Longtime Press Democrat writer Chris Coursey has announced a run for Santa Rosa City Council. The columnist and public-relations consultant, who was also a reporter for many years, has taken strong stances on transportation and environmental issues, and his columns have generally supported the SMART Train and annexation of Roseland. As a political candidate, he has ceased blogging and writing for the Press Democrat. “After a lot of thought,” he says, “I decided I can contribute more to this city as a council member than I have as a journalist.”
A resident of Santa Rosa for three decades, Coursey says his campaign will focus on infrastructure, particularly on the west side of 101, and city budget transparency, especially with public pensions.
Coursey has been dating county supervisor Shirlee Zane for two years.
ANOTHER DELAY FOR CARRILLO
Seven weeks after he was arrested outside a woman’s bedroom window wearing only underwear and socks, county supervisor Efren Carrillo remains uncharged. On Aug. 30, prosecutors delayed for a second time slapping the local politico with an offense, claiming several unnamed documents were still needed. Carrillo has been ordered to return on Oct. 11.
After responding to two 911 calls, police stated their belief that the supervisor was attempting sexual assault at 3am on July 13, noting that the woman’s window screen was freshly ripped and that Carrillo seemed drunk at the time. Soon afterward, Carrillo checked himself into rehab, admitting he struggled with binge drinking.
Carrillo’s latest blunder comes less than a year after he was arrested for fighting outside a San Diego nightclub. He was never charged.
