What do you like about living in Sonoma? What would you like to change? These two questions are at the heart of Sonoma’s General Plan 2045 Update, a process that’s just beginning and will take the better part of two years to complete. Now’s the... Continue

The political and cultural divisions currently plaguing our country have stimulated an outpouring of hate. Playing on our appreciation of the right to freedom of expression, extremist groups and individuals are spreading their vitriolic, bigoted, and abhorrent beliefs by using Zoom during public meetings of... Continue

There are no fat pigs to buy at our two local farmer’s markets, but there’s plenty else to sing about. For nearly 30 years we’ve been blessed with farmers markets showcasing the richness of our agricultural heritage and its continuation. With the end of this... Continue

By now, finding oneself inching forward on a clogged road is becoming normal. At times, Highway 12 from Siesta Way past Verano Avenue, and from W Napa Street to the Plaza, is backed-up bumper-to-bumper.  There are only so many cars that our Valley’s two-lane roads... Continue

It’s back to school, and we’re wondering what the new school year will bring. The disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic still reverberate; teacher departures, district leadership changes,  student behavioral issues, and a learning deficit all loom large in what’s to come. We were heartened to... Continue

As the air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke recently and the sight of the hills was obscured by grayness, we were all reminded of the dangers of fire season. Although the controlled burn near Sears Point was announced in advance, the thick... Continue

State and local jurisdictions are spending gobs of time and money on accelerating the pace of creation of affordable housing. While not specifically mandating affordability, new state laws allow single-family lot splits, the building of ADUs by right, housing on commercial parcels, and shortened paths... Continue

Government is not a business, and generally that’s a good thing. Business in America is about earning a profit, accumulating wealth, and gaining influence over public opinion. When conducted ethically, business can benefit society; when conducted corruptly, it produces harm. The mission of government is... Continue

Transparent this, transparent that; it seems as if labeling the public process as transparent is government’s order of the day. The fact is, the workings of government are more opaque than ever.  A representative government means we elect leaders to whom we give the responsibility... Continue