Sonoma City Council candidates, declare yourselves

As we face unprecedented hard times, Sonoma’s city council election in November looms large. We understand that one, perhaps two sitting council members will not be putting their hats in the ring.But we have heard from no one who plans to run for the seats. Given... Continue

Essick must go

So, County Sheriff Mark Essick gets to decide which regulations (laws) and directives he wants to enforce or not. This is precisely what his very public defiance (Facebook posting) of County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase’s public health order is. All Sheriff’s Essick’s protestations about being “bullied” and not a... Continue

Drastic budget cuts threaten school safety

At a time when our public school districts and county offices of education are being asked to do more than ever, we are facing the largest state budget cut of any public entity. This 10% cut is coming at a time when schools are facing... Continue

Weapons, oil and disaster capitalism

When the news you're watching tells you that another country should be held responsible for something, or asks if a government official is being too weak on a nation, they are prepping you for war. They are building your anger toward a country, so that... Continue

Will the coronavirus pandemic lead to tax increases?

Reader Opinion by Jon Coupal In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 which envisioned a several billion dollar increase in spending for existing programs as well as a host of new programs. But that was before COVID-19. Over the... Continue

The people’s bank of California?

Reader opinion by Chris Petlock Over the last two months we have watched city, county, and state rainy-day funds quickly drained. State and local governments are facing substantial increases in expenditures for emergency preparedness and public health responses related to COVID-19. Urgent action is required... Continue

Council’s traffic plan for Broadway is absurd

I live on East Napa Street and am very concerned about commercial traffic on the street. I think the idea of removing any lanes for vehicles on Broadway is absurd. How will this help? It will only increase the commercial traffic on Napa Street. Bikers... Continue

Council action on Broadway traffic issue ‘inexcusable’

I am stunned and extremely disheartened at the recent actions of the City Council regarding the reduction of lanes on Broadway. How can councilmembers, in good conscience, discount the wishes of the people that voted for them? Why did the City go to the expense... Continue

Sonoma High School does not need a new sports stadium

I read with utter dismay and shock that the school district officials approved the $15 million dollar sports arena for the high school on Tuesday night (May 5, 2020). It is interesting to me that they convened a meeting on this issue, at this time,... Continue

Big corporations are preying on small business loan program

Last week, countless small businesses across the country discovered that the government loans they were promised to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis were handed over to wealthy corporations before they ever saw a dime. Those small businesses are the backbone of the American dream,... Continue

Letters To The Editor