[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6469027,"mediaKeyId","5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2","parentId",5781334,"title","Sonoma council declines to issue new cannabis dispensary RFP; staff to revisit only if prioritized in goal setting","audioSeconds",283,"startMs",655000,"endMs",938600,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2&start=655&end=938","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2/thumbnail_655000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6469027/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/Sonoma-council-declines-to-issue-new-cannabis-dispensary-RFP-staff-to-revisit-only-if-prioritized-in-goal-setting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469027-e39f660142588cb54466727b9b7794b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198299&Signature=U8uFMV-mL6BsHw~dZGWM08CAQ9MuZYlwzjRhHVfLvSRPIzJVeTd7Z4HqxJjEH6-El2C9R3nS2d3y6PLfauADVynCWwPjYSSMq~d4hJo1r9~19HyjneJAcHQBbajr69JE6M9BSa37~d3~dIj~2p8kOP3QWGAGzzS7dqN7urOYOOATCKi-B3D2FetXnFdUSbMVc9kRiw5wUT08FAKuWCiUPYRssU6U~RUyDNnap1DRYyEe35fXCwjaIqEoTCYW2xHFdYgZyMAKB6-dZqlN5iV2k02gFYLykK6lmqoFDRiOJEBF6KGKh79UrVTkHz8om5dQ9G1Sh3DPXSAJ9dqcVd0nGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sonoma, CA","date","2025-09-18T04:21:56.357Z","article","The Sonoma City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 17 not to initiate a process to approve additional cannabis businesses, including a second storefront dispensary, saying timing and limited staff resources make a new RFP inappropriate now.

Community Development Director Jennifer Gates presented the options: (1) do not issue an RFP at this time, or (2) instruct staff to develop and circulate an RFP along with updated fees, application guidelines and ordinance edits. Gates explained issuing an RFP would require staff time to update the ordinance, application materials and potentially hire consulting support to administer and review applications.

Public comment was divided. Spark, the city’s existing licensed dispensary, urged caution and said the statewide cannabis retail market is contracting; Spark representatives said more transactions but smaller baskets have reduced revenue and urged the city to preserve local business stability until the market strengthens. Spark representatives described community donations and local staffing and asked the council to “protect what’s working.” Other speakers, including representatives of the Sonoma Valley Cannabis Group and several prospective operators, urged the council to issue an RFP to increase consumer choice, competition and local access.

Council discussion focused on timing, limited staff capacity and market conditions. Several council members said Sonoma’s population and local market do not clearly support a second dispensary today and that neighboring jurisdictions already provide additional retail options. The council agreed to refrain from directing staff to spend time preparing an RFP and to revisit the issue only if the topic is placed on a future council goal-setting agenda.

Why it matters: A city decision to allow additional cannabis retail would change local market structure, affect tax revenue and require staff time to implement a regulatory process. City staff said state-level market trends — lower retail prices and falling statewide retail dollar sales — reduce the likelihood that a second storefront would increase municipal tax revenue.

What the council did: The council approved a motion that staff should not issue an RFP at this time and that the question be returned only if prioritized through council goal setting. The vote was unanimous.

Public comment: Dozens of residents and business representatives spoke. Supporters of a new RFP argued it would increase choice, create jobs and reduce black‑market sales; opponents, including the existing and nearby operators, argued that a second shop today would split a flat market, reduce per‑store revenue and jeopardize stable local operators and municipal tax receipts.

