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Personal/Political

In defense of the “Boomers”

Boomer. What exactly does this word mean? It could be someone who makes loud booming noises, or a person born in the years just after World War II. This was known as the Baby Boom, as those that had grown up during the Great Depression... Continue

Sonoma won’t have a second dispensary anytime soon. Why not?

Last month the Sonoma City Council addressed the issue of issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a second cannabis dispensary within city limits. The city’s cannabis ordinance was changed two years ago to allow another dispensary, its second. But at its April 19 meeting,... Continue

There was no ‘golden age’

I just returned from a visit with an old friend. We were coworkers at Visa Credit Card, many years ago.  We have maintained our friendship even though we are at opposite ends of the political spectrum.  People often ask me, how do you do this?... Continue

The spectacle of violence

This is the headline for a movie review of John Wick: Chapter 4: A three-hour killing spree perversely entertains. It claims the “fetishized violence” is “visually impressive.” I do not watch movies like this; I believe that violence has consequences. In real life, killing rips... Continue

The once and future Springs 

Can we picture the Springs as it will be, as it should be? When I recently viewed “Picturing the Springs” by Michael Acker at the Depot Park Museum, I could not stop thinking about what our Springs community once was, what it is now, and... Continue

A Springs Plaza — what’s our next move?

Often after speaking at a local government meetings, I hear, “Well that’s just your opinion, just anecdotal.”  I consider myself a logical, observant person.  I do my best, not to just make things up.  I think this comes from my years as a business and... Continue

What exactly is a ‘plaza’? 

If we look at the city of Sonoma’s plaza, we see a lovely park with trees, an amphitheater, city hall, tourism office, rose garden, duck pond, playground, and picnic tables. This lovely plaza was once a dirt parade ground for General Vallejo’s troops. When visiting... Continue

Measure P passed four years ago. Why is it being undermined?

Andy Lopez, David Ward, David Pelaez Chavez, have we forgotten their names? Have we forgotten Measure P, passed by Sonoma County voters with 64.7% of the vote in 2020?  Forgotten the letters of agreement created by law enforcement unions and the Sonoma County Board of... Continue

Business as usual?

Business as usual. How often do we hear these words? But wouldn't seem that if you do something over and over again and it does not work, you should try something different? I was speaking with some experienced architects the other day.  They asked me... Continue

What makes a good community meeting?  

How do we let our elected officials and various board members at both the county and Sonoma city level know what our opinions and needs are? I have been thinking a lot about this recently because of where we are on the specific plan and... Continue