A "Seismic Shift" occurred in Santa Rosa politics between 2004 and 2008, putting a progressive majority in power on the City Council for thefirst 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.