Implementation note: Because the item was tabled, no ordinance edits, fee schedules or RFP documents were prepared or approved Sept. 17.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - 17 Sep 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After public testimony for and against a second storefront cannabis retailer, the City Council voted unanimously Sept. 17 not to issue a request for proposals at this time and instructed staff to return to the question only if council priorities change in a future goal‑setting cycle.","taxTitle","Sonoma City, Sonoma County, California","taxId",72202,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6469031,"Sonoma council awards West Main/Spain Street rehab contract, approves $404,000 budget amendment",3167,4229000,7396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2&start=4229&end=7396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2/thumbnail_4229000.jpg","/articles/6469031/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/Sonoma-council-awards-West-MainSpain-Street-rehab-contract-approves-404000-budget-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469031-ba337962b1de1e6710c847666882ccd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198299&Signature=Uuqfrz7FsQKRqevewFJobWt0N-AiHDKkwo~sg-Ud8PHExwEuqdFrkcoTh~xjTRKtWhb1FvOQFlRsWhDwHaQQUH0FCUuFd0IMQoI4k1axSr7fYj6MVTnKiYKdX9OFEKjMjH80NDW6O10t8mV1jHMpVDThvXdRQcM5APYh5e69CdiSYEoQa7RWUOubsj1VZP2c0K5RTq2izdtVBbRImdm6P9XEpvUfLfF~VmHyF0tUaKlzqGqETIEoRcW~7svMBHtXI-eVTaBT777kMd5t7JOcB6Wmo4xdVzV1EaO6iE98mqjw69tpuV2M3HrXQAQWDb0vZxvOTjXeFnYqfoOni7QOdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sonoma City Council unanimously approved a contract Sept. 17 to rehabilitate segments of West Main/Spain Street, authorizing a $447,141.10 construction contract with a 15% contingency and approving a $404,000 budget amendment to close a funding gap.

The project covers Spain Street from the plaza to Highway 12 in three segments: pavement repairs between First and Second streets; a grind-and-overlay between Second and Third streets; and localized repairs between Seventh Street and Highway 12. Project work includes pavement repair or overlay where needed, updated centerline and edge line striping, sharrows (bike routing marks), bike‑route signs and other traffic‑calming elements drawn from the city’s Active Transportation Plan.

Bids opened Sept. 9 and ranged from roughly $447,000 to $951,000; the lowest apparent bidder was identified as Team Giladi Inc. at $447,141.10. Staff’s project budget totals $529,000 after contingency and testing allowances; council had previously authorized $150,000 for the project of which $25,000 was spent on design, leaving a $404,000 shortfall. The council approved an amendment allocating $200,000 from Measure M, $104,000 from SB1 funds, and $100,000 from gas tax to cover the deficit.

Public‑works staff said the contract term is approximately 30 working days (about 45 calendar days) and that construction timing will be weather dependent. The project includes materials testing and geotechnical oversight; staff said on‑site inspections and compaction testing will be performed and that a one‑year maintenance bond will be required under the city’s standard contract.

Why it matters: The project implements traffic‑calming measures identified in the Active Transportation Plan on a busy collector that carries bicyclists, school traffic and neighborhood vehicles. Staff will perform before‑and‑after speed surveys to measure project effectiveness.

Public comment: Neighbors thanked staff for the rapid‑flashing beacons at Spain and Third Street and urged additional measures to slow traffic, limit truck bypassing and lengthen red‑curb sight triangles. Several speakers supported painted bulb‑outs and careful enforcement of truck restrictions.

What the council did: By unanimous roll call the council (Lowe, Gurney, Vice Mayor Wallender, Dean and Mayor Farah Rivas) approved the plans, awarded the contract to the lowest apparent bidder, authorized construction with a 15% contingency and adopted the budget amendment.

