Weed and wine: unlikely bedfellows face similar scrutiny

By Janet Perry | Special to the Sun As Sonoma County Supervisors weigh how the cannabis industry should be regulated, concern is rising that those regulations could in turn affect other agricultural industries in the county. As the cannabis industry reels from restrictions, Sonoma County... Continue

The fabulousness of Gay Wine Weekend

The annual Gay Wine Weekend is set for July 20-22 with Friday night winemaker dinners and two days of parties and events, all to benefit Face to Face Sonoma County AIDS Network. Activities include music and dancing in a private estate vineyard, VIP receptions, wine... Continue

Developer sues Sonoma for denying permits

Sonoma developer Bill Jasper has filed a lawsuit against the City of Sonoma, alledging he was unlawfully denied his right to build three luxury homes on a prominent Sonoma hillside. The plans for the three homes above Brazil Street, at Fourth Street East, were originally... Continue

Sonoma agency gets funding for winter homeless shelter

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved Tuesday a $60,000 grant to support Sonoma's winter shelter for unhoused residents of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley. Operated by Sonoma Overnight Support, the program offers nighttime food and bedding from December through March. Last winter, the shelter, provided in a Sonoma... Continue

SV Rotary Club has new president

Byron Hancock, a Sonoma resident and Certified Financial Planner, is the new president of the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley. Hancock assumes the helm from Marck Zuehlsdorff, vice president and manager of the Sonoma and Napa branches of Bank of Marin. Hancock, a 1977 graduate of... Continue

Under the Sun: Aaron Marcus-Willers, a year in China

2017 SVHS graduate Aaron Marcus-Willers recently returned to Sonoma after a year in China, studying Mandarin and living with a Chinese family. In the fall he is off to NYU Abu Dhabi. The Sun’s Sarah Ford checked in with him the other day about his... Continue

Sage advice on clearing the air

By Kelsey Maddox | Special to The Sun Recognizing the need for emotional support for seniors after the October fires, Vintage House will host a series of community groups designed for personal support -- not therapy -- for those affected. Called "Burning Sage," and beginning... Continue

Schell-Vista Fire Department BBQ

Leave the hot grill to the professionals. Sunday, July 15: The annual Chicken BBQ supports the Volunteer Firefighter Association, with great food, games, raffles, and friendly faces. Noon to 6 p.m. $10 tickets at the fire station door, at 22950 Broadway. Continue

Sonoma County’s affordable housing catastrophe

Sonoma County’s affordable housing crisis, which was challenging prior to the Tubbs fire, is now on the verge of catastrophe. The county and all nine cities must adopt emergency measures and a multipronged approach to avert the displacement of low- and moderate-income renters. A 2017... Continue

Life lessons on the rugby field

By Cat Smith | Special to The Sun “It’s not about dropping the ball, it’s about what you do after” If you are around the tiny “ruggers” at Maxwell Park on any given Wednesday, you’re sure to hear Coach Kevin say this exact phrase to... Continue