Politics is arguably more art than science. But “science,” the collection and analysis of data, has an important place in government. Data-driven decisions are generally the better ones. Last week, we reported on the opinion poll that Don Sebastiani had commissioned of voters in the... Continue
Editorials
The controversy continues over photographs taken during the student protest march on May 15. While police surveillance is always troubling, we don’t think many in the community were terribly alarmed by the high school safety officer doing his job, accompanying a student march off-campus and... Continue
Making the news last week were several well-known local folks who confronted a Sonoma deputy sheriff during the student march last Tuesday. Mike Smith, Will Shonbrun, and Dave Henderson, doing their best to re-live the ‘60s, took Deputy J. Cobert to task for photographing students... Continue
Some readers expressed concern about our characterization last week of the choices by the Sonoma Valley Health Care Coalition as they appeared in the Executive Summary of its report: “1) Broadway... 2) In-town.” We attached significance to the listing order, especially due to the fact... Continue
El Dia de los Niños, May Day March, Cinco de Mayo, These local events within the last week were peaceful, happy celebrations of cultural heritage and of American freedom, and they turn our thoughts once again to the topic of immigration. There is a case... Continue
We still thought it was worth pursuing – the “free” hospital that Cirrus Health Group wanted to build on Eighth Street. Despite the troubles that arose among Cirrus, the Sonoma Valley Health Care Coalition, and the Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board of Directors, concerning... Continue
Valleyville, California We appreciate Gay Kisbey’s thoughtful letter to us, in which she correctly notes that the Springs Area Redevelopment Advisory Committee tackles a large number of issues. We’re pleased to continue covering the meetings of that group, appreciating as we do the importance of... Continue
We’re enjoying the hints of summer weather that have graced us in the last few weeks. Clear skies are part of what makes Sonoma so special – the deep blue over the beautiful hills, the jet black of the starlit nights. We value clarity in... Continue
“I give you my word.” Used to be that was good enough, and maybe it still is in many transactions. Typically, we expect, those are face-to-face transactions, the way they all used to be until a century or so ago. “A man’s word is his... Continue
Culture of Giving We are not the only ones who think that forming non-profits is a local cottage industry in Sonoma. At a recent luncheon at the Lodge, hosted by the local Rotary Club, attendees heard Kim Klein, on the faculty at Hastings College of... Continue