The story is told of two friends, one of whom says, “I’d like to ask God why he allows poverty, hunger and injustice when he could do something about it.” To which the other responds, “Me, too, but I’m afraid God might ask me the same... Continue

Thank you, readers. Many of you will recall The Mamas and The Papas song from the ‘60s. They were singing about Mondays, of course, but their phrasing came to mind as we processed your lovely comments about getting last week’s Sun on Thursday, instead of... Continue

We remember today our (virtual) ancestors, who just a dozen generations ago fled religious persecution in Europe. The Mayflower’s human cargo risked their lives, literally, to seek new hope in a new world. They longed for a life of freedom but found a life of... Continue

The wonderful poem quoted alongside came to mind this week, as we pondered the striking constellation of big issues currently under consideration in the local halls of government: a new law against homeowners allowing alcohol at teen parties, decisions about maintaining programs in the public... Continue

So begins the existential French expression, meaning that the more things change, the more they stay the same. This phrase comes to mind as we ponder the recent direction by the Sonoma City Council to develop a solicitation for proposals to manage the farmers market,... Continue

How nice to leave on your own terms. We’re thinking of Micaela Philpot, the principal at Sonoma Valley High School, who announced on Monday that she was stepping down at the end of this school year. This is in sharp contrast to the commotion almost... Continue

“I don’t make jokes,” Will Rogers is said to have commented regarding the source of his humor. “I just watch the government and report the facts.” This column has had a steady supply of material from the hospital board in years past: put it here,... Continue

We are not alone We’ll leave for another day the whole “life on other worlds” debate. For the moment, we’re simply fascinated by the incredible variety of life on this world. After the recent rains we’ve seen scores of raccoons out and about; they must... Continue

“Excuse me,” said someone we met recently, “but I have a cold.” He said this by way of explaining why he was not shaking hands. That was, of course, fine with us – who wants to catch someone else’s cold? But still, it felt odd,... Continue