for these services reduced to -0-. This is basically a 1/3 reduction. Significant work went into the analysis and the reductions have their benefits to the Town in terms reducing certain limitations on how the impact fees may be spent. I failed to support the new methodology and reduction as Council was advised our capital reserves for our sewer treatment is very minimal at $171,000. I am alarmed that these reductions go into effect on the verge of 800 to 1,000 new units coming forward and the demands of new housing on our current system will be unfairly passed on to you, the existing rate payers. I understand Windsor's reclaimed water needs include storage ponds and recycled water connection to the Airport Business Center among others. I cannot see how these infrastructure needs can be met with these reductions.
Arts & Entertainment
Dia de Muertos lives on in Healdsburg
At Dia de Muertos—Healdsburg’s most colorful event of the year, recognized Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Plaza—Sonoma County residents showed up to remember loved ones with celebration, costumes, mementos, music and marigolds. It was the tenth local anniversary for the Mesoamerican celebration to honor the recently departed, or those who still live in memory. With a Gallery of images...
