Time for ‘due diligence’ on Springs annexation issue

Over the past few years, the idea of Sonoma possibly annexing the Springs has made it onto the Valley’s political agenda. The Sonoma Valley Housing Group is urging the City Council to now put studying the question on its priority list and add it to... Continue

Jack London’s dream, re-stated

Sonoma Valley readers are encouraged to read Will Shonbrun’s essay in the Sonoma Valley Sun (January 1, 2024) entitled, “Sonoma Mountain and the urbanization of wildlands.” Shonbrun takes us back to the dream of Jack London to preserve, enjoy, and admire Sonoma Mountain and its... Continue

I won’t be donating to a media conglomerate

Many of us receive numerous requests for donations particularly at the end of the year. Many of the donation requests are worthy -- Sonoma Land Trust, CASA, Pet's Lifeline, League for Historic Preservation, ASPCA, Sebastiani Theater, The Boys and Girls Club and on and... Continue

Don’t rate school only by test scores

I am saddened to read about poor student achievement in Sonoma Valley. I believe that this is because middle income families cannot afford to live in Sonoma, and those who can afford local market-rate housing often send their kids to private schools. Therefore our student... Continue

Sonoma officials must take responsibility

I was extremely grateful to learn that Toni Thompson resigned her position on the Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission. But her blaming the Sonoma Index-Tribune and stating that there was an “agenda to attack me” was outrageous! The newspaper was doing its job, informing... Continue

‘Common sense’ flaws in plan for new Sonoma hotel

I am writing to submit comments regarding the recent decision to advance the hotel construction project on Napa Street between 1st and 2nd Streets East. I have lived in Sonoma for 20 years, and I actively participated in promoting Measure B; I also met with... Continue

Keep the homeless safe

Prior to my retirement from the Sonoma City Council, I served on the Continuum of Care board for approximately two years. While there were a variety of dedicated people involved, there were two glaring issues that led to my decision to leave that board. That... Continue

Things to know if you’re eligible for Medicare

If you are newly eligible for Medicare, your must choose between Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage program which includes Kaiser. Traditional Medicare was started in 1965 and it pays 80% of most medical services. Most people purchase a supplemental insurance policy to cover the... Continue

Change of course needed at SDC

By Teri Shore -- In response to the large-scale development recently proposed by the State of California and its chosen developer for the historic campus at the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), more than two dozen community leaders and constituents from Sonoma Valley and across the... Continue

War on Prop. 13

Unicorns don’t exist in the real world and taxpayer heroes do not exist in the majority in the California Assembly. Despite warnings from a massive coalition of taxpayer advocates, real estate interests and business groups, 56 members of the California Legislature just passed two of... Continue

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