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Economic stimulus Sonoma style

 

Editor, Index-Tribune:

 

If we step into the Chamber of Truth for a minute, speaking economically, Sonoma has one thing going for it: wine - and all things wine related. That's what brings the tourists a-flocking. Plenty of places have beautiful scenery and countryside, good weather and nice restaurants, pleasant downtowns, and they all think their Fourth of July parades are the bestest in the land. That's not why Sonoma is unique. It produces, packages and promotes good wines, and it's gravy for all the other businesses that draw off that.

So if we want to boost our local economy let's expand on that theme. I propose we have wine-tasting sections in every Plaza store. I admit it's not an original idea, there's a clothing store on Healdsburg's Plaza that put in a tasting bar, but we could go them one better. Think of our ads: "A Wine Bar in Every Shop."

"Drinking and Shopping, That's Sonoma."

Or, "Visit Our Downtown and be Loaded Halfway 'Round. " OK, that one needs a little work.

Once home to banks and real estate offices, neither enterprise thriving these days, the Plaza needs a boost. "A bar in every shop," that's my motto, and think how long that'll keep Daedalus Howell busy.

It's all right; you don't have to thank me. A statue of my likeness in the Plaza will suffice.

Will Shonbrun

Boyes Springs