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Local author tackles Jack London’s radical politics

Photo by Ryan Lely. Jack London didn’t start out as a socialist. In the peak of his youth, London embraced the American mythology of the rugged individualist and capitalism. A trip across the United States when he was 18 changed all that, according to Sonoma... Continue

New restrictions could put a damper on seasonal fireplace use

Sonoma Valley residents may find themselves forbidden to burn fires in fireplaces and stoves on some chilly winter nights, even if those appliances meet local standards. According to the new rule adopted in July, health officials may call a Spare the Air Tonight health advisory.... Continue

Rocket launches Happy Hour and sushi service

The Shaka Gnar Gnar roll at Rocket Cafe.  It is a combination surf and turf. Photo by Ryan Lely. Rocket, the catering company-cum-café, tweaked its hours, added new menu items and inaugurated a sushi menu last week. In addition to its standard 8 a.m.-2 p.m.... Continue

Homecoming is more than one day

The homecoming court is, front row (l to r) Niko Conner, Hannah Petroni, Kaitlyn Hanna, Mike Mulas, Stephanie Lyon and Jenni Marioni. Back row (l to r) Ethan Cohen, Phoebe Tillem, Steve Filippi and Bradley Ramirez. Photo by Ryan Lely. Thursday, Oct. 2 marks the... Continue

Art historian’s lecture breaks ‘Boundaries’

“I think a painting is more like the real world if it’s made out of the real world,” opined artist Robert Rauschenberg, the lauded painter who used bits of humanity’s detritus in works that were as much sculpture as painting. At 7 p.m., on Friday,... Continue

Vintage Festival

The 111th annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival kicked off on Friday, Sept. 26 with the Patron’s Night Gala and rocked the Sonoma Valley through Sunday, Sept. 28. Food, wine, art, grape stomping, historical reenactments and family activities made the festival fun for all.... Continue

‘Fig’ owner extends empire on West Spain Street

The girl & the fig proprietor Sondra Bernstein with executive chef John Toulze in the dinning room of their newest restaurant Estate. Photo by Ryan Lely. Sondra Bernstein opened Estate on Friday, Sept. 16, on the site long occupied by The General’s Daughter. The new... Continue

Getting the scoop on homecoming before the big day

The school year is flying by and I can hardly reach up and latch onto it fast enough. Already, girls in the bathroom are asking each other if they’ve gotten their dress for homecoming, if they’ve gotten their shoes, their jewelry. Already, the class floats... Continue

Harvest 2008: reading the grape leaves

There is something about the wine industry that makes almost all vintners and winemakers part-time fortunetellers – reading the grape leaves and sniffing the wind for signs from beyond the horizon. At no time is this more of an occupational hazard than in the weeks... Continue