Honoring Val: Supporting His Daughter Annie

As we reflect on Val’s legacy of service, our thoughts turn to his daughter, Annie, who is now faced with the immense challenge of navigating life without her parents’ guidance and support (Annie’s mom passed away last summer). Despite his own humility, Val would undoubtedly... Continue

Memories of Val Robichaud

I started writing for The Sun in 2005, while I was Mayor of Sonoma. I’d write a “Mayor’s” column once a month, and thereafter continued to write monthly. I offered to write a weekly column and have been writing a column for every edition since... Continue

The creeping dominance of jargon

We don’t know precisely when human language developed, but given our inclination to communicate it probably emerged quite early in our social development. How grunts, whistles, and moans became names, words, and gained meaning is one of those mysteries of mental development we’ll never know... Continue

Under the Sun: Wayne Schake, new Alcade of Sonoma

Wayne Schake (pron. "shockey") has been named Honorary Alcalde by the City of Sonoma for 2024. The avid Rotarian sat down to talk with the Sun's Anna Pier about his journey of 88 years. Congratulations. Thank you. It's of course an honor, but honestly, it's... Continue

In Memoriam – Val Robichaud, Sonoma Sun Publisher

We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Val Robichaud, Publisher and Editor of the Sonoma Sun Newspaper. Val died last Friday at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. More information about Val and his life will be provided in the coming days. Those of us... Continue

Does the universe require a prime mover?

Call it a demiurge, cosmic force, or God; for hundreds of generations humankind has believed in a prime mover of the universe, a cosmic hand upon the wheel. The alternate idea, that the universe and life began accidentally or spontaneously without the intercession of a... Continue

Workers at Sonoma Mission Inn unionize

Two hundred and seventy-five workers at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn have formed a union with UNITE HERE Local 2. An independent arbitrator has certified that a majority of workers at the luxury resort supported forming their union, and contract negotiations will begin soon. “I’m so... Continue

Falandes steps down at Homeless Action Sonoma

Annie Falandes has stepped down as president of Homeless Action Sonoma (HAS) the nonprofit organization she founded four years ago. Falandes lead the effort to establish the Home and Safe Village, a cluster of tiny shelter homes at 18820 Sonoma Highway in Boyes Hot Springs.... Continue

Why I mentor

By Joe Koller -- Two plus years ago, my mentoring journey commenced, fueled by a deep-seated desire to contribute to my community. This calling didn't surface spontaneously; it had been simmering within me since 2014. The pivotal moment occurred in 2015, during Sonoma's 4th of... Continue

Millions short, Sonoma School Board makes drastic cuts

Facing a massive revenue deficit and dwindling reserves, the Sonoma Valley Unified School District’s Board of Trustees eliminated seven full-time secondary school and six full-time elementary school teaching jobs. In all, 36 positions were eliminated. The cuts save the district about $2.5 million annually, with... Continue