Cannabis discussion must include teen health

As the founder and Director of R.I.S.K. Sonoma (Resources, Information, Support and Knowledge), a parent support network, I wanted to respond to criticism the City Council’s allocation of funds to screen the documentary “The Other Side of Cannabis: The Negative Effects of Marijuana on our Youth.”... Continue

During crisis, community needs better communication

Now that we have a bit of distance from the immediacy of the fires I would like to raise a concern, or two, that may prove useful in future emergency situations of a widespread nature, directly impacting the Sonoma Valley. If anyone was paying attention... Continue

A loving welcome to evacuees at Sonoma Raceway

We have seen no coverage of the wonderful and generous work done by Sonoma Raceway during the days of evacuation during the fire emergency. Sonoma Raceway opened their "campground" and hosted about 150 families for about a week. In the field they provided security and porta-potties and... Continue

Anti-ag sentiment cannot go unanswered

As I am sure many of you have read or heard, after four years winemaker and Sonoma County resident David Ramey’s proposed Westside Road winery was approved by the Sonoma County Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) on a three to one vote. David has been making... Continue

SDC is vital to special-needs care

There are not enough hospital beds in Sonoma County to accommodate the mentally ill. For instance, Napa State Hospital is filled to capacity. And yet the hospital on Chanate in Santa Rosa was closed and the property is being sold to developers at a very... Continue

Trick or treat — here comes your property tax bill

Which is scarier showing up in your mailbox — Halloween movies from Netflix or your property tax bill? For homeowners, even “The Exorcist” can’t compare in terms of pure fright as the annual envelop from the tax collector’s office. Fortunately, however, homeowners are still able... Continue

City needs to guide the ‘free market’

On the question of should the City limit tasting rooms, it is troubling that some Council members argue that the Council just needs to step back and let the “free market” decide on local issues. Council members Gary Edwards and David Cook both argued for this... Continue

County road repairs are arbitrary, inefficient

All taxpayers know how fiscally irresponsible our government representatives are. I was shocked to add a bit of stupidity on top of this governance. I live in Boyes Hot Springs on a block that is maybe a football field long and dead ends into a... Continue

Proud, then disappointed by anthem actions

I was pleased and proud to see (professional football player) Ale Vilianueva standing tall & alone with his hand placed over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem. Here was man and fellow service member who has served his country in defense of our American freedoms ... such freedoms... Continue

Changing Medicare would threaten Hispanics’ health

Hispanics are fifty percent more likely than whites to die from diabetes and liver disease. This gap could widen if lawmakers proceed with a plan to alter the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. The Part D program has increased access to prescription drugs for... Continue

Letters To The Editor