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

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

Sonoma Valley High School’s students returned to the Bouverie Preserve this month to work as biologists, thus completing their role in the Bouverie Preserve’s Project Gathering to Restore Oak Woodlands. The group of students converged at the preserve for a workday held on April 9.... Continue

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

It’s official – Sonoma Valley High School has a new principal.  Unanimously approved by the board at Tuesday night’s meeting, Dino Battaglini will take the reins for the 2010-2011 school year. Battaglini hails from West Santa Rosa where he has commuted to his job as... Continue

Jail time for fast food flasher The man who exposed himself to a mother and her teenage daughter while they were waiting for their food at the Sonoma McDonald’s has been convicted of indecent exposure. Richard Garcia, 55, of Sonoma, was sentenced Friday to five... Continue

A parade of clowns cavorted through Tuesday night’s Farmers Market in a peaceful, red-nosed protest over alleged treatment of one of their own. The Peace Lady, Patricia LaGrange, said she was kicked out of last week’s event by market management, which had mistaken her colorful... Continue

A group that takes enjoying its wine almost as seriously as making it, The Sonoma Home Winemakers, threw its annual awards banquet last week. Among the celebrants at Vintage House were, standing, with Rebeca and Tom Ramme, and Club President Chris Kukshtel and, sitting, Beatrize... Continue

In Sonoma County: On Highway 101, from Steele Lane to Windsor River Road, two lanes in each direction will be closed from Monday night/Wednesday morning through Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The on ramp from Santa Rosa Avenue to southbound Highway 101... Continue