Every day is Earth Day

Unless you've got a secret hide-away on Mars, this planet is all you've got, and all that any of us has got. Given that fact, the Earth has given us, meaning human beings, a grand opportunity that's also an enormous responsibility, namely "don't screw things up.”... Continue

Springs future at stake

Congratulations to Boyes Hot Springs historian and artist Michael Acker for his recently released book, “The Springs Resort Towns of Sonoma Valley,” which is part of Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. It’s thrilling that the publisher recognized the historical significance of our community and... Continue

Granary to close; planning commission battle; new theatre piece and more

Paul Grant will soon close The Granary on Eighth Street East, the pet supply and feed store that’s been in business nearly 50 years. He bought the store 10 years ago after a career in the wine industry, and for awhile did well selling a... Continue

Opposes hotel in downtown Sonoma

I want to voice opposition to a complex on the plaza that includes a 62-room hotel, parking for 115 cars, and an 80-seat restaurant. The additional cars, pedestrians, delivery trucks, not to mention months of construction, will overwhelm our beloved plaza and change the character... Continue

In support of Measure E

As a 38-year resident of Sonoma Valley, a former Emergency Room registered nurse, and founder of a local non-profit, I know how important Sonoma Valley Hospital is to our community’s livelihood. I also know how important it is to have an E.R. close by. The... Continue

Sonoma Little League update

Photo: Carson Smith (Bears) and Finn Parker (Angels) duke it out during their recent matchup at Paul’s Field. Parker won the battle, striking out Smith in the first inning, but Smith won the war as he connected later in the game for a Grand Slam leading... Continue

From the Ceres kitchen

Ceres Community Project is a nonprofit serving Sonoma and Marin counties with healing meals designed to support families facing a health challenge like cancer, prepared with love by teen volunteers who learn to cook and eat for health, gain job skills and give back to... Continue

Rep. Thompson to host Town Hall Meeting in Sonoma

Mike Thompson, whose Fifth Congressional district includes Sonoma Valley, will host a public meeting on Thursday, April 20 at Sonoma Valley High School. This is his latest in an ongoing series of town hall meetings across the district to give constituents the chance to speak... Continue

Backlash against new car and gas taxes? Just wait

If Gov. Brown and members of the California Legislature think that the backlash against the car and gas tax increases will subside any time soon, they are mistaken. The controversy continues to dominate both traditional and social media and, in fact, the more that taxpayers... Continue

Sonoma City Council approves “sanctuary city” resolution

At its meeting last night, the Sonoma City Council unanimously approved a couple of resolutions intended to reassure and assist undocumented valley residents threatened by the new and more aggressive immigration policies of the Trump administration. The first of the two votes was to adopt... Continue