Did you know that The Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission (SVCAC) is one of the longest running advisory commissions in the county? It was first formed in 1993 through a Joint Powers Agreement between the County and the City of Sonoma particularly focused on land... Continue
What’s Happening
Local Sonoma Valley News
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
Question: What is your favorite quote? Andy, Sonoma I was just reading this quote about the Hobbits from “Lord of the Rings”. I love this one where he [Tolkien] talks about how they “love peace, quiet, and good-tilled earth”. And that feels like where we... Continue
Jim Webb is the Sugarloaf Ridge State Park volunteer of the month for January. He began volunteering a year ago as a trail patrol volunteer. His experience in previous work with USFS lends itself to very detailed trail reports, according to the Sugarloaf team. "On... Continue
Congress will be continue to pass numerous tax law changes. Below are tidbits that that you might find useful: IRS Online Account enhancements. You can now access your Online Account at the IRS where you can view tax owed and payment history and schedule payments. You can... Continue
The conclusion of the Christmas season was celebrated at St. Leo’s parish on January 6 in Agua Caliente as the congregation commemorated Epiphany, referred to in other cultures as the visit of The Magi to Bethlehem. As part of the 12 Days of Christmas from... Continue
By Will Shonbrun -- “I ride over my beautiful ranch. Between my legs is a beautiful horse. The air is wine. The grapes on a score of rolling hills are red with autumn flame. Across Sonoma Mountain wisps of sea fog are stealing. The afternoon... Continue
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
Sonoma has a new mayor. Following tradition, Councilmember John Gurney, the vice mayor through 2023, was by unanimous vote rotated into the top spot. He assumes the year-long post held by Sandra Lowe. Lowe was thanked at the Council’s final meeting of the year for... Continue
California State Parks has announced the transfer of approximately 650 acres of Sonoma Developmental Center’s (SDC) property to State Parks, open space area that is connected to Jack London State Historic Park (SHP). The transfer of SDC lands from state ownership to State Parks is... Continue