MLMartin Laney

1. Article · Sep 4, 2026 · Martin Laney

   A Vacancy Tax Can Strengthen Neighborhoods - Sonoma Valley Sun (opens the original)

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   Many cities in California, and around the world, have instituted annual taxes on mostly-empty second homes to encourage owners to rent or sell the properties they’re not using, and to allow those properties to be lived in by people who work in the area. Municipalities use the tax revenue either to augment their General Funds – supplementing police, fire, and other local services (which requires majority voter approval) – or to target affordable housing programs (which requires 66 percent v

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2. Article · Jul 22, 2026 · Martin Laney

   Local Residents Don’t Like Traffic Circle - Sonoma Valley Sun (opens the original)

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   A temporary traffic circle, installed to slow vehicles for increased bicycle safety at the intersection of West Third and Perkins Streets, has riled residents of the neighborhood who question the need, purpose, and even the cost of the proposed permanent installation. Area resident (and Sun columnist) Loretta Carr has compiled a list of more than 70, signed comments from area residents all opposed to the project, which the City describes as a “traffic circle,” not a roundabout. Officially t

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