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Local Sonoma Valley News

Vallen Peter Robichaud 1957-2024

March 6, 2024
Vallen Peter Robichaud, age 66, Editor and Publisher of the Sonoma Valley Sun, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on February 16, 2024 at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Val, as he was known by most everyone, was born on July 25, 1957 at Marin General Hospital. He... Continue

Our Valedictorian

March 4, 2024
“Snark if needed.” Those words often accompanied my column of “Snark Infested Waters” when I submitted it to Val Robichaud so he could decide whether to include it in the next issue of the Sonoma Valley Sun. The implication — expectation? — was that he... Continue

Dearest Val

March 2, 2024
March 2, 2024 Dearest Val, After all the years of wrestling with the challenges of keeping print alive, I am so deeply sad and lost to have you gone. Good God, you were the godfather of The Sun. I have waited to write - waited... Continue

Honoring Val: Supporting His Daughter Annie

February 26, 2024
As we reflect on Val’s legacy of service, our thoughts turn to his daughter, Annie, who is now faced with the immense challenge of navigating life without her parents’ guidance and support (Annie’s mom passed away last summer). Despite his own humility, Val would undoubtedly... Continue

Memories of Val Robichaud

February 26, 2024
I started writing for The Sun in 2005, while I was Mayor of Sonoma. I’d write a “Mayor’s” column once a month, and thereafter continued to write monthly. I offered to write a weekly column and have been writing a column for every edition since... Continue

In Memoriam – Val Robichaud, Sonoma Sun Publisher

February 21, 2024
We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Val Robichaud, Publisher and Editor of the Sonoma Sun Newspaper. Val died last Friday at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. More information about Val and his life will be provided in the coming days. Those of us... Continue

Workers at Sonoma Mission Inn unionize

February 16, 2024
Two hundred and seventy-five workers at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn have formed a union with UNITE HERE Local 2. An independent arbitrator has certified that a majority of workers at the luxury resort supported forming their union, and contract negotiations will begin soon. “I’m so... Continue

Falandes steps down at Homeless Action Sonoma

February 16, 2024
Annie Falandes has stepped down as president of Homeless Action Sonoma (HAS) the nonprofit organization she founded four years ago.  Falandes lead the effort to establish the Home and Safe Village, a cluster of tiny shelter homes at 18820 Sonoma Highway in Boyes Hot Springs.... Continue

Why I mentor

February 16, 2024
By Joe Koller -- Two plus years ago, my mentoring journey commenced, fueled by a deep-seated desire to contribute to my community. This calling didn't surface spontaneously; it had been simmering within me since 2014. The pivotal moment occurred in 2015, during Sonoma's 4th of... Continue

Millions short, Sonoma School Board makes drastic cuts

February 15, 2024
Facing a massive revenue deficit and dwindling reserves, the Sonoma Valley Unified School District’s Board of Trustees eliminated seven full-time secondary school and six full-time elementary school teaching jobs. In all, 36 positions were eliminated. The cuts save the district about $2.5 million annually, with... Continue
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