Paul.Gullixson: April 2009 Archives

It's amazing how the downturn in the economy has resulted in a turnaround in so many of those issues we were debating just months ago.

For example, remember the worries about military recruitment? Pentagon officials recently noted that 2008 was a "banner" year, with all forces meeting or exceeding their recruitment goals for the first time since 2004. (Let's also acknowledge the success of the surge in cutting the rates of casualties in Iraq as well.)

Also, consider that changes in the debate over illegal immigration. A recent Pew study found that illegal  immigration has dropped off dramatically in California. In fact, the state's portion of the nation's undocumented migrants has declined from 42 percent in 1990 to 22 percent today.

So what about affordable housing? Does Sonoma County still have an issue?

Economist Steve Cochrane, managing director of Moody's Economy.com, noted earlier this year that, according to his analysis, Sonoma County has reached the ``sweet spot'' of affordability. This means that salaries and housing prices have started to align.

A 40 percent drop in housing costs - twice the national average - will have that effect.

But if that's so, why are Santa Rosa city officials still investing so much time and energy in debating how to toughen the city's laws for building affordable housing? (Click here to see Staff Writer Mike McCoy's story Monday)

To discuss this issue, I invite you to take part in our latest Helium.com-PD debate. This week's question is: "Does the recent sharp decline in real estate prices mean Sonoma County's affordable housing crisis is over" Click here for more information.

- Paul Gullixson