An inmate was discovered missing from Santa Rosa’s North County Detention Facility this morning after his clothing was found along the perimeter fence at about 8:30 a.m. The escapee has been identified as 27-year-old Richard Medina of Windsor. He is also known as Ricardo Medina.... Continue

Former Sonoma Police Chief John Gurney has been named executive director of the Sonoma Community Center. “We are thrilled to have John heading this organization,” said Board President Annie Bauer. “His roots and leadership in our community go way, way back and he is a pivotal participant in more organizations, projects and community-building... Continue

Citing incomplete and inadequate information, an appeal was filed Tuesday challenging the Planning Commission’s certification of the environmental impact report for the downtown hotel project, . The call for a more extensive report for Hotel Project Sonoma will now be heard by the Sonoma City... Continue

By Fred Allebach | Sonoma Valley Sun -- The Sonoma Ecology Center’s Sustainable Sonoma project is one of positive vision, to unite the common goals and interests of Valley government, business and residents. Sustainable Sonoma is an effort to say, “if we work together on common... Continue

To assist aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs, Sonoma County Cannabis Program launches in May with an overview of  permit, taxation, and compliance issues for the emerging industry. The eight-part workshop “Dirt to Dispensary” is designed to assist cannabis businesses in preparing permit applications for the July 1... Continue

The new principal at Sassarini Elementary School in the fall will be a graduate of the school who is currently vice principal at Sonoma Valley High School, Andrew Ryan. “Sassarini is where education all began for me,” Ryan said. “Now I get a chance to... Continue

Lydia Constantini | For The Sun -- We’ve had a bit of a slow, wet start, but here we are at the jumping off point for our spring and summer vegetable gardens. Let’s get going! Soil Preparation This is perhaps the single most important exercise in... Continue

Interview by Anna Pier When I arrived at the Sonoma Garden Park on Seventh Street East to talk with Steve, I found him pushing a wheelbarrow full of broccoli starts, followed by his dogs, a black Lab and a Chihuahua. What is your role here... Continue

With the climate crisis looming, the good news is there are simple steps you can take in your own backyard and garden that can reduce carbon emissions, and even capture carbon, while also nourishing your soil, conserving water, and fostering a healthy eco-system that attracts... Continue