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Snark Infested Waters

A proclamation to keep Sonoma Sonoma

We note that City Council is entertaining whether to declare Sonoma a Sanctuary City, or some such thing. The idea is to demonstrate support for and unity with our Latino friends and neighbors who feel very threatened by the Gestapo-like ICE round-ups of undocumented residents... Continue

Post-electile dysfunction

Those reading this survived 2016, ready for the challenges of another New Year. After the last one, however, billions worldwide who’ve been dysfunctional since January 20 may be pouring over encrypted files labeled “How to Make A New President Go Away, Without Getting Caught.” But... Continue

Feeling the elephant

One can’t live in or around the town of Sonoma for long without encountering one or two memorable if not always endearing characters from our local basket of irascibles. In one fashion or another, they can seem to be channeling the spirit of Gabby Hayes,... Continue

Another hand-crafted, artisanal commentary

Suddenly it seems everything is artisanal these days. Artisanal beer, biscuits, T-shirts, restaurants . . . the list of products and services touted as “hand crafted” or “artisanal” is almost endless. Rumors still unconfirmed (and which will certainly remain that way) have it that a... Continue

Measure E is not enough

A glance at the school district’s report of its 2016 performance on statewide testing reveals the sad shape of our schools. But if leaky roofs and broken air conditioners are bad, the less-than-standard educational output – what manufacturers might call their “scrap rate” -- is... Continue

Yes on L – for love

It’s OK to say it out loud. They are the darlings of the local economy and of every politician driving under the influence of wine industry campaign contributions, but they can be a pain in the butt. We’re talking about Tourists. Yes, though you might... Continue

Measure V: Leaf blower armageddon

In the competition for tourist attention, no place beats Sonoma when it comes to having Local Characters, who have outdone themselves in the latest dust-up over leaf blowers. “The latest” started with a request by several hundred ordinary, sane, City residents who signed a petition... Continue

Extreme, extreme vetting

Recent events have demonstrated that there is a serious flaw in the workings of our constitutional democracy: Namely, no matter how uneducated, misinformed or stupid they may be, everyone who is a U.S. citizen over the age of 18 can register and vote. (Felons, not... Continue

Mercy & wisdom, thoughts & prayers

With all the killing and craziness going on, an American optimist is hard to find these days. Even without the prospect of a Trump presidency, pessimism abounds. Yet those who read history know that no matter how bad things seem, they can get worse. Even... Continue

Real political action

It’s almost impossible to get through a day without encountering another irate citizen of our Valley fuming about being disenfranchised and denied participation in the political process. Over coffee, wine or a GMO taco they fulminate, livid at being deprived of the chance to mix... Continue