As the UN Climate summit (COP 21) meets under heavy security in Paris, the city and the rest of the civilized world are still reeling from the Daesh terrorist attack two weeks ago. Unlike the Charlie Hebdo attack earlier in the year, this latest atrocity cannot... Continue
The holiday season is in full swing! There is so much happening in and around Sonoma Valley - from holiday parties to winery events, holiday tree lightings and open houses. Get merry, Sonoma Valley! Friday, December 4 [caption id="attachment_60829" align="aligncenter" width="420"] This can be yours,... Continue
By Assemblymember Bill Dodd | Special to The Sun -- Winter is coming, and some experts are saying this year’s El Niño could be one of the most powerful on record. After four long years of drought, increased rainfall this winter is certainly a welcome relief.... Continue
In an effort to better monitor and assure compliance with the City’s various ordinances and regulations, including those governing vacation rentals, Sonoma City Manager Carol Giovanatto is leading the development of a new code enforcement program for consideration by City Council. Of course, not all... Continue
In 2013, a special election was held to determine the fate of Measure B. That initiative was placed on the ballot by citizens hoping to mitigate the downsides of tourism on our quality of life by limiting the creation of any new large hotels until... Continue
The next big thing on the drawing board, city planning-wise, is a hotel/homes development proposed for a 3.4-acre property linking First Street West and First Street East, just north of Vintage House in Sonoma. Existing structures would be razed in favor of 21 single-family homes,... Continue
When I was growing up in the 50s, I loved the New Yorker cartoonist Chas Addams and his quirky but insightful brand of dark humor; at one point I had the wall next to my bed plastered with his cartoons, a mini-gallery of Chas Addams... Continue
[caption id="attachment_60732" align="aligncenter" width="420"] La Luz Center’s Executive Director Juan Hernandez oversees the dismantling of La Luz’s offices in preparation for the construction of a new building.[/caption] The nonprofit La Luz Center is revitalizing its Greger Street campus with a 2,400-square-foot building to replace... Continue
As 2015 comes to a close, I am mindful of the quote by Henri Frederic Amiel: "Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." This time of year inspires many of... Continue
Editor: The November Sonoma County Planning Commission meeting on the new proposed vacation rental ordinance was interesting to witness. I felt it was clear, given the stance of what appeared to be the entire Russian River, versus the stance of the residents of Glen Ellen/Kenwood/Boyes,... Continue