I would suggest extracting more from tourists because of the desirability of visiting Sonoma by people from all over the world if the additional revenue would go directly to moderate and subsidized housing. A community built on the well being of the few is not... Continue
Simple things like raising the TOT slightly (and not just for the city, but the whole county) and ear marking a percentage to go to a housing fund can work. Also make the housing fund dual purpose, don’t just build, but subsidize, so that money... Continue
Ample rain and warm temperatures have brought an early spring to our area. The trees are beginning to get green as this year's leaves emerge from hiding and we can already see evidence of wildflowers popping up along our urban sidewalks and meadows. If last... Continue
The recession was not good for California public schools. While Sonoma Valley schools were able to avoid the massive layoffs that many large urban districts faced, we nevertheless had to reduce personnel through attrition, cut programs, and generally tighten our institutional belt. Our mantra was... Continue
[caption id="attachment_64508" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Two Amigos/Glen Lyon Winery's will close their "Wine Room" to focus on exclusive winery tours & their wine club (Photo: Two Amigos Wines)[/caption] Two Amigos and the GlenLyon Winery tasting room, located in Vine Alley in downtown Sonoma, will be closing... Continue
I love looking at old photographs of the Springs to imagine how it was in the heyday of its resort era. But nothing tops talking to someone who has lived here since then. Jan Schwarz moved to Boyes Hot Springs from San Pablo with her... Continue
Gardening can get a bit muddy at times, especially larger restoration projects like this effort by the Sonoma Ecology Center to plant 29 oak trees along Nathanson Creek on Saturday, March 12, in celebration of Arbor Day. The group put its eight interns, called EnviroLeaders,... Continue
[caption id="attachment_23005" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Beltane Ranch wants to expand its offerings to include a winery[/caption] Beltane Ranch, a Glen Ellen-based working ranch, bed & breakfast, special event space, and wine producer known for its Sauvignon Blanc, is seeking permission from the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory... Continue
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley has tabbed Cary L. Dacy as the organization’s new Director of Development. Dacy was previously with Marin Builders Association in San Rafael. Prior to her brief time at Marin Builders, she served for eight years as Director of Development for... Continue
Acting as the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority Board, The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday between IHSS Public Authority and SEIU Local 2015 that will increase wages for in-home care providers of low-income older adults and people... Continue