North Bay Business Journal

As Sonoma County’s political leaders continue to move forward with the process of setting up a county-wide public power agency, many in the business community are examining what the renewable energy-focused proposal would mean to their operations.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors appointed Susan Klassen transportation and public works director. …

Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane was elected to the board of directors for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Foundation. …

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. named Jay Dipasupil vice president of programs and Dan Reed vice president of professional liability. …

San Francisco-based Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc., which has a Santa Rosa office, appointed Curtis Burr chief executive officer. …

First District Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin said Pat Gilardi will be her district director. …

Women’s Initiative for Self Employment, an entrepreneurial training and funding nonprofit organization, elected Kim Kaselionis to its national governing board. …

The SMART board of directors unanimously elected Marin County Supervisor Judy Arnold as board chairman and Barbara Pahre as vice chairman. …

Dana Estates promoted Cameron Vawter to winemaker for the Rutherford-based cabernet sauvignon producer. …

The California State Association of Counties has elected Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo to serve as second vice president. …

Napa-based Attracta announced the addition of David Koston as chief technology officer. …

Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage hired Marion Ghiringhelli to join its sales team, in a new position handling oak alternative products. …

After seven years with the Napa Valley Vintners, Terry Hall announced he is leaving to start his own communications, branding and event planning business called TH|ink. …

SANTA ROSA — The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today voted unanimously to create an initial governing authority for a proposed countywide renewable energy-focused power agency known as Sonoma Clean Power, a step needed before determining rates to charge potential customers when service is targeted to begin in early 2014.

Congratulations to a majority of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors — Valerie Brown, David Rabbitt and Efren Carrillo — for sticking up for the 85 percent.

SANTA ROSA — A sharply divided Sonoma County Board of Supervisors last week put off a decision on a proposed countywide project labor agreement policy for public projects of more than $25 million and sent the matter back for further study.

SANTA ROSA — The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday evening agreed to temporarily table talks on a hotly debated proposed countywide project labor agreement policy for public projects of more than $25 million and send the matter back to county staff for further study.

A battle is brewing between big business and labor in Sonoma County over the prospect of the Board of Supervisors possibly adopting a project labor agreement for construction projects of over $25 million.

Legislation to help prevent the extinction of California’s native coho salmon was approved by the State Assembly on a bipartisan vote. … This June, Sonoma County is joining communities across the globe to raise awareness of elder abuse, and to encourage actions that empower older adults, educate the community and enhance intergenerational relationships. … Athleta opens a store in Palo Alto. .. Sutter Solano Medical Center announced the purchase of a new Hana Fracture Table.

SANTA ROSA – The Sonoma County Water Agency Board of Directors voted today to approve funding for the development of a comprehensive business plan for a renewable energy-focused power agency in Sonoma County known as “Sonoma Clean Power.”

SONOMA COUNTY — Efforts to create a renewable energy-focused power agency in Sonoma County will reach a significant milestone on April 10 as the county’s water agency board votes on whether to begin work on a comprehensive business plan that will chart a future for the endeavor.

SANTA ROSA — The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today named Lynn Silver-Chalfin, M.D., M.P.H., as the county’s new health officer, responsible for health policy development and advising government and medical professionals on public health and safety.

SANTA ROSA — The Sonoma County Supervisors today officially signed off an $84 million safety upgrade and expansion of Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport but tabled a proposed health and noise study on the project. Construction could start in August if the Federal Aviation Administration OKs the plan by April as anticipated.

SANTA ROSA — Seattle-based Alaska Airlines announced today that it is adding daily nonstop service from San Diego to Santa Rosa, but will discontinue service between Santa Rosa and Las Vegas to support the new route. The decision to halt service to Las Vegas came from Alaska Airlines, and the Sonoma County Airport will seek other potential carriers to replace the route, according to an airport spokeswoman.

SANTA ROSA — The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved an $84 million upgrade to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport that will enhance safety, add a new passenger terminal, provide longer runways and allow mid-sized commercial jets to land at the airport.

Commercial real estate leases and sales in the north San Francisco Bay area

SANTA ROSA — Passenger volume at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport was up by 1.2 percent in December compared to last year, while 2011 ridership overall increased nearly 10 percent from the year before, according to airport figures released today.

SANTA ROSA — More than 17,300 passengers flew in and out of Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in November, fewer than October but slightly above last year’s total, representing a 0.3 percent gain over the year, according to figures released this morning.

SONOMA COUNTY — Raydiance founder and chairman  Barry Schuler will be the keynote speaker at the The Business Journal’s upcoming annual Impact Sonoma conference, where he and other key business and government leaders will sound off on their respective visions for Sonoma County. The speakers range from numerous sectors considered vital to the county’s future [...]