Sen. Dodd: virtual Town Hall on schools, reopening & innovation

Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, will host a virtual town hall July 13 on schools, reopening and the role of innovation during the pandemic featuring California Superintendent Tony Thurmond and other distinguished panelists. The town hall will be streamed live over multiple channels and broadcast on... Continue

Happy Independence Day, Sonoma!

The Sonoma Volunteer Firefighter Association continues Sonoma’s 4th of July Celebration tradition with a grand fireworks show. (Note there will be no Plaza party or parade this year.) The pomp begins with a car cruise through the Sonoma Valley organized by the Devils Darling’s starting at... Continue

Opposed to Sonoma fireworks show

All it takes is one spark! Let reason prevail! Cancel Sonoma’s fireworks! Host another kind of celebratory event which does not pose deadly risks to the community! Kinetic, stationary bikes which can be configured to project images on the sides of buildings is a thought.... Continue

Family swim time

On the Sonoma Plaza duck pond, a scene of serenity and togetherness. Photo by Diane Askew. Continue

Sonoma water restrictions start July 1

Dry fountains, dirtier cars and watering the yard two days a week. The drought begins Wednesday. Effective July 1, all Sonoma residents, businesses, schools, and City facilities are required to cut indoor and outdoor water use by 20% compared to 2020 levels. Residential and commercial... Continue

11 tips for growing food during a drought

With drought-season restrictions (in place in Sonoma; coming soon to the County), managing a 'water budget' will soon be vital -- and that includes maintaining your garden. The experts at US Master Gardeners say, plan like you do for a vacation budget. What savings can... Continue

Hesitant to re-emerge? You may be experiencing ‘cave syndrome’

After a year in isolation, many people who have developed an intimate understanding of what it means to socially isolate are afraid to return to their former lives despite being fully vaccinated. There is even a name for their experience: “cave syndrome.” Scientific American has... Continue

An obscure state panel has gutted police oversight. It’s an outrage.

In Measure P the people of Sonoma County voted for stronger police reform by close to 65 percent approval. This decisive approbation for stronger civilian oversight of law enforcement (IOLERO) included pertinent case investigations, subpoena power, published body camera footage and prior personnel complaint records.... Continue

Editorial: Sonoma City Council is not a side gig

Three members of Sonoma’s City Council have resigned during the past six months, all for personal reasons. From citing displeasure with each other to the pressures of work and family, Rachel Hundley, Logan Harvey, and Amy Harrington appeared to represent a new generation of political... Continue

Shock, disgust over Ravitch recall effort

As the first official Executive Director of the Family Justice Center Sonoma County I had the pleasure of working under the leadership of D.A. Jill Ravitch from 2013 – 2019. During those years, DA Ravitch and I worked hand in hand with a committed group... Continue