Mystery ‘Citizens’ make a mockery of democratic process

The two large “Paid Political Advertising” ads in the Index-Tribune not only got my attention, but made me angry for the lack of transparency. Whoever paid for these ads appear frustrated about the changes in our town’s city council. If that is the case, I... Continue

It’s a time for solutions, not foot stomping

We are committed to being part of the conversation about how Sonoma can continue to be a great city and community, while dealing with the realities of change, growth, housing, traffic, and the many other issues facing all thriving communities. I was very interested in... Continue

County was wrong to include neighborhood in Springs Plan

It was simply by chance that the Donald/Lomita/Robinson neighborhood discovered a few weeks ago that we were included as part of the Springs Specific Plan. Historically, “the Springs” has always referred to a corridor one block east and west of Highway 12 from about Agua... Continue

School pageant should be gender neutral, more inclusive

When I was a freshman at Sonoma Valley High School, I told my sister, who was a senior at the time, that I was going to compete in the annual Mr. Dragon competition my senior year. I’m sure she thought I was joking, but when... Continue

Corporate donations undermine our political system

What happened to our political system that officials drag their feet on such issues as opposing war, single payer health care or a Green New Deal? The answer, of course, is corporate donations from weapons manufacturers, drug and insurance companies, and oil companies. These corporate... Continue

Hospital Board report: home care, nursing task force and more

By Joshua Rymer, Chair of the Sonoma Valley Hospital District Board of Directors Last week’s board meeting provided updates on several hospital initiatives including the transfer of the skilled home care program to Hospice By The Bay, the Skilled Nursing Facility Task Force, and ongoing... Continue

Who benefits most from a higher minimum wage? It’s not who you think

For years, opponents of raising the federal minimum wage have argued that we don’t need to raise the minimum wage because most low-wage workers are just teenagers trying to earn a little spending money. We’ve known that’s not true for years, but as the fight... Continue

Save the horse farm!

Like so many others, I grew up in Sonoma. Although we will never get back what Sonoma once had, we have an opportunity to preserve the downtown Clydesdale Farm. The Blue Wing Adobe Trust needs community support in order to acquire and preserve this historical... Continue

Goodbye, Maxwell Park

Farewell to Maxwell Park as we’ve known it for decades. On Feb 26, 2019 the supervisors will vote on the master plan which will forever transform the park. All the playing field lawns will be ripped up for plastic turf. Huge stadium lights will shine... Continue

Sonoma County can do more to protect rural residents from fires

Reader opinion by Deborah A. Eppstein and Craig S. Harrison Last November, the world watched with horror as residents of Paradise tried to escape from an oncoming wildfire on clogged roads, some people so desperate that they abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot. Government can... Continue

Letters To The Editor