A better path to ‘Beauty’

Jack London State Historic Park has new ADA parking spaces and pathway to Beauty Ranch, thanks to donations from local companies. About 1,000 feet long, the pathway leads through oak trees and eucalyptus groves to picnic areas and the ranch meadow, ending up at the... Continue

Farmers Market poster contest

Looking for a new design for a fresh new beginning, the Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Farmers Market is staging its first-ever Poster Art Contest. The market season, beginning May 1, marks a transition to a new partnership with the City of Sonoma, said Emily Fitzpatrick... Continue

Groundwater Agency begins planning process

The newly-formed Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency, charged by the state to develop a plan by 2022 to protect and sustain the subterranean water supply, convenes its first public meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the Sonoma Veterans Building, 126 First St.... Continue

Senior Projects keep High Schoolers busy

Completing a Senior Project is a ritual, and a graduation requirement, for every senior at Sonoma Valley High School. As part of the semester-long assignment, students are expected to write a related research paper and present a public presentation about the project. So how’s it... Continue

The Sonoma Garden: Meet the All-in-One Almond tree

The All-in-One almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is one of my favorite trees. I added three in my front yard just last year and I'm already treasuring them. If you like beautiful flowers, edibles, and water-wise landscaping make some space for a few of these botanical... Continue

Hungary for wine work?

The Sonoma-Tokaj Sister City Committee is offering a unique wine and cultural experience this fall: working the wine harvest in the famous wine town of Tokaj, Hungary. Sonoma and the world-class wine region of Tokaj have been Sister Cities since 2012. The vineyards of Tokaj-Hétszőlő... Continue

Forest for the trees

Lately, while so much council attention is paid to our Plaza trees, homes in the hillsides, and the exact right number of food trucks to attend farmers market, a critical issue is left out of the discussion. For the working class of our community, Sonoma... Continue

Breathing new life into membership-based nonprofits

Thirty two percent of Sonoma Valley residents being 60 plus years old, it’s no wonder that the median age of member-based nonprofits in the Valley is increasing. But our member-based nonprofits, including service organizations and giving circles, won’t be able to sustain themselves if they don’t... Continue

Student opinion: A case for lowering the voting age

By Sophie Gonsier, age 13 The 26th amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.”... Continue

Pot Shopping

My sister recently visited from New York, and was excited to see what an outlet for recreational marijuana looked like. Finding ourselves in San Francisco, we decided to drop in at Harvest, a pot shop on Geary Street near 11th Avenue. To be honest, I've... Continue