How last year’s fires affected the arts community

The arts have played an important role in the community’s post-fires healing and rebuilding process, but maintaining financial support continues to be a challenge, according to a new report. The Northern California Grantmakers organization studied the effects of the 2017 North Bay Fires on the arts... Continue

Another view of SDC

[caption id="attachment_37006" align="aligncenter" width="420"] The Home for the Care and Training of Feeble Minded Children, on the eastern slopes of Sonoma Mountain, in 1910.[/caption] By Stephanie Hiller The future of the Sonoma Developmental Center, now approaching closure, has been a muddle and a wrangle for... Continue

The reminder of simplicity

By Kari Wishingrad | The Clean Sweep Tis the Gift to be Simple, ‘tis the Gift to be Free…. ~ Shaker Hymm This summer, I attended my high hchool reunion in New Lebanon, N.Y. nestled in the serene and beautiful Berkshire Mountains. The Darrow School... Continue

Election 2018: Sonoma City Council

Seven candidates are running for three seats in the November 6 election. Where do they stand on these key local issues? Housing: Is there a solution to Sonoma's housing crisis, affordable and otherwise? Development: How much commercial development in Sonoma is too much? The Plaza... Continue

Tasting room encounters gone horribly wrong

Wine industry professionals share the most awkward and obnoxious situations they’ve encountered at winery tasting rooms. More. Continue

A ‘vintage’ small town story

By Maria Toimil "As president of the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, I work hard to preserve the history of our small town. Recently I ran across a “vintage’ Vintage Festival poster that I had never seen before. I thought it was beautiful. The poster... Continue

County cracks down on rogue cannabis farms

As Sonoma County’s cannabis industry moves into the regulated commercial market, the County is stepping up efforts to halt illegal operations. Since January 2017, inspectors have shut down more than 600 unpermitted operations and billed over $435,797 in related fines. The County has received 682 complaints of cannabis... Continue

Under The Sun: Rob Samson, keeping Sonoma institutions going

Under the Sun: Rob Samson, keeping Sonoma institutions going You’re on the board of the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival. Is that a big job? Over the course of a year, I put in at least 2,000 hours. The weekend of the festival, I’m... Continue

Save the hospital’s Skilled Nursing Facility

The task force charged by the Sonoma Valley Hospital to evaluate the closure of the Skilled Nursing Facility, has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, September 27 at 5 p.m. at the Community Meeting Room. Please attend! Closing the skilled nursing facility (SNF) will leave a... Continue

Education is 24/7

The Sun welcomes to its roster of columnists and contributors Socorro Shiels, the superintendent of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. I recently received great advice regarding writing this column -- write about something I am passionate about. I have been ruminating on that wisdom,... Continue