At Tuesday night’s school board meeting, Student Services Director Nanci Mathison presented the results of the 2009-2010 California Healthy Kids survey. Overall, the findings were positive stating that a larger than usual percentage of Sonoma Valley students were not indulging in alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes.... Continue
Editorials
I learned this week that a friend may have cancer – in multiple spots. While we wait with bated breath for the doctor’s appointment that will confirm or negate this news, I wonder how it is that one day is golden and the next, dark... Continue
The late Sonoma Valley Bank offered exceptional customer service, and happily most of those smiling faces are still on the job at Westamerica Bank. That spirit is demeaned somewhat by finger pointing from the defunct bank’s board of directors. The government is a popular target... Continue
There’s a much-covered old song that goes, “The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees. I want money. I want money. That’s what I want.” Let’s face it, we could all use some more money. But... Continue
This week brings news from near and far. First and probably most forward in people’s minds is the closure of our only truly local bank, Sonoma Valley Bank. A Valley institution since 1988, Sonoma Valley Bank operated three branches throughout our town and all are... Continue
Imagine my horror on Tuesday morning when I discovered my wallet on the roof of my car. Luckily my commute is short so the wallet was still there when I arrived at work. I thought, “Man, where is my head today?” as I walked to... Continue
We usually try to keep on the high road around here, showing due respect for our media elders. Not today. In this issue you were to read about a very special event, a big-time fundraiser for one of the Valley’s most prominent charities. We were... Continue
The BP oil spill has been identified as the world’s worst man-made environmental disaster. The welcome news this week that some measure of success in using a containment cap to seal the leak had been obtained is now being overshadowed by news reports of storms... Continue
Sonoma came together as a community this week to say goodbye to former mayor and fire chief Al Mazza. After his funeral at St. Francis Solano, dozens of fire trucks and emergency response vehicles processed from the church, around the Plaza and to the School-Vista... Continue
Guest Editorial Leaf blowers were the talk of the town from the east to the west of Sonoma County this week, especially around Sebastopol and Sonoma. At the Tuesday Sebastopol City Council meeting a new noise ordinance passed on a 4-1 vote. It restricts all... Continue