April 13, 1999

Campaign placards taboo until Aug. 22

Although Sonoma's hillside-resort election is set for Sept. 21, partisans can't put
up campaign posters until Aug. 22 - and they're likewise limited as to size and
place, according to the city's 1973 sign ordinance.

City Clerk Eleanor Berto said Tuesday that an explanatory letter will be sent this
week to campaign supporters. She added that the ordinance doesn't affect
bumper stickers or magnetized car-door banners.

Signs can be no bigger than eight square feet, and can't be erected in vacant lots
without the property owner filing written permission with the city. Signs are also
taboo on utility poles and public rights-of-way, and once posted, need to be
taken down within seven days of the election in question.

Dubbed "Measure A," the September ballot asks voters whether or not to
prohibit leasing the city-owned, 60-acre Upper Mountain Cemetery property for
building a resort hotel. A "yes" vote would ban development, while a "no" vote
could potentially open the application process.

Measure A was sparked by the Dallas-based Rosewood/Paradise partnership's
interest in developing a luxury resort on the site. No formal offer has been made
to the city.