I would start with a Petaluma to Santa Rosa streetcar operation on new trackage next to the NWP, using Siemens cars, possibly low floor. For financing I am counting on an Obama administration willing to take the risk to invest big bucks in urban public works projects even if it means inflation. The upside is that every burg in the country is getting interested in light rail and streetcars, making it a lot easier to convince Sonoma County voters to get on what is now a nationwide bandwagon.

As loony as it sounds I would definitely try to tap the forthcoming $1 billion Rohnert Park casino for some financial help. Another financial positive is that the streetcar line would entirely replace some existing bus lines with a superior service, making it much easier to justify ongoing operating subsidies. If the NCRA-NWP were to defunct Sonoma County would inherit a damn nice double track interurban ROW. Under Golden Gate Transit aegis this could be one of the classiest operations in the state. I am a hopeless optimist - I can envision extending streetcar service all the way to Willits - single track, simple trolley, overhead feeders, wooden poles.

As to traffic problems I doubt that much can be done. This is a decentralized semi-rural area where everybody wants their monster truck. The light rail line(especially if extended to SF)will be an appreciated amenity that will help to cushion inevitable growth pressures.