To really have a better understanding of our historic past, one must connect the dots. Sonoma’s unique history did not simply occur in a vacuum. In the early days, the success of our Mission, and later our town, was predicated on the connections we formulated... Continue
Turning Stones
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
In my previous column, I reported upon the death of my father. After having just arrived in Cairo with my son James, I received the news that he was dead. With a little disbelief, after all, I just saw him, we chose to continue with... Continue
My son, James, had raised money for a women’s education program in the Nubian village of Gharb Aswan, Egypt. To hopefully encourage a life-long desire for giving, I have taken him to Gharb Aswan to see with his own eyes, where the money he raised... Continue
There is an age-old tradition playing out at Sonoma Valley High School. Well, that may be stretching it just a bit, however, as the school year closes in on summer, seniors are in the process of completing their senior projects. The projects have several components.... Continue
Sonoma may be criticized for plenty of things, although none come to mind, however, there is one thing we do better than any other city on the planet – we know how to throw a party. Unfortunately, history tells us that this was not always... Continue
What a confusing winter. Once again, spring is coming fast and judging from the wildflowers springing up around our hillsides and Valley floors, might already be here. For Native peoples spring indicated a time for a change in diet. As food prices soar, it may... Continue
Lately there has been a stir over at Maxwell Farms Regional Park. There are discussions in the works about upgrading the park to include dedicated biking trails, expanding tennis courts, a dedicated dog park and creating additional recreational facilities for the public to enjoy. Within... Continue
A resolution is a promise to oneself to improve upon one’s previous actions, or lack thereof. In that vein, I will end the year acknowledging a mistake in my previous column titled, “A Poet Laureate named Ina.” I stated that Agnes Moulton Coolbrith married Joseph Smith... Continue
This week I bring to the forefront Ina Coolbrith. Jack London was quite taken with her, stating her to be the noblest woman he had ever met. Her story begins with her birth in 1841, when the small pueblo of Sonoma was in its infancy.... Continue