Water fight: Chris Petlock battles city hall

By Jonah Raskin Chris Petlock calls himself a “progressive guy.” He’s also a populist and a reformer who doesn’t believe the old adage that says citizens can't fight and can’t beat city hall. “The city council, city staff and consultants appear more interested in protecting... Continue

Lost in the weeds?

The petition drive to get a measure on the November ballot to allow the retail sale of cannabis in Sonoma has cleared a major hurdle -- the required number of signatures has been vetted by city hall. Next step: City Council, which has three options... Continue

No more Mr. Nice Guy

We are heading into an authoritarian dictatorship. The sooner the Democrats realize that the Trumpians do not fight fair, the better. Remember, these Trumpians are thugs, do not care about civility, and are essentially street-wise crooks. These are not people who embrace a civil approach... Continue

Celebrating the 4th of July

On the Fourth of July, Sonoma joined the rest of America celebrating the Declaration of Independence, and, by extension, Democracy. We had our traditional and charming small town parade, and friends and family will gather to picnic, barbecue, and enjoy the benefits of freedom. But... Continue

Photos of Sonoma’s July 4th parade

Photos by Patricia Dunn-Serota, Present Moment Photography. Thanks, Patricia! Have some great 4th pics? Send to: [email protected] Continue

Sonoma names new Police Chief

Sonoma County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Orlando Rodriguez will be the new Police Chief for the Sonoma Police Department, effective July 17. He replaces Chief Bret Sackett, who is retiring. A 20-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, Rodriguez was one of the first officers assigned to the... Continue

In defense of the vegan hot dog

[caption id="attachment_57112" align="aligncenter" width="420"] THE FOURTH OF July is a holiday consecrated in meat smoke. On this day, lovers, neighbors, children, and friends gather around a BBQ, cold beers sweating in hand, to stare into piles of pork belly, strip steak, burger patties... Continue

Wine industry leader call for action on immigration

Statement from California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) President John Aguirre: I am deeply disappointed by the apparent inability of the House of Representatives to resolve some of our nation’s most pressing immigration issues. California winegrape growers and farmworkers face a crisis of uncertainty due to stepped up immigration enforcement... Continue

SV hospital acquires Sonoma doctor’s office

Sonoma Valley Hospital has acquired Sonoma Family Practice, which will become part of the hospital’s group of specialty clinics effective July 2. Physicians John Schafer, MD, Daisy Manuel-Arguelles, DO and Subhash Mishra, MD will remain with the practice. The office, soon to expand with the... Continue

UPDATE: More details in Lakeville Highway murder

The man who died in a Santa Rosa hospital late Sunday night was shot at a suspected cockfighting arena on Lakeville Highway ranch, authorities say. Police responded to a 911 call as the victim, Julian Ramirez Ramirez, 45, of Richmond, was being driven to Petaluma... Continue