Implementation steps: Staff will execute the contract, schedule construction, perform pre‑ and post‑construction speed surveys, and require geotechnical testing and a one‑year maintenance bond.","The City Council awarded a $447,141.10 construction contract for the West Main Street (Spain Street) rehabilitation project (CIP T‑11), authorized a 15% contingency and approved a $404,000 budget amendment drawn from Measure M, SB1 and gas tax funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6469035,"PG&E briefs Sonoma on downtown vault failure, tree‑management practices and undergrounding discussion at CPUC",413,2241000,2654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2&start=2241&end=2654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2/thumbnail_2241000.jpg","/articles/6469035/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/PGE-briefs-Sonoma-on-downtown-vault-failure-treemanagement-practices-and-undergrounding-discussion-at-CPUC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469035-234ddd98e9d02ada8686e25f74b29e9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198299&Signature=lWJO11vV9LLVDad2f70sMCrVtfZ2K-SlJOPiPqoXNRwY5374AkNESjiAFQkEG8zl1PZ61XVA3fluA0WsPR7o-IcRex-vIL-tFNFolNMX5I-ht6IhzsMsHWAbd5QHaHgLLn-syUM0X0UPzdZi5KoOCGDMF7OaB6MqeZX5FB4kzHs3eUxUorpfi6iv7Updsj3ozLnWn5KINoXSG8uEg1OswH9Zq9fbYjfNQwb~lDe0-kiMwE4FePzQmMCSdFjFn9u44kBPbC1AenRf06Jf18N~vgm5e6jBHtwvDsifG4NIj4xB3aFxknYgouVoj04Nnadq20BjBQxENyPZPd6v1OW8EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Pacific Gas & Electric representative gave the Sonoma City Council an update on a late‑winter underground electrical switch failure near the plaza, the company’s vegetation-management program and a pending California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) proceeding on undergrounding.

PG&E local government affairs representative Jason Termino said an underground vault containing switchgear forced open during an “incredible high intensity switch failure.” Crews secured power, worked overnight and then carried out a weeklong replacement effort to restore service, Termino said. PG&E later inventoried vaults in the plaza and along Broadway, inspected about 25 switches and identified three additional switches of the same vintage that needed replacement. Two have been replaced and the final replacement was scheduled the night the presentation was made.

Termino described PG&E’s vegetation-management program as a large, multi‑pronged effort. He said the company spends about $1,800,000,000 a year on trimming and removals, and that regulatory standards require a minimum distance between conductors and tree limbs (he cited 1.5 feet as a baseline and 4 feet in high‑fire‑threat areas). He said inspections cover more than 100,000 miles of lines and that the utility uses contractors for most work while maintaining oversight staff.

On tree‑work approvals, Termino said utilities obtain encroachment permits to work in the public right‑of‑way, and that differentiating trimming from removal is often contentious. He described repeated on‑site meetings with city staff and residents to review high‑profile cases and minimize removal where feasible.

Termino also discussed safety upgrades and wildfire risk mitigation the utility is pursuing, including sectionalizing circuits, installing enhanced power‑line safety settings that shut off quickly when a fault is detected, insulating lines and replacing wood poles. He said the CPUC is considering an undergrounding proposal that, if approved, could result in roughly 600 more miles of lines going underground in Sonoma County; he encouraged the council and public to submit comments to the CPUC.

Council and public questions focused on compensation processes for damage from the vault failure, how residents receive notices and how PG&E engages homeowners in higher‑sensitivity tree cases. Termino said property owners may pursue insurance or file a claim with PG&E using the company’s online form or 800 number; he also said local PG&E staff handle on‑site engagement and that the utility has a regional team and local employees familiar with Sonoma.

Why it matters: The presentation addressed a recent equipment failure that affected downtown users, described safety efforts tied to wildfire risk reduction and flagged a CPUC proceeding whose outcome could affect local undergrounding priorities and cost allocation.

What the council did: No formal city action was taken. Mayor Patricia Farah Rivas asked PG&E to provide meeting instructions for the CPUC proceeding; PG&E offered to send directions and to have the mayor call in during the CPUC’s elected‑official time.

