Letter: Why was Agrimonti bypassed for Sonoma mayor?

Although I did not attend the most recent council meeting of 12/12/16, where Rachael Hundley was selected as Sonoma's next mayor, it is my understanding that per longstanding procedure, Madolyn Agrimonti, previous mayor, pro-tem, was in line for appointment as mayor. With little or no... Continue

Sonoma needs to become a sanctuary city

Editor: The following letter was presented to Sonoma's City Council I have lived in Sonoma for over 30 years. And for 15 years before I moved here I came up on holidays and weekends to visit relatives. I love the small town community feel and,... Continue

Keep rainwater out of sewer pipes

The Sonoma County water agency [SCWA] sanitations department has been working on increasing the main sewer pipe size from the plant in Vineberg to somewhere north to 36”. Presently, the agency spends 3-4 million dollars per year to extend the new increased pipe size toward... Continue

Stand Off at Standing Rock

Stand off at Standing Rock: Why standing up is good for what ails you The recent gathering in Santa Rosa for those who wanted to stand in solidarity with the Native Americans in North Dakota opposing an oil pipeline under their water source, a section... Continue

There ought to be a law…not

Sometimes, in frustration over a perceived injustice, it is easy to think, “there ought to be a law,” but Californians should be careful what they wish for. The state is awash in laws. Every two-year session, lawmakers introduce thousands of bills, and in the most... Continue

Campaign 2016: What it takes to stand up

By Linda Kay Hale -- Back in March the Sonoma Valley Democrats committed themselves to opening a local Democratic headquarters. So off we went to find a building in Sonoma that was available and affordable. I decided to check on our old HQ building on... Continue

Don’t allow cannabis cultivation in rural residential areas

Zoning is a mechanism to protect residential areas from incompatible land uses. Sonoma County's proposed Cannabis Land Use Ordinance approved by the Planning Commission flunks zoning’s fundamental purpose. Lucrative marijuana cultivation and commerce have long been associated with crime, as documented by periodic murder stories... Continue

Enough with leaf blowers already

With all the turmoil and real problems in this country/state/county/city, I am shocked and disappointed that this leaf blower issue is still being dealt with and discussed. Everyone that employs a gardener, please pay him extra to leave that thing in his truck and do... Continue

Thank you for Measure E votes

On behalf of the entire Measure E team and Sonoma Valley School District, I want to sincerely thank you, the voters and volunteers for your support of our students and schools. The quality and character of our community is so very connected to the quality of... Continue

Medicare enrollment has begun

Medicare Open Enrollment is here -- and it's time for older adults to step up to the plate. From now until December 7th, they can sign up for Medicare coverage, switch out of their current health plan for a new one, or add prescription drug coverage... Continue

Letters To The Editor