Political office often breeds paternalism, an inclination to protect the public from disturbing information. Though seemingly well-intentioned, paternalism arises from distrust of citizens, the attitude that people are not mature or well-informed enough to handle the truth. Public office exposes elected officials to the underbelly... Continue
I first met my first southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) in a tree identification class through Oakland’s Merritt College a couple decades ago. From then on, I mostly witnessed them stationed in small street-side squares of dirt struggling to survive. Chlorotic, mis-pruned and heavy-headed, I wasn’t... Continue
Sofia Nicosia, recipient of the annual Wheels to Prosper car giveaway, takes the keys to her gleaming reconditioned car from Dino DiGuilio. The owner of Body Best, DiGuilio started the giveaway program as a way to “put good people in good cars so they can... Continue
Sonoma’s City Party, the 21st annual free musical picnic on Sonoma Plaza, is set for Friday, August 18. The bash is from 5:30 to 10 p.m. “Bring along your picnic blankets, folding camp tables and chairs, picnic supplies, warm clothing, a flashlight, and dancing shoes,... Continue
As regular users of the 17-year-old Overlook Trail know, a few segments are showing quite a bit of wear and tear, the result of heavy use and natural erosion. When it first opened, the trail above Sonoma’s Mountain Cemetery had about 5,000 annual visits –... Continue
The hospital board has decided to take a closer look at two proposals to sell its South Lot to either DeNova Homes or Caymus Builders. Though not a formal presentation, the board will also accept a letter from Simon Blattner outlining his idea for selling... Continue
The founders of a Salinas-based farm believe theirs is the only farm in the region that’s growing crops veganically: no animal fertilizers, fish emulsions, blood or bone meal (dried animal bones and blood that is processed from the remains at slaughterhouses) that are relied upon so heavily in... Continue
Do you know where this photo was taken? The answer's in this week's edition of The Sun, hitting the streets Wednesday afternoon. Do you have a mystery pic for a future photo puzzler? Send it to [email protected] Continue
After significant recovery in the local real estate market, the Sonoma County property tax assessment roll came in at $85.5 billion, an increase of 5.46 percent from last year's total. This is the highest valuation the roll has had to date, according to the county... Continue
Deputies from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 21-year-old Sonoma man after he allegedly broke into a Springs gas station at 3 a.m. Friday and dragged the cash register outside, leaving a trail of blood. Maleek Sanchez was arrested for felony burglar. The manager... Continue