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What’s Happening
Local Sonoma Valley News:

Developer’s new plans for historic off-Plaza property

A third attempt to develop 165 E. Spain Street calls for a scaled-back project more in keeping with its historic neighbors, the Blue Wing Inn and the Sonoma Mission. Mission Square, as presented by architect Bill Willers, of Sonoma’s Marcus Willers Architects, is a complex... Continue

More business, less profit for wine industry

California wine shipments in the U.S. rose marginally in 2009 but retail value dipped three percent as consumers traded down to lower price wines, The Wine Institute reported. Although consumers were cautious in their spending last year, the underlying consumer trends in the U.S. have... Continue

New bridge proposed for Watmaugh Road

The 81-year-old bridge on Watmaugh Road over Sonoma Creek will be replaced under a proposal by the county department of transportation. “We can’t wait until it falls down,” said Levi Gurule, senior engineer. “This is a repair in advance.” A Cal Trans study after the... Continue

Star catching

Lauren Hutton and Robin Williams get cozy at the Spotlight Gala, one of two bashes thrown Saturday night as part of the Sonoma International Film Festival. After the mingler at Ramekins, the festivities continued with a filmmaker party and concert at Little Switzerland. The four-day... Continue

Icky ticks and silly tricks

Dear Dr. Forsythe: Where does Lyme disease come from? I pull so many ticks off my dog that I’m concerned that she could come down with the disease eventually. I haven’t gotten her vaccinated for Lyme’s disease, but I’ve been thinking about it recently after... Continue

Imagination takes flight with bluebird project

In an artistic celebration of spring, children from Sonoma Valley’s WillMar Center for Bereaved Children will again be painting bluebird boxes constructed by the vineyard crew at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyard. The unique collaboration allows bereaved children to have a therapeutic and creative outlet... Continue

Openings on three city panels

The resignation of Lois Gordon from the city’s cultural and fine arts commission has created an opening on the panel. Mayor Steve Barbose has nominated Lisa Carlsson, the current alternate commissioner, to fill the vacancy. The city now seeks a volunteer to hold the post... Continue

Bike path crosswalk must be replaced

The long-broken electronic crosswalk system on Fifth Street West at the bike path will have to be replaced, a job that could cost the city up to $20,000 according to Director of Public Works Melinka Bates. When working, the system is activated when a pedestrian... Continue