We’ll miss you, Deb Carlen

It is impossible to overstate the positive impact Deb Carlen had on dozens, if not hundreds, of Sonoma-area creatives, particularly writers. A true Renaissance woman, she could compose a phrase, create a voice-over character, or draw a fine-lined figure with equal facility. Through both her... Continue

Toy out as Sonoma’s City Manager

According to Mayor Jack Ding, Garrett Toy and the City of Sonoma have mutually agreed to terminate Toy's employment by the city, effective immediately. Toy's last day of work was Monday, February 14th; he became City Manager in June of last year. Assistant City Manager... Continue

Sonoma Valley schools have a literacy crisis

At [Tuesday's Sonoma Valley Unified School District] school board meeting there were more comments about censuring a trustee than about the report of how few of our students can actually read proficiently. The most devastating, abysmal, hands-down depressing data was presented about how only 34.3%... Continue

Adventist Health and COPE Health Solutions Add Pathways to Health Care Careers in Mendocino County

Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and COPE Health Solutions recently launched the COPE Health Scholars program, an innovative, hands-on educational course that gives Mendocino County residents a pathway to careers in health care. Designed for high school graduates, college students and career changers, participants combine online coursework with a minimum of 280 hours of... Continue

Birth announcements

Benjamin Wayne Valaris Announcing the birth of Benjamin Wayne Valaris to Nick Valaris and Sonoma native Laurel Valaris (née Moeslein). Benjamin was born 8 lbs 3 ounces on January 21, 2022 at 9:26pm at the University of California Mission Bay. He joins older brother Beau... Continue

Fights and failure at Sonoma School District

As a parent of three kids in Sonoma Valley schools, I’ve watched in horror as the school district’s leadership is consumed with infighting, while principals, teachers, staff, and kids desperately need their support to make it through this interminable pandemic. The much publicized drama centers... Continue

Gorin is on the right side in SDC fight

First District Supervisor Susan Gorin, in her advocacy for a specific site plan for the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) that reflects the vision and concerns of the citizens of the Valley, has committed to making the SDC process a democratic one. The Supervisor opened her... Continue

Home sweet 1/8th home

The Sonoma house at 1405 Old Winery Court, purchased last year by Pacaso, which then attempted to sell 1/8th shares in a “don’t-call-it-a-timeshare” scheme, has been removed from the company’s online listings. Has the company given up on its initial strategy of “democratizing second home... Continue

Want an official voice in Springs affairs? Join the MAC

First District Supervisor Susan Gorin is calling for applicants for the Springs Municipal Advisory Council (Springs MAC), a panel that holds public meetings and makes non-binding recommendations to the County Board of Supervisors. “The Springs Municipal Advisory Council provides an important link between county government... Continue

String theory

Michael Fecskes of Valley Vibes Youth Orchestra leads the first day of cello class at Dunbar Elementary School. The dunBART program, funded by Sonoma Valley Education Foundation and brought to life by Creative Bridges and Kimzin Creative, will provide the school’s 183 K-5th grade students... Continue