Email This Post
Community Briefs
Room Tax petition meeting
The City of Sonoma is not a part of the countywide destination-marketing agency, the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau. Local resident George Webber is collecting signatures on a petition asking the Sonoma City Council to raise the transient occupancy tax 2% so that the City of Sonoma can be represented by this five-million-dollar marketing organization.
George Webber will be at the Wine Exchange, 452 First St. E., on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. Any resident of Sonoma or anyone that works at a city business may sign this petition. Mr. Webber hopes to have as many signatures as possible to present to the City Council in February. For any questions or to volunteer to help call 707.694.5097.
‘How to Start Your Own Business’ workshop
Ready to bring your business concept to fruition? Learn how at the Start-Up Workshop series offered in downtown Sonoma by the Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
The three-part series covers Planning & Legal Structure, Marketing & Financing, and Developing a Business Plan, and will be held on the evenings of January 12, 13 and 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fire Station Meeting Room, 630 Second St. W.
Participants who complete both the workshop series and business plan will qualify to work one-on-one with an SBDC business advisor at no charge. For more info or to register, visit www.sonomavalley4biz.com.
Final VOMLL registration dates
The Valley of the Moon Little League (VOMLL) will host two final registration days before try-outs begin. Sign-ups will be held on Jan. 12 at Round Table Pizza from 6 to 8 p.m. and at El Verano School on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. To find out more about the upcoming season and how to get involved visit www.eteamz.com/vomll.
Bird Count for Kids
Don’t let the name fool you – the annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids will take place January 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The half-day of birding will be followed by a brown bag lunch and a tabulation celebration at the Sonoma Community Center (SCC).
During the birding event, small teams of children, aged eight to 14, will work with an experienced birder in assigned areas with unique habitats. Organizations or school classes are welcomed to sponsor a birding team. Adults are welcomed to come along, transport birding teams, and observe the young birders in action. Renowned natural sound arhivist Bernie Krause will be the special guest presenter at the tabulation lunch.
To take part, meet in the SCC parking lot, 276 East Napa Street at 8:30 a.m. on January 16. A $5 donation is requested in advance to cover event expenses. Organizer Tom Rusert advises to dress for the weather and a mile hike, and bring binoculars, bird book, water and snack. Call 939-8007 or visit sonomabirding.org to learn more.
Volunteer mentors for neglected children sought
Sonoma County CASA is seeking volunteers to become youth advocates and mentors for abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes by the child welfare system for protective services.
CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, provides adult mentors to nearly 150 children who need a special friend and advocate to support them, and provide a consistent presence in the sometimes lonely and scary world of foster homes, court rooms and counselors’ office. Juvenile court officials have identified 30 additional youngsters who need mentors and CASA is appealing to Sonoma County residents to volunteers. Volunteers are asked to spend a minimum of 10-13 hours a month with their CASA youngster. Training runs Jan. 21, then Jan. 26-28, for three-and-a-half days. Classes are held at CASA’s offices near Oakmont in Santa Rosa. For more information contact Millie Gilson at 707.565.6375.
Soroptimists seek donations for ‘Road to Reality’
Soroptimist International of Sonoma Valley will hold the “Road to Reality” life skills information day on Thursday, Feb. 4 for the entire graduating class of 2010 at no cost to the students.
The purpose of the day is to provide information that will assist the students with adult issues and responsibilities that they will encounter in the near future. Inter-active sessions are offered that deal with finance, such as credit cards, loans, checking accounts and investments. Information is shared on apartment rental rights and responsibilities, personal safety, career preparation and legal issues affecting personal relationships. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
During the day adults with work experience in the particular topics that the students choose will facilitate inter-active sessions. Students choose 3 of 10 topics, which include time management, vocational work and volunteer work opportunities as well as college preparation skills.
At the end of the day a drawing for prizes will be given to the high school seniors. The Soroptimists and students invite local businesses to contribute to the life skills day by contributing prizes that recognize this milestone in their lives. Gift certificates for corsages, limousine rides, tuxedo rental, hair styles and manicures for prom night would be appreciated, as well as additional items to help the graduates prepare for living on their own. Please contact Maddy Leader at 707.938.7099 or Vicki Johnson at 707.938.5157 for questions about prizes for the high school seniors.
168 views