Cold weather equals bad news for grape growers. Submitted photoThis year the bad news will cost millions. “The number of calls we’ve received has been unprecedented,” said Chris Maloney of Chris Maloney Crop Insurance Services in Petaluma, “We’ve opened well over 200 Notices of Damage... Continue
A second Light Brown Apple Moth found in Valley off Arnold Drive. Submitted photo In an agricultural area predominantly given to one species of plants, an invasion of an exotic plant-eating or disease-spreading pest can raise fears of total devastation. In February, the appearance of... Continue
The trailhead to the Sonoma Overlook Trail is complete with a new kiosk, display panels and four stone benches. Joseph Lemas On Saturday, April 26, a host of volunteers and city dignitaries turned out to celebrate the opening of the new trailhead entrance to the... Continue
Given that 75 percent of Sonoma Valley’s firefighters are volunteers, the fact that this year’s Volunteer Fire Academy mustered only nine local recruits may be cause for concern. “Usually, the academy had anywhere between 20 to 30 recruits,” Kenwood Fire Capt. Daren Bellach said. “The... Continue
Firefighters rescue hiker A 41-year-old East Bay man practicing for an eventual Sierra Nevada hike was rescued Monday afternoon from inside Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen. Glen Ellen fire Chief Bill Murray said the man, carrying a 65-pound backpack, had reached the top... Continue
On April 24, Supervisor Valerie Brown, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Water Agency, honored the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Management Plan Basin Advisory Panel. “The ‘gold resolution’,” said Brown, “is one of the ways we have of recognizing a service... Continue
The Muse event raised more than twice what was expected. The Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley pledged $50,000 for a complete renovation of the Community Center’s kitchen. Submitted photo The Sonoma Community Center can go ahead with a long-desired kitchen makeover, following the fourth annual... Continue
My gosh, what a spring! Cold weather, leading to crop damage and frozen combs. Record fuel prices, changing our vehicle choices and travel habits. Slump in housing prices. Spike in crime statistics. Yet there are cycles in climate, in finances, in politics, and in society... Continue
Supervisor says No on 98; Yes on 99 Dear Editor: On June 3, I urge all Sonoma Valley residents to vote NO on Proposition 98 and YES on Proposition 99. Let me explain why. In Sonoma County our mobile home parks provide wonderful affordable housing... Continue
The Edward Weston Collection of Picasso Edition Ceramics, based in Los Angeles, includes more than 200 pieces and is the largest in the United States. Submitted PhotoCelebrating its 10th anniversary in world-class style, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (SVMA) will present “Picasso: 25 Years... Continue