Sonoma Developmental Center – what’s happening, what’s next

Over the past several years, I have heard from countless constituents, in my district and across the county and region, sharing their ideas and eagerly awaiting updates on the land-use planning process for the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC). After much anticipation, an update is coming... Continue

The Democrats return to classic form

Well, it had to happen; the honeymoon is over and the Democrats have returned to form, after a good clean start of the term with a quick and decisive win on the $2T CARES Act. A good rule of thumb for Democrats is: the longer... Continue

Has the United Nations been seized by The Corporation?

By Stephanie Hiller The United Nations Food System Summit (UNFSS) that wrapped up its flashy tents at the end of September was a masquerade, a thin porridge where a real meal was urgently called for, serving up in bold colors the dramatic conflict between family... Continue

Rise of the Zimby

My nearly 30 years of civic engagement, ranging from serving on the Sonoma City Council for twelve years (twice as Mayor), sitting on the Planning Commission, and citizen activism and involvement in ballot measures and citizen appeals, has provided me the opportunity to understand land-use... Continue

Last supper at the Depot Hotel

Things change, people change, it is inevitable. Sometimes we have to let go of something or someone we love because change has left the person, place or thing harmful to our wellbeing or incompatible with our beliefs. We had our last dinner at the Depot... Continue

When life is worth living

Life can be a punishing experience, and difficulties often happen without advance notice. Aging, sickness and death await us all, the foundational elements of myriad forms of suffering. When things get really bad, inevitably the question arises: is life worth living? I am physically materialist,... Continue

A meaningful repurpose of the Sonoma Developmental Center

I recently found out about a plan submitted for the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC). This plan is the Campus Project. It proposes to use many of the smaller existing buildings for cooperative housing. Think of the small buildings that look very much like homes. The... Continue

Relationships 101

Couples come into my office fighting, shutting down, or giving up. They fear rejection, walk on eggshells, live with longing, frustration, crabbiness, compromise or stonewalling, arguing about who’s right or wrong while yearning for harmony. I’m both honored and humbled to witness moments of repair... Continue

Homelessness in Sonoma Valley — an update

Homelessness is not a new issue for the Sonoma Valley; indeed, there have been countless meetings both public and behind the scenes about how exactly to provide shelter, food and services to our unhoused and housing insecure residents in Sonoma and the surrounding areas, and... Continue

Well, this turned into almost a novel…

Chapter 21: Letter from my mother (age 26) to my father’s sister living in Minnesota: Watsonville, Cal. Nov. 22, 1941 Dear Amelia and all: I started working in an apple dryer here the first of September and got through the day before Thanksgiving. I don’t mind... Continue

Columnist