Sonoma Valley death notices

Joy L. Ascari, 88, of Sonoma, CA, passed away October 2, 2016. Donald Malcolm Brown, 91, of Sonoma, passed away October 31, 2016. Herbert Maurice Casen, Jr., 67, of Sonoma, passed away October 4, 2016. Betty Jane Cline, 95, of Sonoma, passed away October 27,... Continue

Sunflower Caffé team buys Breakaway Café

Bob Rice, owner of the Breakaway Café, will retire and sell the popular restaurant, to the owners of another Sonoma hot spot, Sunflower Caffé. "After over 20 years of working with people, they become like family,” said Rice. “I wanted to make sure that whoever... Continue

Q and A: Lauren Smith, student activist

On November 10, about 500 Sonoma Valley High School (SVHS) students walked out of sixth period and marched up Broadway to the Plaza, chanting and carrying flags and banners to show support for people of all ethnicities, genders, and orientations in the wake of the presidential... Continue

Hurry for Sonoma’s ‘Christmas at the Mission’

Passes still remain for the Christmas at the Mission event on Saturday, December 10. The holiday tradition is free – with presentations at 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. – but tickets are required. They are available now, while supplies last, at the Mission San... Continue

Drop-ins welcome for free Thanksgiving dinner

The Sonoma Community Center’s Free Thanksgiving Dinner just coming out the oven. Reservations are not required for the annual event, held today. November 24, at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, 126 First St. W. Led by an all-volunteer crew of over 100, the event has been a... Continue

Michele Anna Jordan talks turkey — and not for Thanksgiving

"Why did you write a book about meatballs?" a man asked at last weekend's Extra Virgin Festival at B. R. Cohn Winery, where I was featuring the new edition of “The Good Cook's Book of Oil & Vinegar.” Pausing before I answered, I wondered if... Continue

Rotary members provide ‘reading buddies’ to young students

Two days a week, members of the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley visit Sassarini Elementary School students to help with the Reading Buddy Program. “Sometimes we read to them,” said Jon Parker, local Rotary president. “Sometimes they read to us.” School representatives reached out to... Continue

Enough with leaf blowers already

With all the turmoil and real problems in this country/state/county/city, I am shocked and disappointed that this leaf blower issue is still being dealt with and discussed. Everyone that employs a gardener, please pay him extra to leave that thing in his truck and do... Continue

Altimira is like literally all ‘Dude, Be Nice’

Wrapping up 'Dude, Be Nice' week at Altimira Middle School, principal William Deeths (left) gives a shout-out -- and some Wolf Pack gear -- to outgoing School District Trustee Gary DeSmet. Friday's outdoor rally announced the 'Nice' winners from each class, who had been nominated by... Continue

Sonoma’s council approves homeless parking and GHG reduction plan

In an evening packed with significant agenda items, Sonoma's City Council approved a homeless parking plan administered by homeless shelter SOS/The Haven at the police station parking lot. In addition, the council approved a list of 22 measures intended to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions in... Continue