2020 vision

When I mention to people that I graduated high school in 1959 I get that are-you-from-another-world? look, I think, yeah, I am. Reader opinion by Will Shonbrun It was a time before JFK, Vietnam, the Beatles or the Stones, or color TV. It was before... Continue

We live in an empire, not a democracy

A lot of people say there's no difference between Democrats and Republicans. A lot of people point out the differences in social policy -- abortion, gun control, immigration. But when you only look at foreign and economic policy, our country hasn't changed for many decades.... Continue

Trump’s pardons have done profound damage

The recent pardons granted by our soon-to-be but not-soon-enough ex-president have done profound and lasting damage to our country. Trump pardoned military contractors that had been convicted of killing 14 civilians (including women and children) in Iraq in 2007. These pardons signal to terrorists that... Continue

Sonoma is harshing my buzz

I am very unhappy with the current state of affairs within the cannabis community and local government. I am a 46-year resident of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley and have been active in local government both as a commissioner and a 16-year councilman and mayor. I... Continue

Raising the minimum wage is a winning issue

The grueling 2020 Presidential election is finally over, thanks to a record-breaking number of American voters who overwhelmingly rejected President Trump’s divisive agenda in favor of a new direction. As President-elect Biden inherits a nation ravaged by the coronavirus, it’s imperative that he keeps the... Continue

Will tax-hikers finally get the message?

Although election results are not yet official, it is clear that Proposition 15, the $12 billion property tax hike also known as “split roll,” has failed. But, true to form, the proponents are not giving up their 42-year goal of destroying Proposition 13. Recall that... Continue

Farm Bureau lauds Prop. 15 defeat

Crediting a unified effort by California farmers, ranchers and their organizations, the California Farm Bureau Federation thanks voters for rejecting the split-roll tax measure on the Nov. 3 ballot. The initiative, Proposition 15, would have allowed reassessment and higher property taxes on a variety of... Continue

Remember Veterans Day

The VFW’s motto is “No One Does More For Veterans.” But this Veterans Day [Nov. 11], our work is being curtailed by the pandemic and by unnecessary government regulations. Many of our posts possess liquor licenses that classify them as “bars” and require them to... Continue

Letter from Sonoma’s newest city councilmember

With election day behind us, we've officially won our race for Sonoma City Council! In the months since I launched this effort, I've been amazed by the number of people who've volunteered their time, publicly endorsed me, and gave max-out donations. So many people have... Continue

Vote for Johnson

I would vote 100 times over for Britta Johnson for School Board Area 5 Trustee. I’ve known her for 20 years through Prestwood, Adele, SVHS, kids’ sports teams, and activities. Britta and I even played together for several years on an indoor women’s soccer team.... Continue

Letters To The Editor