The effort behind ‘effortless’

Once Erica Heald knew the fashion look she wanted for her new boutique – feminine, casual but sophisticated, cute and comfortable – she went looking for a place to make it happen. For the 27-year-old entrepreneur, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and... Continue

Guest opinion: No to fluoride in county water

(by Lauen Ayers). It’s true that Sonoma County kids suffer too much dental decay. Many agree that local government has a role to play in bringing that down. However, the County of Sonoma public health department’s $9 million plan will not only fail in lowering... Continue

Film Fest sets opening, closing night films

The Sonoma International Film Festival opens April 10 with “The Iceman,” starring Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, James Franco and Ray Liotta, and closes April 14 with the North American premiere of “A Monkey on My Shoulder,” starring Juliette Binoche. In another marquee event, the SIFF... Continue

Special election initiative would limit hotel size

A group headed by former Sonoma mayor Larry Barnett will circulate a petition to place on a special election ballot an initiative to limit approval of large hotels within Sonoma city limits. The Preserving Sonoma Committee announced the campaign Monday night. If approved by voters,... Continue

On Cuba

Born in Cuba during the first Batista regime, Teofilo Ruiz is now a distinguished professor of history at UCLA, an award-winning author, and a recent recipient of the National Humanities Medal awarded by President Barack Obama. In a March 23 lecture in Sonoma, he discusses... Continue

Bhatia won't return to Sassarini

It's official: Kristin Gornick is the new principal of Sassarini Elementary School. She has held the post on an interim basis since October, when principal Leticia Bhatia went on maternity leave. According to School District Superintendent Louann Carlomagno, Bhatia told staff today that she will... Continue

Thanks a lot

The public parking lot at 152 East Napa is well used, at least by a nearby merchant. Councilmember Steve Barbose notes that five to seven bakery trucks are parked there for most of each day. Not the intent of the free lot, which is supposed... Continue

‘Robust’ recovery fuels city budget surplus

Six months into the fiscal year Sonoma is “in the black,” according to City Manager Carol Giovanatto, as the city rides several trends that suggest a rebounding local economy. The city budget shows a $473,500 balance after spending $5.98 million through December. No year-end deficit... Continue

County signs off on Montini deal

Sonoma’s scenic hillside backdrop will, after eight years of negotiating, finally become Sonoma property. The county will transfer ownership of the 98-acre Montini Preserve from its Open Space District to the city of Sonoma, the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday. The OSD will build 1.8... Continue

Kim’s back with ‘Girlie Stuff'

With her new consignment shop Sonoma Girlie Stuff, at 1268 Broadway, Kim Enzensperger offers “women’s clothes that are in style and in season.” A Sonoman for 25 years, Enzensperger ran a ‘Girlie Stuff’ store several years ago, on West Napa Street near the Plaza. Since... Continue

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