Sonoma County’s two largest cities appeared headed down divergent energy paths Tuesday, with Santa Rosa vowing to move swiftly toward a decision on whether to join the Sonoma Clean Power Authority the day after Petaluma delayed a decision until at least September.

Petaluma’s city leaders Monday night dug into the structure and risks of the planned Sonoma Clean Power Authority, an alternative to utility giant PG&E promised to bring a greener product to county residents.

With four cities down and four to go, Sonoma County officials this week enter the second half of their roadshow to convince cities to take part in the county’s planned public power agency.

The presentations are intended to tout benefits and answer questions about the effort to displace Pacific Gas and Electric Co. with an alternative that offers a higher share of energy from renewable sources.

Petaluma City Council members appeared pleased – or at least relieved – with the city’s short-term financial outlook Monday during a workshop on the budget.

Petaluma City Council members will get their first look at the upcoming year’s budget during a special hearing tonight at City Hall.

An ambitious transit-oriented planning model for Petaluma’s downtown and river area will return to the City Council with modifications after concerns were raised on several fronts late Monday night.

A proposed housing, retail and hotel development along the Petaluma River brings with it the promise of nearly 2,500 temporary and permanent jobs.

Starting Tuesday, Sonoma County officials pushing creation of a public power agency face what could be the biggest hurdle yet as they appeal to cities to join the program.

Petaluma council members Monday night will consider two significant development proposals that could drastically change the face of downtown and the Petaluma River area.

Petaluma’s fairgrounds fireworks show struggled for funding the past three years before last-minute donors came forward to save it. But it isn’t money that apparently has done in the popular July Fourth celebration. It’s space.