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Features

Vintage Festival a smashing success

Thousands of Sonomans and out-of-towners converged on the plaza during last weekend’s Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, the 110th edition of the “granddaddy” of all Sonoma celebrations. Music, wine, art, food and camaraderie characterized the event, which ran from Friday night’s Patrons Dinner through... Continue

A weekend celebrating community tradition

The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, the second oldest festival in California following the Rose Parade, will be celebrating its 110th year this weekend, Sept. 28-30, at various locations in and around Sonoma’s famous plaza. The festival benefits many Valley community projects and non-profits,... Continue

Behind the scenes at harvest time

There is no time quite like harvest in the wine industry. A sense of excitement and anticipation fills the air as the annual cycle of Mother Nature brings us another crop of grapes. Bearing the imprint of the numerous variables of the growing season, this... Continue

New teacher strives to give students a bilingual future

Dora-Aldina Chavarria is teaching English to third grade students at Flowery Elementary School, in a special immersion program aimed at making them bilingual by age five. Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley SunDora Noton Special to the Sun Dora-Aldina Chavarria came from Mexico 14 years ago, unable to... Continue

Chemotherapy for cats

Dear Dr. Forsythe: My cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroid disease. I am worried that this type of cancer will get worse and eventually kill him. Please tell me how quickly thyroid disease progresses in cats. Cat Dad Dear Cat Dad: Hyperthyroidism is the most... Continue

What to do with Fido while you’re at the Vintage Festival

Sonoma Valley Dog Owners and Guardians (SVDOG) will have an information booth at the Vintage Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29 and 30. Located at the Southeast Corner Entrance to the Plaza – a precise 6 foot leash length from the sidewalk on First... Continue

When in doubt, take a nap!

Most of us occasionally do everything else we can think of to avoid doing what we know we should be doing – whether that is doing laundry before writing a newspaper story, shopping before cleaning the house, or taking a nap before cleaning up sad... Continue

Marriage and Monogamy (Part 1)

The two elements that traditionally constitute a marriage are lifetime commitment and monogamy. You could say that it’s the commitment to a lifetime of fidelity that’s the big issue. Many people feel that limiting themselves to one sexual partner for life is unnatural. Others feel... Continue

Take This Job – And Love It!

Be your own boss! Requirements: Hard work. Long hours. Be willing to work weekends, sweep up and take out the trash. For the gutsy breed of women who opt for the entrepreneurial career track, all these things and many more are just part of their... Continue

The inside story on Prohibition, repeal and some hot historic gossip

As I recently wrote about Prohibition, the Constitutional Amendment and enforcing legislation, which were in effect between January 1920 and December 1933, created devastating problems for the nation and specifically the tourism business of Sonoma Valley. However for vineyardists, vintners and devotees of wine there... Continue