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Board Walk

The year of living stressfully

What a year this has been. First Covid, then the Walbridge and Meyers Fires, and now the Glass Fire have tested our community again and again, with a few power shutdowns thrown in to keep us on edge. I am in awe of our first... Continue

The year of virtual engagement

There is no doubt that 2020 will be remembered for many things, but perhaps one of the most surprising and optimistic is the year of virtual engagement in the physical world. By necessity, we are all – teachers and CEOS, doctors and elementary school students,... Continue

Building the County budget time in a difficult year

Usually, I write about the county budget in May, but like so many other things that have been turned upside down with this pandemic, so has the budget.   Generally, in May the Board of Supervisors holds budget workshops, with budget hearings in June. A budget... Continue

Our work on social justice and equity is more relevant than ever

I came of age and lent my youthful passionate voice during the turbulent era of civil rights, War on Poverty, equality for women and gays/ lesbians, environmental awakening and protests against the Vietnam War.  Our rallies, protests and marches ebb and flow about issues that... Continue

Investing in Sonoma Valley nonprofits

We are trying to breathe deeply as we move through our seventh week of sheltering in place, now wearing colorful facial masks. Thank you to our community for supporting the orders issued by Governor Newsom and Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase; because of this,... Continue

Shelter in Place is working, but C-19 cases will peak in June

Once again, our county has been thrust into an emergency scenario. And while we have weathered fires, floods, and power outages together, this time is different. Instead of affecting only our area, now the whole world is facing the same crisis. I am talking, of... Continue

Another huge challenge for the Sonoma Valley

During one month, the Board of Supervisors made three different declarations of emergency – Napa earthquake, 2018 floods, and drought – all at the same time. At this point, I’m yearning for the simplicity of that time. Since then, we experienced two massive fires and... Continue

Our homeless challenges in Sonoma County

As the new year begins, I have so much to be grateful for. These past couple of years have not been easy, but I am warm, and dry, and fed, enjoying time with my family. I cannot help but think of those in our community... Continue

Supporting small businesses builds community

Our community centers twinkle with little white lights, leaves crackle underfoot and warm autumnal smells waft from cafes. We’ve hopefully spent some restorative time with friends and family, eating a bit too much and laughing even more…it’s officially the holiday season in Sonoma County.  Thanksgiving... Continue

This moment as fires fade

Our County was turned on its head last week, once again. In what was the largest evacuation in Sonoma County history, nearly 200,000 Sonoma County residents were ordered to leave their homes. The Kincade Fire grew to more than 77,000 acres, destroyed 349 structures, including... Continue