Editor: Below is an edited version of “The Night Before Christmas” in a genuine effort, with a bit of humor, to encourage our City Council and Plaza business leaders to do a bit “more” than hang a few tired old wreaths on lamp posts and... Continue

Editor: During this uncertain economic climate, Sonoma Community Center needs your support more than ever before.  As you make your holiday gift-giving decisions, please consider how important SCC’s programs and historic building are to the day-to-day lives of our community members.  During the past year,... Continue

Editor: At least once a week I walk around the Plaza with a friend before or after morning coffee. And nearly every time I return home from this walk I have dog poop on the soles of my shoes. I wear walking shoes that have... Continue

Editor:  The results from the Nov. 2 mid term election were an eye opener in many respects but one thing has become perfectly clear, the California Republican party needs to be completely scrapped and rebuilt from scratch. The entire country sent the Democratic Party in... Continue

Editor:  To follow is my letter to David Payne-Chairman, president & CEO of Westamerica Bank. Dear Mr. Payne:  Congratulations on your successful bid to buy the remnants of Sonoma Valley Bank.  There is widespread concern that, with Westamerica Bank’s reduction in the hours of operation... Continue

Editor:  You know, bicycles support commerce and ease parking issues – if you provide some intelligent bike parking along with the lanes. Bike corrals, for example. You can park twelve bikes in the space of one car; at usual loadings that means a net gain... Continue

Editor: Last night there was a citizen’s advisory committee meeting about a planned bicycle path along West Spain Street. I found out at the last minute and attended. If it passes, all parking on the north side of West Spain Street would be eliminated. The... Continue

 Editor: Through discussions and study of the County Redevelopment Plans, a central business district (aka “The Hub”) is essential. With the anchor of The Springs the mighty Sonoma Mission Inn Spa and Resort, the Boyes Boulevard intersection of Sonoma Highway is shaping up to be... Continue

Editor: Red, white, and blue. These are our nation’s colors, are they not? Yet because people live in fear, two of these three are banned from the wardrobes of many Sonoma middle and high school students. Fear of gang activity is what drives the school... Continue