Archives



Incendiary projectiles… but what about the fireworks?

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Sonoma Valley Sun

The project formerly known as “The Cloisters” – 32-room hotel, townhouses, restaurant, spa – has renamed itself the First Street East Project, and it’s probably a good thing. Back in the day, or rather, the millennia, the Latin word ‘Cloisters’ referred to an area within a cathedral that separated the monks from that of mere serfs. Not that today’s serf could afford to live anywhere on Sonoma’s east side, but still… A revised plan for the project will be the subject of a Sonoma Planning Commission study session on Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. in the community meeting room, 177 First St. W. Caymus Capital’s Ed Routhier says his proposal for the 3.4-acre parcel in the 200 block of First Street East (it runs to Second Street East) meets all regulations, and will be tax-revenue driver for the City. Opponents say it does not fit the general plan, and is inappropriate for the neighborhood. The plot is zoned Mixed Use, but what that prohibits and allows is murky due to ambiguous language in the code. A doozy. If the last meeting is any indication, expect lots of colorful and explosive rhetoric.

Speaking of fireworks, Sonoma’s annual Fourth of July sky show is in jeopardy. The holiday tradition is funded entirely by donations, but the Volunteer Firefighters Association, which produces the extravaganza, has collected only a third of the $45,000 required. “We need help and we need it fast,” says Joe Boldt. The fireworks themselves cost $30k. The past several years have been dicey, with major donors stepping in (like last year’s anonymous $10k) to save the day. Hard to count on that happening year after year. While there’s a real chance the show will be canceled, those smaller donations add up: many hands make light work. Contact Boldt at [email protected] or call 931.2320.

Congratulations to Kaylin Riebli, recipient of the 2016 Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission’s Student Creative Arts Award. A theatrical designer, The Sonoma Valley High School senior emerged from a field of musicians, a dancer, several painters, a budding music entrepreneur and a photographer. “My dream is to attend college in theater studies with the goal of becoming a costume designer for television and films,” she said. Her portfolio already includes a winning design for the Trashion Fashion show, and set and costume design for several high school productions. “Theater grants me glimpses into worlds beyond my own. I want to inspire people to embrace their differences as well as celebrate the uniqueness of people around them.”

Then comes the curious case of Dan Cohn, Bruce Cohn’s son, who ran B.R. Cohn Winery before it sold to Vintage Wine Estates. He then started his own label, Daniel Cohn Wine Company, for which Vintage has sued for trademark infringement. It owns the trade name and trademark B.R. Cohn, says Vintage, so opening Daniel Cohn Wine Company and using his family name in the branding is illegal. Dan, if we can call him that without getting sued by somebody, vehemently disagrees. “I never gave it rights to use my name. Nevertheless, Vintage has demanded that I cannot use my own name and claims on its wine label that I am “the proprietor” of its BR Cohn wines, which is false. I am the proprietor of Daniel Cohn Wine Company and I fully intend to vigorously defend the right to use my given name and continue to do what I do best and love most — making wine.”

— Val Robichaud

Send your quips and tips to [email protected]




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA