The homework problem

Are Sonoma high school students burdened by too much homework? Many Valley parents feel their kids need fewer assignments and more sleep, according to a new survey. A Sun staff report. A few years ago, a group of Sonoma Valley High School parents approached the school... Continue

Letter: Housing at W. Napa hotel site reduces environmental impacts

Including housing in the Hotel Project Sonoma plan for West Napa Street, as required by the parcel’s zoning, reduces the project’s environmental impacts. This is the conclusion of an analysis I have prepared on behalf of the appeal of the certification of the EIR by... Continue

Questions over shake-up at Family Resource Center

Community members are questioning the recent restructuring of the Family Resource Center at El Verano School and the dismissal of its parent engagement coordinator, Mario Castillo. That job is being expanded into two part-time slots that will be staffed by parents of current El Verano... Continue

Cheese factory remodel; the shrinking planning commission; and Ken Brown’s new crusade

A remodel of the Sonoma Cheese Factory approved in 2015 was then described by the developer as “modest” – but the latest plans for the iconic Plaza building seem to be anything but. Coming soon to the Planning Commission is a plan to save the... Continue

Sonoma County Sheriff resigns

Citing medical concerns, Steve Freitas has resigned as the Sonoma County Sheriff. "I am announcing my retirement as the Sheriff of Sonoma County effective August one," he said in a statement released today. "I have struggled with some medical issues for more than a year... Continue

Drama subsides as School District names interim superintendent

Dr. Chuck Young, Sonoma resident and former UCLA Chancellor, has been selected by the Sonoma Valley Unified School District School Board to serve as Interim Superintendent for one year while a permanent replacement is found for the outgoing Louann Carlomagno. Carlomagno resigned suddenly on June... Continue

The meaning of education

America's founders were highly literate and books held an important place in their lives. On a yearly, per capita basis, people read far more books in the 18th Century than today. This was not simply a matter of fewer distractions and forms of entertainment; enlightenment... Continue

Appalled by ‘Indian’ parade entry

I am an enrolled citizen of the Confederated Tribes Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw. Ever since my daughter was very young, we visit the 4th of July parade. In the past it has always been a fun experience. This year I was horrified and disappointed... Continue

4th of July in photos

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="2" gal_title="4th of July"] Continue

Coffee, tea and politics

Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, chatting with Springs constituents at the Barking Dog café last week, was asked about campaign donations from special interests. Her reply was as strong as the coffee. “I don’t give a ——,” she responded energetically. "I vote what I think is best... Continue