Reparations now!

No more talk. Let’s see some action. Reparations NOW—it’s long overdue. Establish a program, a workable process, and let’s see some meaningful change. Why do we need impossible-to-obtain proof of descendancy from slaves before you can be given reparations? If you are Black and need a better... Continue

Don’t let Amazon warehouse sidestep traffic improvement requirements

It is imperative that the issue of repurposing the Victory Station wine-storage warehouse on Hwy. 121 to a 24 hour Amazon retail delivery and regional distribution center be given a full review process that includes input from affected residents and businesses throughout the area before... Continue

Another tax on Sonoma cannabis?

My understanding is that the City of Sonoma is planning to place a 4% Cannabis Tax initiative on the November ballot, right next to the Sonoma Citizens for Local Access cannabis initiative. Interesting that they chose the General Fund path, since the 2/3 supermajority required... Continue

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

Letters To The Editor