Here’s what businesses can re-open now

The State of California today lifted the Regional Stay at Home Order, allowing some businesses to re-open and restaurants to return to outdoor dining. The Public Health Department decision reverts to the color-coded tier system, which is based on County case rates and test positivity. Sonoma... Continue

Support the Vital Lands Initiative

As we face climate change, wildfires, and the pandemic, protecting natural and working lands is more than critical than ever. That is why the Vital Lands Initiative of the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space District is so timely. Vital Lands is the vision for... Continue

State lifts Stay-at-Home Order

With demand for intensive care hospitalization lessening, the state today lifted the Stay at Home Order for the three affected regions – San Joaquin Valley, Bay Area, and Southern California. The move lifts the nightly curfew and allows the re-opening of outdoor dining, among... Continue

Coats named president of cannabis advocacy group

The next two years promise to be exciting ones in California’s cannabis community at large and in Sonoma in particular, says Michael Coats, the newly-elected president of the Sonoma Valley Cannabis Enthusiasts. The advocacy group is anticipating movement in several areas, he says, including tourism... Continue

Car Caravan for single-payer healthcare

Advocates will take to the streets -- in their cars -- on February 6 to demand single-payer healthcare. The demonstration, backed by the California Nurses Association, is part of a statewide effort: the California Guaranteed Health Care for All (CalCare) Campaign’s Kickoff Day of Action. The... Continue

Soroptimists put their heart into Feb. fundraiser

The way to your Valentine's heart is, of course, chocolate. Especially when it's truffles and caramels from Sonoma's Chocolate Cow. Soroptimist International of Sonoma Valley (SISV) is working with the Chocolate Cow, the family-owned chocolatier and ice cream shop off Sonoma Plaza, on a lovely... Continue

Sonoma kicks off Parks & Rec improvement effort

The City of Sonoma has never had a Parks and Rec Department, instead relying primarily on nonprofit organizations to provide recreational programs, sites and opportunities. Now, an official effort to better coordinate and promote those options is underway with the formation of the Community Recreation... Continue

Recipe file: Sonoma’s favorite soups

Leslie Nicholson | Sonoma Sun A bowl of homemade soup is always a great meal during the cold weather months. As we focus on healthy foods after our holiday feasting, soup is one of the best ways to get your fill of comfort food, while... Continue

Under the Sun: Angela Ryan, Ph.D., Director, Sonoma Valley Ed Foundation

The Sun’s Anna Pier checks in with Sonoma native Angela Ryan, who this month became Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. Mary Favaro announced her retirement after less than two years, so this was a short turnaround. Yes, but it was really a... Continue

Murder suspect’s six-hour SWAT stand-off

A tense stand-off between police and a murder suspect ended Tuesday morning with the arrest of Lloban Martinez Soto, 38, in El Verano. The Santa Rosa man is suspected of a fatal shooting in Petaluma that afternoon, then fleeing to Sonoma Valley. Dead of multiple... Continue