The need for enforcement

July 9, 2015

In our previous editorial we noted the ways in which the City of Sonoma’s rules are ignored by individuals and businesses alike, who too often take it upon themselves to make up their own rules. They do it without suffering much consequence, largely because of... Continue

Making up the rules

June 25, 2015

People have a love-hate relationship with rules; they love them when they apply to others, but hate them when they apply to themselves. Rules, however, are essential. Every functioning society, no matter how simple or sophisticated, has rules. Rules become laws and regulations when important... Continue

Good intentions + poor execution = no new affordable housing

June 11, 2015

When Governor Brown and the California legislature eliminated redevelopment agencies across the state in 2012, it was the result of two coinciding factors: California was in the midst of a severe budget deficit and redevelopment money was being used inappropriately to line the pockets of... Continue

Government lights are on, but nobody’s home

May 28, 2015

There is a renter’s affordability crisis facing Sonoma County and Sonoma and judging from the absence of focused action, our government is not adequately responding. Rents have increased 30 percent in the last three years, average county rent is $1,600 per month and the vacancy... Continue

After Andy

May 18, 2015

Recommendations of the Community and Local Law Enforcement Task Force formed after the Andy Lopez shooting reflect the thoughtful hard work of dedicated citizens and law enforcement, and they should be implemented quickly. But why do they remind us of Rodney King’s forlorn plea: “Can’t... Continue

Sonoma’s minimum wage is a poverty wage

May 13, 2015

On September third of last year, City Council voted to direct staff to solicit proposals for a minimum wage study to look at the issues and impact of an ordinance to increase the minimum wage for all workers in the City, which is currently a... Continue

Guest opinion: another view of the SDC

May 6, 2015

By Nancy Gardner I first toured Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) over 35 years ago, just out of graduate school and eager to change the world for people with developmental disabilities. Having worked in community services for children with disabilities since a teenager, I was shocked... Continue

‘Sustainability’ must be more than a word

April 29, 2015

Since the Industrial Revolution humans have set in place trends resulting in excessive global warming, alarming species extinction, air and water pollution, and over-consumption of natural resources, the consequences of which threaten not only the integrity of our environment but our very survival. Sustainability --... Continue

Reflections on the Commons

April 28, 2015

For a species whose prime adaptation is cooperation, the Commons -- lands and resources owned and shared by all -- have always represented the ground on which society as a whole can rely. From our trajectory as hunter-gatherers to pastoralists, agriculturalists and finally to our... Continue

Help decide what’s next for Maxwell Farms Park

April 16, 2015

For reasons which often defy explanation, certain parcels of land repeatedly become focal points for community action, controversy and negotiation. Subject to land use decisions pertaining to development, preservation, access and ecology, such parcels demand attention, often over an extended period of time. One such... Continue

Editorials