Sonoma City Manager Carol Giovanatto announced her impending retirement Monday night, providing a dramatic close to the June 6 City Council meeting. Giovanatto, of Cloverdale, has been with the City of Sonoma since 2001, serving as City Manager since 2013.
Where most City Council meetings end with minor announcements and staff updates, Giovanatto provided no small amount of emotion Monday when she signed off on the proceedings by saying “major events have arisen in (her) personal life” that have caused her to take stock in her future.
The main “event,” said Giovanatto, was the recent birth of her daughter’s son, Ryder. With her first grandbaby living with his family in Cloverdale, Giovanatto said she’s had to do “much soul searching” over her city manager duties. “My head is in Sonoma,” said Giovanatto, noticeably moved. “But my heart is in Cloverdale.”
Giovanatto will remain as City Manager through Dec. 15.
Added Giovanatto after the meeting: “I love being Sonoma’s city manager and there is only one reason that I would make this decision. And that is to not miss one more day with family.”
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