Sonoma residents’ wishes for the New Year couldn’t be clearer: Peace on earth and greater understanding, according to folks questioned by the Index-Tribune in downtown Sonoma Thursday.
Of the nine people who commented, six said what they would like to see in the New Year involved harmony and communication.
“Ideally, there would be peace in 2019, and that would be accomplished by people getting to know each other,” said Linda States of Glen Ellen. “We need to drop the ‘us versus them’ attitude.
“More us, less them,” States added.
Sue Simon of Sonoma struck a similar note.
“More true conversations in the world,” said Simon, who was sitting outside Whole Foods in the Sonoma Marketplace shopping center. “More real discourse, rather than just firing away with opinions. Talking with, rather than talking to.”
Alisonn Rose, who was walking across the parking lot, was on the same wavelength.
“People trying to talk to each other and understand each other, rather than hating each other for their political views,” the Sonoma resident said. “It’s so automatic – our buttons get pushed,” she said.
Laura Dietrick also mentioned politics. The Sonoma resident said her wish for 2019 was “peace, particularly between the Democrats and the Republicans.” Dietrick added, “I want peace in families. People are arguing about stupid stuff.”
Dragica Navala of Sonoma said, “More peace, less animosity. More understanding for each other,” and, echoing the theme of the red 6-foot-tall sculpture by artist Laura Kimpton now occupying the front of the Plaza, “More love.”
The sixth person to invoke the theme made her point with the most economy of phrase. Nancy Willock of Sonoma said simply, “Peace.”
This wasn’t the only theme invoked by folks living in the Valley. Leanne Baker mentioned a subject that has dominated the discourse for many years in the Valley, the county and the state.
“I would like for house prices to drop,” the Sonoma resident said. “Just looking is so hard. It’s tough when you’re in the middle – when you can’t qualify for a low-income loan, but even though you both work, there are a lot of places where the prices are still too high.”
A loyal Sonoman, Baker added, “It’s cheaper elsewhere. But you pay to live in a place you love.”
Speaking locally, Linda States, who initially focused on world peace, added that she would like to see more safe bicycle routes and more public transit in Sonoma.
Ari Weiswasser mentioned an issue that appeared on the November ballot in California: Daylight saving time.
“In 2019, I’d like to see daylight saving go away,” said Weiswasser, who was filling up at a gas station with his daughter Noa, 7, keeping him company.
“Nobody really needs to have night happening at 3:30 p.m.,” the Sonoma resident said.
“I sympathize with the idea and do understand there are agricultural benefits,” Weiswasser added.
Unfortunately for Weiswasser, Proposition 7, which extended daylight saving time to the entire year, passed with nearly 60 percent of the vote. However, it’s not a done deal: it stills need a two-thirds vote in the state Legislature and federal government approval.
Kalayah Wienholz, who was on an outing with her baby Ky and friend Ashley Ramsey, got the last word with a sentiment that most people would endorse.
Giving Ky a hug, she said, “I wish for good health for my family.”
Reach Janis Mara at janis.mara@sonomanews.com.
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