What do the Grateful Dead, Bear Flag Revolt, The Chosen Family, an 8,000-year-old Native American site, a Victorian estate, Camilo Ynitia and George McKale all have in common? The answer is, of course, Olompali State Historic Park. Olompali has one of the most interesting histories... Continue
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We all know times have changed; our world has simultaneously gotten smaller and our communications infrastructure has gotten larger. Communities are no longer restricted to physical proximity but to affinities of interest. For all that, however, there is much to be said about getting to... Continue
In 2014, Latinos became the largest population group in California. With this initial, we periodically offer Sun readers a variety of perspectives from member of this new “majority.” First of all let me thank you for taking your valuable time to read what I sincerely... Continue
When Senator Bernie Sanders threw his hat in the ring for the Democratic Party primary last week, the dread and ennui that I have felt about the 2016 campaign dissipated. With a steadfast and articulate progressive like Bernie Sanders in the primary debates and out... Continue
Every Sonoma Valley nonprofit organization depends on dozens, and in some cases, hundreds of volunteers, to deliver their programs and services to the community. Volunteer activities include serving as board members, mentoring, tutoring, preparing and delivering meals, driving individuals to critical appointments, fundraising, public relations,... Continue
Sonoma County is home to approximately 500,000 people and 1,384 miles of paved road. The First District serves 100,000 people and 266 miles of roads. Our population here swells by several thousand during the tourist season, which stretches further into the winter months than ever... Continue
We’ve all heard the latest silliness out of Texas: Gunmen attacked a so-called art exhibit depicting cartoons of the Prophet, M******d, sponsored by right-wingers, some of whom worry that Sharia Law will be imposed on Texas by President Obama. Ironically, typical Sharia Law punishments –... Continue
Certain memes - persistent thematic constructs which achieve near ubiquity - emerge from the noisy background of culture and assume prominence for a long while, decades or even centuries. Democracy is one such meme, and it's been spreading through social contagion for several hundred years.... Continue
Preserving Sonoma's town character is a challenge. Describing that character generates a wide range of opinion; our world is complex and changeable, and Sonoma is not immune from the tidal forces of cultural and social transformation taking place around us. That said, however, certain characteristics... Continue
There was an audible gasp earlier this year when thieves reportedly stole bottles of very expensive wine from a prominent Napa restaurant. Immediately, readers wondered: What can possibly make a bottle of wine worth $5,000? Longtime Valley residents know the key ingredients of expensive wine:... Continue