Excerpted from a speech at the Sonoma Valley High School graduation ceremony on June 2. I will start by saying that these are some of the best days of the year for me because I get to shake the hands of all of the students... Continue
Columnist
For many, the very idea of reviewing a government budget induces a voluntary coma response, but it is critical that access to this information is readily available for public view. Government budgets are complex, confusing, and not at all like our household budgets. At home,... Continue
Those who dissent or speak out are often dismissed derisively as members of "a vocal minority." This happened during the 2013 Measure B election to limit the size of new hotels in Sonoma, even though that measure lost by less than one-percent. Now I'm hearing... Continue
I've been looking for a kids' book that's about eating animals. There are plenty of books about eating vegetables and fruits, and books about why they are good for us, but I cannot find even one book for toddlers that explains the whys and wherefores,... Continue
A lot of us moved to Sonoma to find peace and a place for reflection. It’s so soothing to live here with nature and town all around, after being in big cities. I hoped to learn here how to be in a true community, after... Continue
“Be careful, son,” my father once said to me, “all that glitters is not gold.” With all the electoral politics going on, I am reminded of this again and again. Our candidates for First District supervisor refuse to recognize the benefits of passing a rent... Continue
It was recently announced that a mega-wealthy, former bank CEO and his wife have donated $185 million to UCSF for the creation of a new institute of neuroscience, not surprisingly to be named after them. Their gift represents a new high for UCSF "philanthropy", and follows... Continue
Recently an executive director of a nonprofit organization lamented to me, "I just don't know what to do about our board members. They show up for board meetings, but that's all they do. I wish I could get them to help me attract new donors...or... Continue
There are several new changes to the Vacation Rental Ordinance already approved, including local (30 mile radius) certified property management, inspections by licensed contractors, a “3 Strikes, You’re Out” verified complaint provision, and new position/s at PRMD’s Code Enforcement Division to enable the county to... Continue
Dear Bonnie, This morning I got a phone call from an IRS agent saying I needed to immediately pay my taxes or they would call the police and have me arrested. He wanted me to get a prepaid debit card to pay with. I didn’t... Continue