Why write? It’s complicated. I never had any intention of becoming a writer, to externalize my life and expose it on paper. But as life would have it, I had a meltdown as the result of a course I was taking, and out of that... Continue
Mayor of Sonoma John Gurney welcomed a crowd of over a hundred gathered at Vintage House on March 26 to celebrate Wayne Schake as the 2024 Alcalde, the honorary mayor of Sonoma. Of the 48 Alcaldes selected since 1976, a few were present to witness... Continue
A proposal is rumored to be circulating in the Valley (well, at least around my desk) which, if adopted, could have profound implications for school districts & students nationwide. It goes something like this: To graduate from high school, all students must be able to... Continue
An annual proposed average increase of $6.33 per month is coming to rate payers served by the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District if approved, resulting in a 6% increase. In their recent report and notice to ratepayers, the district notes that “as water quality regulations... Continue
Toll for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is increasing this July to $9.25, and will increase by fifty-cents for each of the next four years, topping out at $11. These increases were approved by the GG Bridge Board of Directors to cover the increasing cost... Continue
The Sonoma Valley Regional Library is hosting an exhibition of fiber arts by the Wine Country Rug Hooker’s Guild in April. The public is invited to a reception on Friday April 5, 2024 from 4 to 5:30 PM in the library’s forum room. Light refreshments... Continue
I want to submit my first column since Val Robichaud’s death saying that he is in my heart every time I push the send button. He was a dedicated and witty magician - committed to the circulation of words and ideas in this newspaper and... Continue
There are as many ways of dying as there are of living. Often, they are the same. My father Norman, for example, was an anxious man. He wanted to be in control always. We’d go out to eat dinner as a family and he’d make... Continue
In 1943, my father exchanged his iceman’s uniform for a suit and tie. Union Ice Company was having financial difficulties, and Dad had enough sense to get out of the cold. Offered a management position with Sprouse Reitz, he had the option of running a... Continue
Sonoma Mayor John Gurney presents the Treasure Artist Award to Victor Ferrer Victor Ferrer, Sonoma Treasure Artist 2024, and the folkloric dance group Quetzalén were honored on Thursday, March 19 for their extraordinary artistic and cultural contribution to the whole Valley. The ceremony and reception... Continue