As the coronavirus pandemic has created new and evolving challenges, the talents of City staff are being redeployed to meet the needs of the community. A good example is Lisa Janson, the City’s part-time Special Event Manager. While a typical year sees Lisa coordinating festivals, farmers markets, and numerous other events held on City property, this year has seen her logistical and event planning skills at work in coordinating food assistance and distribution (including the Sonoma Valley Food Assistance Calendar) and taking a lead role on the work of the Business Recovery Team. Lisa works closely with Sonoma businesses, local business organizations, a Council subcommittee, and other City staff to implement new ways for restaurants and tasting rooms to use sidewalks, temporary street closures and the Plaza park within public health order guidelines, and has led the development of the new Temporary Parklet & Sidewalk Extension Guide. (Photo credit Sonoma Index-Tribune).