Is Novato as Socially Tolerant as Petaluma?

How tolerant is Novato? Apparent not so much as our neighbors to the immediate north.

A new study has ranked Sonoma County as the third most tolerant county in the United States. Marin was not singled out among the top 20, although the metropolitant area of San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont was listed as No. 17.

Developed by the Martin Prosperity Institute, the study ranks U.S. metro areas according to three key variables:

• the share of immigrants or foreign-born residents
• the Gay Index (the concentration of gays and lesbians)
• the Integration Index, which tracks the level of segregation between ethnic and racial groups.

The top ranking region in the country is San Diego, followed by Napa. Santa Cruz/Watsonville was No. 4. 

The authors concluded that there is a strong correlation between a region's acceptance of gays, lesbians and immigrants and economic growth, because they have "an underlying ecosystem that is more likely to be accepting of new ideas and different types of people, including the eggheads and eccentrics who invent new things and start new enterprises."

Economic growth ... hmmm, many in Novato believe this is what we need to generate more tax dollars and boost city coffers. Which organizations in town promote tolerance? Novato has a Multicultural Advisory Commission that sends feedback to the city. In fact, there are openings on the commission if you're interested.

The economic point is an interesting one. Does Novato need to be more outwardly tolerant to attract new business? Share your comments below.

Read the full post about factors used in the national survey.