Humans of The Springs

Our project Humans of the Springs is directly modeled after Brandon Staton’s amazing venture, Humans of New York, a project he has published on social media and in books since 2010. He encourages others to create their own version. The Springs is vibrant, dynamic and... Continue

Sonoma Grille introduces lunch

[caption id="attachment_64127" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Sonoma Grille serves lunch now (Photo: Sonoma Grille Facebook)[/caption] Sonoma Grille has been the place to see and be seen at since it opened in January. On top of dinner service and a Monday-Friday happy hour, Sonoma Grille now offers lunch,... Continue

OK to say ‘Springs?’

Over the years, I too have come across resistance to the use of the term “The Springs.” Usually, those objecting are not old enough to know that it has been in use for decades. I found an article in the IT from 1938 in which... Continue

‘Hall’ monitors

Historically, a Grange Hall was an integral part of a rural community, a meeting place, event space and gathering spot. “We want to play that role, to be a real community center,” said Sonoma Valley Grange President Seth Dolinsky. Restoring the 90-year-old hall will make... Continue

End of the road?

The Highway 12 project continues in the Springs, including widening the box culvert over Fetters Creek to make room for sidewalks on the crossing. Over the next few weeks expect to see more curb, gutter and sidewalk poured, and underground work or modifications to lighting... Continue

Sonoma Valley Connect

On March 16, I am launching an initiative called “Sonoma Valley Connect,” an initiative designed to provide information and services to the people of Sonoma Valley in a variety of areas. This bi-monthly informational series of meetings in the Valley will bring government, nonprofit and... Continue

Checking in on hotel project

The Sonoma Planning Commission was not impressed by the first presentation of an Environmental Impact Report prepared for Kenwood Investment’s West Napa Street Hotel Project. Commission Chairman Robert Felder went so far as to call the report “insufficient and inadequate” and “seriously flawed.” Not a... Continue

Protecting the Russian River Watershed, for fish and people

By Supervisor James Gores In response to "Under the influence...", published in the February 19, 2016 edition of the Sonoma Valley Sun; disappointed that the article contains incorrect information and assertions. The author highlighted the Emergency Order regulation sent out by the State Water Resources... Continue

Springs rising

Looking northwest from the corner of Rancho Drive, the first of five three-story buildings of the Fetters Apartments project rises along Highway 12 in the Springs. The development by MidPen Housing will provide 19 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom, and 19 three-bedroom apartments, a large community room... Continue

Affordable Housing and Sonoma’s Wheel of Samsara

According to Buddhists, intention is important, but it is also the actions of thought and deed, which govern the nature of the future; in Buddhist terminology, such action is called Karma. The accumulations of Karma, both personal and collective, turn the so-called "Wheel of Samsara,"... Continue