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
What’s Happening
Local Sonoma Valley News:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In the wake of our most recent round of storms, in which steady downpours and fierce winds resulted in flooded roads, swollen creeks and rivers, downed trees, and prolonged power outages, I have had Sonoma County’s unincorporated communities on my mind. Along with Supervisor Hopkins,... Continue
We all want to be safe from fire and we all respect, appreciate and want to support our dedicated and courageous firefighters for their lifesaving work. However, there are many red flags about Measure H. It’s a regressive tax. The Measure would establish a half-cent... Continue