Rachel Hundley resigns from Sonoma City Council

Sonoma City Councilmember Rachel Hundley announced Monday that she will give up her seat in the middle of her second term, resigning effective January 31, 2021. Hundley, 37, shared her pride, personal challenges, and frustration with her peers in a “bittersweet announcement” video posted Monday... Continue

Sonoma is harshing my buzz

I am very unhappy with the current state of affairs within the cannabis community and local government. I am a 46-year resident of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley and have been active in local government both as a commissioner and a 16-year councilman and mayor. I... Continue

Lockdown likely as state sees ‘unprecedented surge’ in Covid spread

Sonoma County's grim Covid numbers are on the verge of triggering the state's new Regional Stay Home Order, which prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100 percent masking and physical distancing in all others. The... Continue

Newsom announces temporary tax relief for California businesses

California will provide temporary tax relief for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, the Governor's office announced this week. The temporary tax relief offers: An automatic three-month income tax extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax. An extension of the availability... Continue

La Luz executive director steps down

Juan Hernandez is stepping down as executive director of La Luz Center, ending eight formative years at the Springs-based nonprofit. “I have so much gratitude for the years I’ve spent at La Luz Center,” Hernandez said. “The organization is stronger than ever, both programmatically and... Continue

Raising the minimum wage is a winning issue

The grueling 2020 Presidential election is finally over, thanks to a record-breaking number of American voters who overwhelmingly rejected President Trump’s divisive agenda in favor of a new direction. As President-elect Biden inherits a nation ravaged by the coronavirus, it’s imperative that he keeps the... Continue

DUI suspected in early morning solo crash

A teenager suspected of driving under the influence crashed his car on Highway 121 near Viansa Winery early Tuesday morning, sustaining minor injuries but escaping the vehicle as it became engulfed in flames. The solo crash happened about 3:30 a.m., CHP officers said. The driver was... Continue

Sonoma Rotary Clubs make $100,000 available to Sonoma Valley businesses

Under a new initiative to boost the Covid-ravaged economy, the Sonoma Valley Rotary Foundation will award up to $100,000 in small grants to small local businesses. The foundation distribute up to $100,000 in total grants, with $50,000 raised by Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley and Rotary... Continue

When an outdoor dining space becomes its own building

When does an outdoor restaurant tent cease being Covid-safe? When it has more than one side closed in. With restaurants and pubs expanding into the street and adding walls and roofs, Sonoma County has issued guidelines for dining spaces that think they're banquet rooms. The... Continue

Pedestrian struck, killed in Sonoma crosswalk

The pedestrian killed crossing a Sonoma street Tuesday morning has been identified as Raymond Carrillo, 78, of Sonoma. Carrillo was crossing Verano Avenue near the Sonoma Highway intersection at 6:22 a.m. when was hit by a 2012 Honda. He died at the scene, the CHP said.... Continue