About this book: A "Seismic Shift" occurred in Santa Rosa politics between 2004 and 2008, putting a progressive majority in power on the City Council for the first time ever.Who Rules Santa Rosa describes the defeat of the long-reigning pro-developer political machine and analyzes the underlying political dynamics;and Why It Matters is because who rules on the City Council will decide the path of Santa Rosa's growth management, social change and environmental sustainability.This thought-provoking book will inform and challenge everyone who has an interest in Santa Rosa's future and its politics.qqqkwll ((Note: these are chess pieces - Font is Chess Usual, pieces are Queens and King in colors indicated))About the author: Jim Wilkinson moved to Santa Rosa in 1999, a few years after retiring from his American diplomatic career, including numerous postings abroad and appointment as Deputy US Representative on the UN Security Council with the rank of Ambassador.Jim was a founding member of the Neighborhood Alliance of Santa Rosa and its Chair for 2009/10. He has been active in several community organizations, and received a City Merit Award in 2008.Jim's wife, Ellen Boneparth, is a retired university Dean, writer and community activist. The couple and their Greek-born cat Ani live in downtown Santa Rosa's Cherry Street Historic District.kqq ((Note: these are chess pieces; Font is Chess Usual, pieces are King-Queen- smaller size Queen. in that order))