Plaza a religious experience Editor: I don't know all the motives of the individuals who brought the creche proposal forward. The notion that it is not about the crèche or Christianity, but something for all faiths to embrace and participate in, seems either disingenuous or... Continue

Crèche on government property vs. private property Editor: Having the crèche displayed on the plaza downtown makes an official statement that this is a Christian community. If it is displayed on a church lawn, then that is just the church doing what churches do and... Continue

Community Center explains decision Editor: As has been reported, the Sonoma Community Center recently withdrew its request for funding from the City of Sonoma in its “Tier 1” or sustained funding program. This was a difficult decision and it was not taken lightly. However, we... Continue

Questions hospital coalition’s arguments against retrofitting Editor: While the public rests its hopes on the formation of the recent Joint Powers Authority to save the hospital, the hospital was losing over $500,000 in May, almost $250,000 in June and around $30,000 in July. The recent... Continue

‘Inhumane label’ warrants sanctuary status Editor: Regarding Kate Williams' Springs column "When a sanctuary becomes a trap," my response is simple. Those who live daily with the inhumane label of "illegal" deserve sanctuary. Suzanna Bon Limited scope for refuge resolution Editor: The goal of our... Continue

submitted photo Ken Brown (left) and John McEndy prepare to roast Steve Page Steve Page, Sonoma resident and President of Infineon Raceway, has been named to the Board of Directors of Sonoma Valley Bancorp. Founded in 1988, Sonoma Valley Bank is publicly owned, with its... Continue

Editor - Your recent editorial correctly noted that the emergency room is the hospital feature most valued by voters. That was confirmed by surveys conducted by the Sonoma Valley Health Care Coalition. However, we worry that you imply an even smaller hospital with an ER... Continue

FineLife magazine ‘beautifully designed and well-written’ Editor: What a delightful surprise to open your newspaper last Thursday to find the beautifully designed and well-written magazine, FL (Fine Life). So often these glossy inserts can be very “chic,” and at the same time rather shallow. However,... Continue

Just Joan not to be criticized Editor: Having returned from my second trip to Venezuela, I can only report what I have seen with my own eyes. The author of the previous letter to the editor criticizing Joan’s portrayal of Venezuela demonstrates a typical lack... Continue