Something missing from Sustainable Winegrowing seminar

Exclusive to the Sonoma Sun by Teri Shore The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission held its 15th Annual Sustainable Winegrowing Field Day on July 31. The event was free and open to growers, wineries, and the public. I attended the meeting along with Greenbelt Alliance board... Continue

Enforcing vacation rental laws

In 1999 the City of Sonoma passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of homes in residential zones as short-term vacation rentals. Exceptions were made for historic homes in the historic overlay zone and, as noted in this edition of The Sun, some uses were "grandfathered"... Continue

Ban hunting

If the news of the American who killed, decapitated and skinned Cecil the lion turned your stomach, you know it’s time to ban hunting. Sadly, in his desire to reduce gun violence after each massacre du jour, our President occasionally considers it necessary to say... Continue

A place of belonging, lost

It has been 10 weeks that the Briar Patch closed its door. For the past 10 years this was my place in Sonoma to enjoy good company and a cup of coffee. Tucked away in the alley, locals had a space to be among their... Continue

How much water does it take to grow?

[caption id="attachment_13111" align="aligncenter" width="293"] It takes 93 gallons to grow one pumpkin - at least in the mass food production world. [/caption] The California drought is still in full-effect and we're also in the heart of growing season. The bounty at farmers' markets is growing... Continue

Sonoma Latino leaders explore the Leadership Challenge

[caption id="attachment_55656" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Participants in the Latino Leadership Workshop hosted at La Luz Center and Sonoma Leaderships Systems[/caption] La Luz Center recently hosted the Leadership Challenge workshop. In this exclusive to the Sonoma Valley Sun, Sonoma Leadership Systems' Lauren Parkhill reports on the inspiring... Continue

Have a Happy Sweet New Year – honey & Judaism

[caption id="attachment_55651" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Challah bread and honey makes a perfect pairing - even if you're not Jewish! (Photo: Nevin Cullen)[/caption] Food and religion is intertwined - whether it's stories of Jesus turning water into wine in the Christian faith or leaving fresh fruit at... Continue

Celestial sky show

When the Earth passes through the wake of the Swift-Tuttle comet each summer, debris streaks and into the atmosphere to create the Perseid Meteor Shower – a panoramic gallery of shooting stars. The Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf State Park, where optimal viewing conditions are... Continue

Mentoring Alliance looks to fulfill wish list

[caption id="attachment_55638" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance is seeking in-kind donations for their 2015-16 school year (photo: Facebook)[/caption] School starts on August 17 throughout Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance is seeking your support in making this a great year for their over... Continue

Vice Principals set at Valley middle schools

Jillian Beall has been named Vice Principal at Adele Harrison Middle School, and Christina Towner is the permanent Vice Principal at Altimira Middle School, Superintendent Louann Carlomagno announced. Both assignments begin with the 2015-16 school year. Most recently Beall taught at Roseland Collegiate Prep Middle-High... Continue