Groundwater Agency begins planning process

The newly-formed Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency, charged by the state to develop a plan by 2022 to protect and sustain the subterranean water supply, convenes its first public meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the Sonoma Veterans Building, 126 First St.... Continue

Senior Projects keep High Schoolers busy

Completing a Senior Project is a ritual, and a graduation requirement, for every senior at Sonoma Valley High School. As part of the semester-long assignment, students are expected to write a related research paper and present a public presentation about the project. So how’s it... Continue

The Sonoma Garden: Meet the All-in-One Almond tree

The All-in-One almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is one of my favorite trees. I added three in my front yard just last year and I'm already treasuring them. If you like beautiful flowers, edibles, and water-wise landscaping make some space for a few of these botanical... Continue

Hungary for wine work?

The Sonoma-Tokaj Sister City Committee is offering a unique wine and cultural experience this fall: working the wine harvest in the famous wine town of Tokaj, Hungary. Sonoma and the world-class wine region of Tokaj have been Sister Cities since 2012. The vineyards of Tokaj-Hétszőlő... Continue

Forest for the trees

Lately, while so much council attention is paid to our Plaza trees, homes in the hillsides, and the exact right number of food trucks to attend farmers market, a critical issue is left out of the discussion. For the working class of our community, Sonoma... Continue

Student opinion: A case for lowering the voting age

By Sophie Gonsier, age 13 The 26th amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.”... Continue

Between a hill and a hard place; more School District news; chicken anarchy and more

The saga of a residential development on a prominent Sonoma hillside -- three luxury homes, and associated tree removal, approved by the Planning Commission but now appealed to the City Council -- is a real cliffhanger. The council started the debate on March 1, but... Continue

Violating the spirit of the law

It's said there are two elements of law, the letter of the law and its spirit. The letter of the law refers to the specific meaning of the words used and how to apply them. The spirit of the law refers to law's original intent,... Continue

School District cuts are drastic, disruptive

We are past and present SVUSD teachers and long time residents, and we are gravely concerned about some decisions our school district management is about to make. Their decisions will have a drastic impact on our classrooms and disrupt our ability to do the best... Continue

Symbolic gesture

Almost six months to the day after the North Bay fires, the Sonoma Community Center unveiled the mural “Grateful” as a tribute to first responders. The work was a collaboration of artists, writers, and community members to honor fire survivors and first responders. More than... Continue