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Editorials

Local administrative leadership…finally?

Two major institutions – the Sonoma Valley School District and the City of Sonoma – have finally hired new administrative leadership; in the case of the District, a Superintendent, and in the case of the City, a permanent City Manager. It’s about time. For far... Continue

Celebrating the Overlook Trail

Nearly a hundred people recently gathered for the 20-year celebration of the Overlook Trail, the popular and picturesque hiking trail above Sonoma’s historic Mountain Cemetery. It’s a local treasure that almost never was. A legacy of the dedicated efforts of dozens of local residents, and... Continue

Sonoma Developmental Center. What’s the deal?

The State of California recently announced that it had selected the team to redevelop the SDC campus, two firms which together will transform roughly 180 acres of the existing campus into housing, retail elements, and a hotel. But is it a done deal? When The... Continue

In praise of independently-owned businesses

The news last week that pharmacist Aman Garg has leased the shuttered Pharmaca property on West Napa Street was greeted by the public with nothing less than jubilation. That reaction was more than a match for the outpouring of dismay when Pharmaca closed its doors. ... Continue

So much water. Why aren’t we trying to save it?

But not enough to store? After multiple years of drought serious enough for local agencies to impose water conservation measures, major use restrictions, tiered pricing, and fines, we're surprised there hasn’t been a proposal to create additional water storage. Here we are in the midst... Continue

Hospital local

Have you ever wondered about what living here without a local hospital would be like? It’s not a pleasant prospect. The closest hospitals are a 20- to 30-minute ride away, and that’s added to whatever time the arrival of an ambulance requires. Not every health... Continue

It’s money that builds housing, not words

  The City of Sonoma recently adopted its Housing Element, a framework for the ways and locations in which housing might be built over the next eight years. The State of California requires that each jurisdiction submit a revised Housing Element covering an eight-year period,... Continue

Affordable housing is a major health issue, too

The lack of affordable and missing-middle housing in Sonoma Valley is hurting your health and your security. In fact, it’s worse than you thought. Every neighborhood, no matter how affluent, no matter how NIMBY, is affected. Take it from Sonoma Valley Hospital, Sonoma Valley Community... Continue

Affordable housing is a major health issue, too

The lack of affordable and missing-middle housing in Sonoma Valley is hurting your health and your security. In fact, it’s worse than you thought. Every neighborhood, no matter how affluent, no matter how NIMBY, is affected. Take it from Sonoma Valley Hospital, Sonoma Valley Community... Continue

A Springs Plaza…?

Plans for a Springs Plaza have been brewing for several decades at least. Whether this idea originated  from the desires of Springs residents is unclear. Whatever its origins, our First District Supervisor hitched her wagon to the concept, negotiating with Ken Mattson, owner of not... Continue