Public comment: Residents asked whether PG&E posts official notices when staff are in neighborhoods and raised concerns about door‑to‑door vendors and unofficial notices; Termino urged the public to verify communications using PG&E’s official 800 number.","PG&E representatives told the Sonoma City Council they replaced a failed underground switch and reviewed local vaults; they also explained vegetation-management practices and urged public input to an upcoming California Public Utilities Commission discussion about undergrounding.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6469040,"Sonoma residents, mobile-home groups push city to update park closure, conversion rules; council to consider item in November",348,229000,577000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2&start=229&end=577","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781334-3c9fca5ff593789dfa2d1eab6a82b6c2/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6469040/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/Sonoma-residents-mobile-home-groups-push-city-to-update-park-closure-conversion-rules-council-to-consider-item-in-November","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469040-adc47380e7443aa2a4417b18ae690f9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198299&Signature=QpGkwiui1qLIFgMuUAvUTfDav1mpg-UqRZeBCqWlcZ9es5UKGAJNWdw4zsbk1GplKdIxrn~Nm~HL7bhozdH55tQ9UW8xyKZq4iUp0I8uWdzCtNuzXM77ddhZl6dbKCEcbxVHT4XX7H5Kjo7I2q0rFfT~G4v0h6JefDkyTFkvXWLTmbKP7A3qHjNTqroZI9EFxjHiwYpyiiYPXZlG3TuHUuAHhSziyqBzFspU9jutiIljxPAgpjm27G2xEJV2veWD-snFn6k7TW3r2caxwN31IpuCB-YmMtj322elgeKohpiyNVQUdPl-SEg9MwTTUrqNFxmNJs28lzZAmClO0aoZbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Sonoma’s three mobile-home parks and countywide homeowner organizations asked the City Council on Sept. 17 to update Sonoma’s closure-and-conversion ordinance, saying the city’s 2004 rules are outdated and leave homeowners vulnerable to park closure threats.

The Tri Park Committee, representing residents of Pueblo Sereno, De Anza Moon Valley and Sonoma Oaks, told the council the three parks house more than 1,000 residents — including seniors, working families and veterans — and urged the city to adopt stronger protections. John Kyle, president of the Sonoma County Mobile Homeowners Association, said the current ordinance leaves homeowners exposed to “extortion” by park owners seeking large rent increases through closure threats.

City staff confirmed a draft revision has been prepared and that the matter will return to the council for consideration in November. City Manager David Guin told the council the item will be scheduled and posted online in advance of that meeting so the public can review materials.

Why it matters: Mobile-home parks supply a significant share of affordable housing in Sonoma Valley. Residents and organized homeowner groups told the council they want local rules updated to reflect state law changes and to protect homeowners who invest in park lots.

What speakers said: Lynn Marie de Vincent, speaking for the Tri Park Committee, described the three parks and noted they fall within the city’s rent‑stabilization rules and under the city’s closure-and-conversion ordinance. Ann Kolechitis, president of the Golden State Manufactured Homeowners League, said AB 2782 (a 2020 state law) expanded local authority to respond to conversion and closure threats and urged Sonoma to update its local ordinance to match that authority. John Kyle said a revision had been drafted and submitted to the Community Development Department and that the planning commission review occurred in June; he said the council should adopt the update to preserve affordable housing.

Background and next steps: The city’s current closure-and-conversion ordinance dates to February 2004, speakers said. According to testimony, a draft revision reflecting state law changes has been prepared and provided to city staff; the city manager confirmed staff will return with the item to the council in November for direction and a formal hearing or agenda item.

Community reaction and context: Members of Sonoma Valley Collaborative and the Sonoma County Mobile Homeowners Association attended and signaled ongoing coalition support. Speakers asked council members to meet with proponents before the November item and to adopt the update when it returns.

What the council did: No formal vote was taken on Sept. 17; staff committed to schedule the item for the November meeting and to circulate materials beforehand.","Representatives of Sonoma mobile-home parks and statewide homeowner groups urged the City Council to update a 2004 closure-and-conversion ordinance. City staff said a draft revision has been submitted and the item will return to the council in November for direction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sonoma council declines to issue new cannabis dispensary RFP; staff to revisit only if prioritized in goal setting

Sonoma council awards West Main/Spain Street rehab contract, approves $404,000 budget amendment

PG&E briefs Sonoma on downtown vault failure, tree‑management practices and undergrounding discussion at CPUC

Sonoma residents, mobile-home groups push city to update park closure, conversion rules; council to consider item in November