El Verano School’s strategy for student success

By Gina Cuclis A special concept in public education called “a community school” has been underway at El Verano Elementary School for about a year, and principal Maite Iturri said the program is achieving results. The concept of community schools was developed by the New... Continue

Flowers on the Overlook

The first California native wildflowers are coming in along the Sonoma Overlook Trail-- head up to the trail and see if you can find them. The trailhead is at the entrance to the Mountain Cemetery on First Street West, just a few blocks north of... Continue

Sonoma planning commission has opening for Valley resident

To create a larger pool of interested out-of-city applicants for its Planning Commission, Sonoma is extended the application deadline to March 21. The Planning Commission is made up of seven members plus an alternate. Six of the members and the alternate must be City residents,... Continue

Barrel Body Killer convicted of second degree murder

The Sonoma man who killed another man with a hammer, stuffed his body into a barrel and dumped it in front of City Hall has been convicted of second degree murder. Christopher Michael McNatt, 41, faces a sentence of between 21 and 36 years-to-life in state prison... Continue

‘Diminished Democracy’ in The Springs

The Vintage House hosted two great public education programs this last month which both shed light on the state of American democracy. Praxis Peace Institute sponsored a lecture entitled “Economy and Psychology: Real Depressions, Real Solutions” by noted economist Richard Wolff and his wife, psychotherapist... Continue

Considering the Closure of a Developmental Center

On February 23, SDC Parent Hospital Association President Kathleen Miller delivered these remarks to a California State subcommittee --- Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I have been asked to explain the service gaps for developmental center movers and specifically for Sonoma Developmental Center... Continue

Sarah’s day in the Springs

As a newer Sonoma Valley resident I'm still exploring the uniqueness of each neighborhood in our community. From Schellville to Kenwood, each little pocket of our Valley has something special when it comes to food, drink and fun. For our commemorative Springs' issue, I spent... Continue

Where the locals go

Celeste Winder's favorite coffee - Barking Dog Roasters (939-1905 | 18133 CA-12, Sonoma) "Barking Dog has the best coffee slinging service in town and they use coffee cubes in the iced coffee drinks so not only do they not get watered down they get extra... Continue

Sarah’s day in the Springs: Fruit Basket

The Fruit Basket (996-7433 | 18474 Hwy 12, Sonoma) is an icon of the Springs. Fresh produce is brought in daily from around California. And it isn't just about the produce - at the Fruit Basket you will find the best selection of dried pasta,... Continue

Sarah’s day in the Springs: La Favorita

[caption id="attachment_63968" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Fresh cut cactus at La Favorita (Photo: Sarah Stierch)[/caption] The Springs has a handful of local grocery stores that tailor to Sonoma Valley's vibrant Latino community. If you aren't stopping by these locally owned shops, you're missing out on some local... Continue