In December, employees of the Lefever/Mattson owned Cheese Factory visited the plaza merchants bearing champagne to invite them to a January 30 “Block Party.  We happened to find out about it while shopping at a local merchant. On Lefever/Mattson owned websites:  Sonoma’s Best and Sip... Continue

Over the past few years, the idea of Sonoma possibly annexing the Springs has made it onto the Valley’s political agenda. The Sonoma Valley Housing Group is urging the City Council to now put studying the question on its priority list and add it to... Continue

Sonoma Valley readers are encouraged to read Will Shonbrun’s essay in the Sonoma Valley Sun (January 1, 2024) entitled, “Sonoma Mountain and the urbanization of wildlands.” Shonbrun takes us back to the dream of Jack London to preserve, enjoy, and admire Sonoma Mountain and its... Continue

  Many of us receive numerous requests for donations particularly at the end of the year.  Many of the donation requests are worthy -- Sonoma Land Trust, CASA, Pet's Lifeline, League for Historic Preservation,  ASPCA, Sebastiani Theater, The Boys and Girls Club and on and... Continue

I am saddened to read about poor student achievement in Sonoma Valley. I believe that this is because middle income families cannot afford to live in Sonoma, and those who can afford local market-rate housing often send their kids to private schools. Therefore our student... Continue

I was extremely grateful to learn that Toni Thompson resigned her position on the Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission. But her blaming the Sonoma Index-Tribune and stating that there was an “agenda to attack me” was outrageous! The newspaper was doing its job, informing... Continue

Prior to my retirement from the Sonoma City Council, I served on the Continuum of Care board for approximately two years. While there were a variety of dedicated people involved, there were two glaring issues that led to my decision to leave that board. That... Continue