Will the coronavirus pandemic lead to tax increases?

Reader Opinion by Jon Coupal In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 which envisioned a several billion dollar increase in spending for existing programs as well as a host of new programs. But that was before COVID-19. Over the... Continue

Food drive to help feed hungry pets

Pets Lifeline is collecting cat and dog food donations for local pet owners adversely affected by Covid-19 business shutdowns/closures. You can order kibble and canned food online and have it sent directly to our shelter address at: 21045 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476. You may also... Continue

Free C-19 testing coming this week to Sonoma Valley

Free COVID-19 testing will become available May 20 at two Sonoma Valley sites, Sonoma Valley Hospital and Altamira Middle School, each offering a drive-through facility to all adults that live or work in Sonoma Valley. Drive-through testing will be offered at Sonoma Valley Hospital, 347 Andrieux... Continue

An inspirational conversation, barre none

Isabella Silvi and the prima ballerina she interviewed are both of Filipino heritage. By Isabella S. Silvi | For The Sun I am a homeschooled eighth grader, and have been studying ballet at the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance for nine years. Recently I had a... Continue

The people’s bank of California?

Reader opinion by Chris Petlock Over the last two months we have watched city, county, and state rainy-day funds quickly drained. State and local governments are facing substantial increases in expenditures for emergency preparedness and public health responses related to COVID-19. Urgent action is required... Continue

Facing unprecedented demand, Food Bank calls for donations, volunteers

The Redwood Empire Food Bank is in dire need of food, funds, and volunteers. The growing number of unemployed in the community, compounded by the looming fire season, is increasing demand at an exceptional rate. "The threat of COVID-19 has changed our lives in unimaginable... Continue

Sonoma County sees $57 million in relief funds from Umpqua Bank

More than 4,000 workers in Sonoma County will be able to return to their jobs or keep working after a $57 million distribution of federal Paycheck Protection Program financial relief applications submitted by Umpqua Bank. The loan funds that went to business owners in Sonoma... Continue

County allows more access to parks and trails, but dog parks still closed

Although dog parks remain closed, Sonoma County has eased restrictions on accessing parks and trails, allowing residents to drive to the facilities and park there. The order keeps Sonoma Coast parking areas closed to prevent crowding at beaches but allows coastal residents to walk or... Continue

Cottage Industrious: Stepping up and staying busy while sheltered in place

By Leslie Nicholson The economic “sting” of the pandemic and shelter-in-place rules has prompted a number of creative people in our community to focus their talents on crafting and selling homemade items. These comforting and practical Items are filling the income gap left when many... Continue

Council’s traffic plan for Broadway is absurd

I live on East Napa Street and am very concerned about commercial traffic on the street. I think the idea of removing any lanes for vehicles on Broadway is absurd. How will this help? It will only increase the commercial traffic on Napa Street. Bikers... Continue