Why the flowers? He just wants to make people smile

When El Molino Central popped up as a bright spot, we all took notice. Even before the flowers, it was beautifully appointed, but the flowers are definitely a show-stopper. The Artist responsible for the 3-D art installation on El Molino’s walls was inspired by the end... Continue

Kaniv needs us

Kaniv, Sonoma's Ukrainian sister city, needs us more than ever. We were very generous in the first shock of Russia’s barbaric attack, but their need is continuous and growing. The devastation wrought by the Russians is horrific and frequently targets civilians. Putin has announced that... Continue

Marooned by war, a young Ukrainian adapts to America

I met Valeriya Rudyaka at the Plaza in March at an event in support of the people of Kaniv, our Sister City in Ukraine. When I saw her recent post on NextDoor, I asked her if she’d like to get together to share her story.... Continue

Sun on the Street

Have you taken up any new hobbies? Akacia Winslow Writing, because covid was so chaotic. We didn’t really have a lot of control, so I was able to make my own world. I write a lot of poetry and some fantasy stuff. It’s a... Continue

Alchemizing liberals into progressives

The Trump Supreme Court just announced the effective end of the 50-year-old Roe court ruling, which affirmed the 'right to privacy' as a constitutionally grounded civil right that gave women legal agency over their own bodies. We are shocked to realize that we have been... Continue

Today’s quick read: The Declaration of Independence

In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of... Continue

Under the Sun: Vicki Handron, immigration advocate

For a new slant on our celebrations on the Fourth, the Sun's Anna Pier talked with Vicki Handron, founder of Sonoma Immigrant Services (SIS). What is Sonoma Immigrant Services? The mission is strengthening the community through education and advocacy. SIS has three programs supporting that. First,... Continue

No bed of roses…

Chapter 36: 1947 • Sonora Missive to Marceline (part 2 of 2) May 2, 1947 (continuation of the letter from my mother to her favorite niece) Boy, if I had the chance to live my life over again do you think I would have gotten... Continue

The story behind the device that saved Sonoma teen

By Leslie Nicholson -- When Kristy and Bob Brindley relocated to Sonoma four years ago, they saw new opportunities to help save lives in Sonoma Valley through their foundation. They are the founders of Just1Mike, a nonprofit organization that honors the memory of their... Continue

‘Malignant dissociative contagion’

This is what psychologist Sue Grand calls the type of psychological disturbance spreading across America and the world right now. It’s happened before, of course, and has been called by other names like “social hysteria,” and “group delirium.” Whatever the name, such episodes are examples... Continue