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Katy Byrne: Courage or Cowardice?

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” Alice Walker More people are withdrawing from conversations about politics now. Some say, “It doesn’t do any good.” Others whisper, “It’s too stressful.” I get it. We have to... Continue

Will Shonbrun:  Jenny, A love story

A Place Beyond Words and Language Jenny died in the fall of 1976. She was my dog. To say I loved that animal doesn’t say anything. To tell you she died 50 years ago and hardly a day passes that she doesn’t come to mind,... Continue

Larry Barnett: What We Must Sometimes Do for Love 

The force of love is among the most powerful of human experiences. I’m specifically considering love between people, not love of country, ice cream, or the many other things we say or even feel we love. I’m talking about romantic love, in all its manifestations. ... Continue

Helen-Teri Shore: Burn Piles or Critter Condos?

What To Do with Burn Piles? Lately I’ve seen burn piles of oak limbs, bay branches, manzanita and tangled grass and leaves in parks and open space everywhere. Big tipi-shaped mounds border the trails at Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Sonoma Developmental Center and Bartholomew Park.... Continue

Bob Edwards: A Growing Concern

Obesity is a growing concern in America, a huge issue the nation can’t seem to get its arms around. Judging by appearances, a popular sentiment appears to be: Who needs a treadmill or gym membership when we can exercise our jaws on delicious ice cream,... Continue

David Bolling: Fluvial Geomorphology

Sonoma Creek falls out of Sugarloaf State Park, wanders across the Valley floor and slides down the narrow canyon framing Warm Springs Road, past the first house I owned anywhere. The backyard of that house looked down on the creek, through a picket fence of... Continue

Larry Barnett: The Doom Scenario

“We’re doomed,” said my therapist. It was a notable moment that has stayed with me over all these years. He was a Jungian – not a school of psychotherapy known for being pessimistic – and he made this announcement while we were discussing humanity. I’ve... Continue