UPDATE: Decomposing body found in Kenwood creek bed

A man’s body was found in a dry Kenwood creek bed on Sunday morning, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He has been identified as Aaron Winokur, a 51 year old man from Napa. His cause of death has not been determined but his death is... Continue

Wine, Women and Rock and Roll

This all-female band doesn’t make music, but a beverage that’s as intoxicating as a great rock song. By Jonah Raskin Cyndi Lauper expressed the idea loudly and clearly in the dour days of the Reagan presidency when girls were supposed to say “No” to everything... Continue

As seniors confront a financial abyss

I have written about a 90-year-old who consumed the last of her financial savings. I know this wasn't a story that anyone enjoyed reading. As we can't envision a solution, we tend to want to push our thoughts and feelings aside to avoid our discomfort.... Continue

Community Center readies volunteer response to next crisis

[caption id="attachment_90927" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Sonoma Valley High School, was an official evacuation center during the fires.[/caption] Since 2013, the Sonoma Community Center has been designated as the Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) as part of the City of Sonoma’s Emergency Plan. During last October's wildfires, the... Continue

City of Sonoma names new planning director

Bringing 30 years experience of planning in both the public and private sector, David A. Storer, AICP is the new Planning and Community Services Director for the City of Sonoma. I’m deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve the city of Sonoma and I’m looking... Continue

Invest in parks — Yes on M

Here is why I’m voting Yes on Measure M to invest in Parks for All. Since I moved to Sonoma Valley 30 years ago, I’ve adored living so close to so many parks. Early on, I walked Maxwell Farms Regional Park every day with my... Continue

What’s with the chaos in Sonoma’s Planning Department?

The city is smack in the middle of processing several major project applications -- the Napa Street hotel, the Cheese Factory tear-down and replacement, the Gateway housing and retail project at Broadway and MacArthur, among others. Yet six months after the former Planning Director David... Continue

‘Freedom Week Sonoma’ thanks vets, responders with super deals

Dozens of local businesses will observe Freedom Week by offering deals and discounts to all active Military, Veterans and First Responders from October 11 through 14. It's part of the National Freedom Day program, an all-volunteer effort organized by Dr. Kimberly Hubenette. She said the... Continue

Under the Sun: Arthur Dawson, after the fires

You’re a poet, as well as an historical ecologist. Have you been writing about the fires, about losing your home? I’ve have been writing articles for the Kenwood Press. Recently I talked about the trips we took, both gifts from friends. These took us away... Continue

Nita Rothschild was the true victim

A grave injustice occurred during the Rothschild murder trial. With heavy brushstrokes, Nita Rothschild, a Sonoma resident, was painted as the one responsible for her own brutal death. How can that be? Steven Rothschild, her husband, received a verdict that was based only on his... Continue