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News Briefs

Published: Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007

Shopping at local-owned stores urged on Saturday

The second annual “Petaluma Unchained!” event on Saturday, Nov. 17, aims to encourage Petalumans to shop at locally owned stores in town.

Sponsored by the Petaluma Independent Business Alliance, the event is part of a national campaign of the American Business Alliance.

The campaign urges shoppers to spend their money at locally owned businesses, so the tax dollars and the profits stay in the community.

“We hope people will think about how much more money we keep when we buy locally not only on Nov. 17, but every day — especially during the holiday season,” said Wayne Morgethaler, owner of Jungle Vibes and PIBA director.

Economic studies show that money spent at locally owned businesses creates more local economic activity, Morgethaler said.

Last year, $3.9 million was spent at locally owned stores on the day of the Petaluma Unchained! event, according to county economic statistics, he said.

For more information, visit www.ibuypetaluma.org.

Council interviews 3 finalists for city manager job

The City Council on Monday interviewed three finalists to succeed City Manager Mike Bierman but has made no decision yet, Mayor Pamela Torliatt said.

“The interviews are ongoing,” Torliatt said. “We have not made a decision and there are still three candidates who are part of the process.”

In a closed session Monday night, the council conducted a second round of interviews with each candidate. The council will discuss the candidates again at a closed session Monday, Nov. 19.

Bierman is planning to retire next month after more than five years as Petaluma city manager.

As part of a retirement agreement reached with the City Council in July, Bierman’s contract will run through April 2008, but he plans to be on the job only until December.

First candidate announces for 2008 council race

Tiffany Renée, a Web designer and activist who ran for Petaluma City Council unsuccessfully in 2006, will make another run next year.

Renée said she is running because Petaluma’s economy is at stake and she is concerned about “unbalanced representation on the council for building a healthy community that puts Petalumans first.”

In her announcement, Renée called for building a durable local economy that incorporates transit-oriented green building, clean air and water conservation initiatives and green jobs.

“In a transitional economy, it’s time to raise the bar for developers and get choosy about what infill development we will allow,” Renée said. “Competition for infill land should be fierce, with only the most excellent and locally serving projects being privileged to build to our 2025 General Plan’s guidelines.”

The owner of Web design firm Design Motif, Renée has lived in Petaluma since 1989.

She chairs the city’s Technology & Telecommunications Advisory Committee, is vice-chair of Sonoma County’s Commission on the Status of Women and is a member of the city’s Development Code Advisory Committee.

Three council seats — currently held by Samantha Freitas, Karen Nau and Mike O’Brien — will be on the Nov. 2008 ballot.