Ministering the community at La Luz

February 23, 2013

La Luz Center for family resources in Boyes Hot Springs is active, colorful and crowded. It exudes a feeling of warmth, safety and hope, and its new executive director, Juan Hernandez, radiates those same qualities, along with a healthy dose of confidence. “Juan has brought... Continue

Meet the royals

February 5, 2013

Sonoma residents Jeanne and Chip Allen have been named King and Queen of the Meadowcroft Wines third annual Mardi Gras Celebration on Saturday, February 9 “Chip and I are very excited about stepping up to royalty even if it’s just for a day,” said Jeanne... Continue

Sonoma’s other high school

January 28, 2013

While 1,320 teenagers trod off to Sonoma Valley High School every day, about 90 students head to the other valley, to attend Justin-Siena High School in Napa. “We are an incredible school,” said David Holquin, director of admissions at Justin-Siena. “It is unfortunate that education... Continue

Best of Sonoma Valley 2012 Poll

January 11, 2013

The polls are closed! The results will be announced soon. Continue

Sonoma dreams and New Years wishes

January 4, 2013

We’ve asked a few local notables to share their hopes, dreams and predictions for 2013. Here, while the new year holds promise and all things are possible, are some of the replies: It is my fervent wish that Sonoma stays prosperous, safe and we make... Continue

A classroom of two – SoloQuest celebrates 15 years of personalized instruction

December 13, 2012

In 1997, SoloQuest School and Learning Center opened its doors to students in Sonoma seeking an alternative to the traditional classroom environment. Fifteen years, 56 graduates, and an additional location later, the private school and tutoring center continues to help teenagers achieve academic success. Whatever... Continue

The exit interview: Joanne Sanders

December 6, 2012

To sit with Mayor Joanne Sanders over a morning coffee as she reflects on her eight years of public service is to appreciate the role of dedicated vision that helps keep Sonoma such a rare and special place. “I’m steadfast in the task of taking... Continue

The young voices of democracy

November 29, 2012

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, more than 100,000 high school students compete for more than $2.5 million in scholarships and incentives. Featured here are the winners from VFW Sonoma Post #1943,... Continue

Preservation Award honorees announced

November 22, 2012

In keeping with its mission to uphold the historical integrity of the Sonoma Valley, the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation honored five projects and three individuals at their annual Preservation Awards on November 14. Yvonne Bowers, described as “the person who rises to every occasion... Continue

The cost of freedom

November 8, 2012

Dan Parker remembers the day vividly. He was 14, with his family, visiting the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Stone after stone, line after line, name after name, the list of WW II veterans killed in action seemed endless. “It touched my life... Continue

Features