A public investment in libraries

Five years ago this month, Sonoma County voters overwhelmingly said “yes” to one of the most trusted and beloved institutions in the country, the free public library. Commentary by Ann Hammond, Sonoma County Library Director By a 72 percent margin, voters approved Measure Y, a... Continue

Making sense of the Sonoma Developmental Center alternatives

Sonoma County has released information about potential plans for Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC). Sonoma Valley Collaborative (SVC) has views on SDC that could help community members make sense of the choices. Here is its response statement: SVC members include Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma... Continue

County rolls out redevelopment alternatives for Sonoma Development Center

Sonoma County's planning and development permitting agency, Permit Sonoma, has released three draft land-use alternatives to redevelopment the 900-acre Sonoma Developmental Center near Glen Ellen. Each alternative plan would transform the shuttered campus, bringing, the County said Tuesday, "significant benefits including affordable housing and diverse living-wage... Continue

SV Hospital CEO on Covid: ‘not out of the woods yet’

I would first like to thank our community for your support of Measure F. The funding the parcel tax provides the hospital is critical to our ability to continue serving Valley residents. We are grateful for your extending the parcel tax and want to add... Continue

UPDATE: Vax for kids approved, Sonoma Valley school clinics set

With federal and state approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, Sonoma County will begin vaccinating the roughly 37,000 children through primary care physicians, local pharmacies or county-sponsored school-based clinics beginning the week of Nov. 8. Parents who have health... Continue

Sandra Lowe wins seat on Sonoma City Council

With 60 percent of the vote, Sandra Lowe was elected to the Sonoma City Council on Tuesday. Her total of 1,897 -- all but a handful submitted by mail -- bested Mike Nugent (30 percent) and James Cribb (9 percent). Lowe assumes the seat of... Continue

Reconvening ‘The Panel’

As a liter is to a jeroboam, the new home of The Panel wine and champagne store is smaller than its previous incarnation. Dar Rhodes moved the business from what was a wine lounge/shop on West Napa Street to a bottle-sale-only retail space in Sonoma... Continue

Under the Sun – Commander Willi Vaughn, born to serve

Wilda Vaughn, a well-traveled Navy veteran and the first female commander of Jack London Post 489 of the American Legion, in conversation with The Sun’s Anna Pier. Tell me about "born to serve." I'm from the South. I'm born to serve my country, my community,... Continue

The importance of supporting Veterans

Now more than ever, Veterans need the support of their communities. From the close-knit groups of families and friends who can be there for them during difficult times, to the broader collection of elected officials and leaders who are policy creators and decision makers on... Continue

Playing the patsy

Cities like Sonoma have a variety of regulatory tools available to ensure that as major development occurs, not just the developer benefits. The physical development of a city is all but permanent. But not the same can be said of community benefits; one-time fees or... Continue