Cooking with David Maciel

Sponsored by Ray’s Food Place, Furber Plaza

If you’re like me and refuse to turn on your oven / stovetop in these hot August days. This Prosciutto and Melon salad is the perfect answer. Not only does it work really well as a stand-alone lunch, but also goes great with lasagna or grilled chicken.

Ingredients

• • 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or white vinegar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 ounces baby arugula
  • 1 small cantaloupe sliced or scooped into melon balls
  • 1 small honeydew sliced or scooped into melon balls
  • 8 ounces bite-size fresh mozzarella drained
  • 2 to 3 ounces prosciutto torn
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Whisk the vinegar, salt and pepper while slowly pouring in the olive oil. Toss the dressing with the arugula and transfer to a serving platter.

Tuck the sliced or scooped melon in the arugula and top with mozzarella balls and tear the prosciutto into bite-size pieces and scatter it over top as well. Scatter with the fresh basil and mint leaves, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with freshly ground black pepper.

The City makes great strides to keep you informed about the various departments and initiatives that contribute to our shared progress in Cloverdale. In this edition, we bring you updates on the proposed November 2024 sales tax measure, staffing updates from the Police Department, and recent Parks improvements by our Community Development Department Parks Division. Read on to stay connected and engaged with the City of Cloverdale!

Update on the November 2024 Sales Tax Measure

As we approach the November 2024 elections, Cloverdale’s City Council has been actively working to address the city’s critical financial needs. Following the recent council meetings and community feedback, we have an important update regarding the proposed 3/4 cent sales tax measure that will be on the ballot. This measure aims to generate additional revenue for essential services and infrastructure improvements in Cloverdale.

Background and Need for the Measure

Cloverdale faces significant financial challenges, including a $1,000,000 annual structural operational budget deficit, $17,000,000 needed for a new police station, and $30,000,000 required for road repairs and maintenance. These critical needs cannot be met with the city’s current financial resources alone. To address these challenges, the City Council has proposed a 3/4 cent sales tax measure to be voted on in the upcoming November election.

Key Elements of the Proposed Measure

Financial Context: The city has limited financial capacity to fund critical capital projects and service priorities. Often, budget reserves are used to close expenditure and revenue gaps, but this is not a sustainable solution. The proposed 3/4 cent sales tax increase is expected to generate approximately $1.6 million annually, providing a crucial revenue stream to support Cloverdale’s essential services.

Allocation of Funds: The funds generated from the sales tax increase will be used for:
• Road Repairs and Maintenance: One-third of the city’s roads are rated in poor or very poor condition. It will cost an estimated $5 million over the next five years to maintain their current condition and almost $31 million to bring all roads up to fair or good condition.
• Pedestrian and Safety Improvements: Over $1 million is needed for unfunded pedestrian and safety improvement projects, such as sidewalks along Asti Road and restriping Cloverdale Blvd.
• Park Improvements: The city has identified over $2.5 million for planned improvements at city parks, in addition to ongoing maintenance and repair costs.
• Public Safety: The police station is in poor condition and requires over $10 million for replacement, including at least $250,000 for design and planning. The Police Department also needs regular vehicle and equipment replacements.

Community Feedback and Support: The City Council has gathered valuable feedback from the community through town hall meetings and surveys. Although the Isom Advisors’ study indicated that only 43.1% of respondents supported a 0.75% sales tax increase, the council believes that the proposed measure, with clear communication and accountability, can gain the necessary support.

Comparison with Other Sonoma County Cities: Many cities in Sonoma County have higher sales tax rates to support their infrastructure and services. For instance, Petaluma and Cotati charge a 1% sales tax, while Sonoma charges 0.75%. Healdsburg, with a 0.50% rate, collects significantly more revenue due to higher transaction volumes, generating $1,288,376 quarterly compared to Cloverdale’s $247,460. Additionally, both the City of Sonoma and City of Sebastopol are placing local sales tax measures on the ballot. The proposed 3/4 cent increase in Cloverdale is necessary to ensure adequate funding for essential services.

Oversight and Accountability

To ensure transparency and proper use of funds, the proposed measure includes:
• Annual Audits: The ordinance requires an annual audit of the revenue collected and its expenditures.
• Citizen Oversight Committee: A three-person independent citizens oversight committee will be appointed to review and