Oh shoot, I’m so frustrated. Guns and violence everywhere. It’s too much... another emotional hairball. So, I try to relax watching TV. When my anxiety goes up, so does the clicker. But then I’m flabbergasted at the number of shows that feature violence, torture, even... Continue
Columnist
I'm a confessed plant lover, what my late friend Keith Cahoon called a "Hortisexual." This passion does not include sex, but has led to what I've called the infidelity of "Multiple Simultaneous Relationships with Plants." Though I've never cheated on my wife, I've been unfaithful... Continue
In 2014, Latinos became the largest population group in California. With this column, The Sun continues to provide readers a variety of perspectives from members of this ‘new majority.’ Dear Readers of this immigrant’s column, I want to polish up this very label, which seems... Continue
I attended a public viewing of the Pope’s address to Congress at the shared worship space of the First Congregational Church (FCC) of Sonoma and the Shir Shalom synagogue. There were over 50 people gathered at the church, mostly drawn from FCC Earth Care Committee... Continue
Many leaders in the nonprofit sector have noticed that the landscape has changed significantly regarding the results donors and other external constituents expect from them. The days are long gone that the public naively assumes that nonprofits are doing an effective job with real community... Continue
I’m no scientist, but despite predictions of the greatest drought-busting El Nino in memory, it seems we’ve haven’t seen spit here in the Valley. Fortunately, courageous winegrowers – the backbone of our economy -- aren’t intimidated by science, and some plan even more vineyards, wineries... Continue
I may have lost my second home in the forest of Middletown to the Valley Fire -- as of this writing, I don’t know. The roads are closed and we cannot get back there to check. I know that many of my friends from that... Continue
"Name?" The barista behind the counter asked without looking up from his touch-screen. "Blythedale, with a 'y'. Lucius Blythedale," I answered. "Lucius Montgomery Blythedale, to be precise." The barista didn't miss a beat. "One Chicken Artichoke sandwich, smoky barbecue chips, one chocolate cake pop and... Continue
Often, when tragedy strikes, the story begins with “it was a day just like any other day” but the day the Valley Fire raced through Lake County was not like any other day. Saturday, September 12 felt unsettling, reminiscent of earthquake weather. I was moving... Continue
I’m too narcissistic for aging, so I ignore it. If I happen to glance in a mirror at the wrong time I’m surprised. At least I’m not the only silver-haired person in Sonoma. Tonight, a friend asked: “Didn’t your hair used to be red?" He... Continue