NBBJ Insider

The real impediment to jobs

The priorities for Sonoma County are “jobs, jobs and jobs,” said Third District Supervisor Shirlee Zane.
“Everyone I talk to says the No. 1 issue is jobs,” said Fifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo.

Uplifting. But then reality seeps in.

Local officials due for a Scott Brown moment

Memo to the region’s political leaders who have not gotten the jobs-economy message: A Scott Brown moment is likely to be in your future.

Verizon issues downbeat note on jobs

Today’s news on jobs:

From the Wall Street Journal, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703906204575026803979106926.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTWhatsNews#printMode

Verizon Communications Inc. swung to a fourth-quarter loss as a result of heavy charges, and announced plans to cut 13,000 more jobs as executives cast a downbeat note on the economic recovery.

Petaluma’s obstructionism

What city today would turn away 721 new jobs, $1 million in annual tax revenue to stem ongoing municipal layoffs and the opportunity to support a locally-owned, community- minded retailer?

The answer should be none, but then, this is Petaluma.

Move advances to create split roll

The California Teachers Association may back an initiative that would create a split tax role in California, a move that would push up taxes on commercial property sharply.

Sonoma Mountain Village ‘Community Benefits Agreement’

The text of the Sonoma Mountain Village agreement with the Coalition for Accountable Development has been posted with the Commentary: Praise, questions for Sonoma Mountain Village agreement. See post under commentary section or see below.
 Full text of Sonoma Mountain Village CBA

Health care forum and you

Ordinarily, this space would not be used to tell about an upcoming Business Journal event. But knowing what I know about the Nov. 11 health care conference, I would be remiss if I didn’t let people know about what they can hear by attending.

Business Journal Editorial: Continuing water suit serves no one

Last month’s surprise announcement by Sonoma County officials that they were abandoning years of planning to increase the supply of water taken from the Russian River would not get high marks for public relations, as city and agency officials as far south as Novato said they were taken unawares.

But now that the dust has settled, it’s time to take a step back.

$40 million for Direct Flow

Direct Flow Medical Inc., a Santa Rosa-based developer of a minimally-invasive implant to treat heart valve disease, has secured $40 million in a third round of venture capital funding, according to a regulatory filing.

Things even Don Quixote can’t imagine

Many readers responded to last week’s column, “If Don Quixote paid a visit to Sonoma County,” with a similar message: “Right on,” said one. “Keep it up,” said another.
And, so, OK, here it is: Killing a Wal-Mart or a Lowe’s like Don Quixote slaying windmills he mistook for enemies is child’s play compared with the [...]