Sonoma's planning director, David Goodison, to step down in August

Following an extended Planning Commission review of plans for the Cheese Factory’s future last week, Planning Director David Goodison, 56, made the surprise announcement of his resignation, effective in early August.

The announcement caught the commission and late-night audience by surprise, and led to some sincere but tongue-tied responses from the commissioners.

The transcript of Goodison’s announcement follows:

“There’s one issues update tonight, and it’s a rather personal one so I hope you bear with me. As at least some of you know, I got married on June 25, 2016 – as you can tell, it took me awhile to achieve that particular state.

“Since then, well let me just put it this way. I guess I’m still a slow learner, but I have come to realize that as enjoyable as these meetings are, with the planning commission and the city council (laughter) I need to spend a lot more time at home with my wife. Because, ultimately, that’s all you got in the end.

“So earlier this week, I submitted a letter of resignation to the city manager, and my last day will be in early August.

“I just want say that it has been an honor, a privilege, and a joy to work for so many years in this community, and to be part of this community. Not just in the planning department, but with the community center and everything else. Sonoma is just a wonderful place, and I couldn’t love it more.

“I’ve been very very fortunate in my career. But I am also very fortunate in my wife, and I want to enjoy that next part of my life.

"So, that’s the issues update."

Commission chairman Bob Felder responded, "Well, it goes without saying you will be missed, David, and we certainly appreciate all of the time and energy and quality work that you’ve done for the city of Sonoma for all of those years."

"David has provided dedicated service to the Sonoma community with almost 30 years," said City Manager Cathy Capriola in a statement late Friday. "His experience, institutional knowledge and sense of humor will be missed."

Capriola also commended Goodison for the early announcement of his retirement, which would give the city adequate time to begin recruitment for the position. "I am very appreciative of this, since the Planning Director is a critical position for the City," said Capriola.