The Sonoma County Assessor’s Office suggests, Don’t pay! According to a press release issued Tuesday, local property owners have been receiving solicitations by mail for payment to pursue a reduction in their property taxes. The assessor’s office sought to clarify that there is no charge... Continue

Three burglaries from cars early last week make a pretty persuasive case for not leaving your purse in the car when you go for a walk. Deputies said that parking lots at wineries are frequently targeted and another hot spot is parking at trailheads, such... Continue

Don’t expect your state tax refund to show up on time. California may owe you a few hundred dollars, but the state owes Sonoma County a lot more, and the frustration and anger increases accordingly. California State Controller John Chiang announced this week that he... Continue

The Sonoma Valley Health Care District has sold the first tranche of its general obligation bonds. Six underwriters bid for the $12 million issue, with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. submitting the lowest true interest rate cost of 5.81 percent. The bond sale was approved by... Continue

Last weekend’s rains did little to alleviate the massive water shortage in the North Bay. While the lack of rainfall is a problem for everyone, it weighs heavily on grape growers, who depend on water not only for irrigation but also for frost abatement in... Continue

The cows grazing at the Montini Ranch on Fifth Street West aren’t going anywhere. However, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is moving forward with a gravel path across the south part of the pasture despite the Sonoma City Council’s displeasure with... Continue

North Bay techies will forsake the online social networking for a little face-to-face interaction at the “Live Wired” event tonight at 6 p.m. at El Dorado Kitchen, at the corner of West Spain Street and First Street West on the Plaza. The event is the... Continue

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Sonoma Valley Health Care District board of directors and the Sonoma City Council will hold a joint public meeting starting at 6 p.m. at the Fire House, 630 Second St. W. The meeting was initiated by Mayor Ken Brown. Both... Continue

School Board Tuesday, Feb. 10, Open session: 6:30 p.m. Sonoma Valley Unified School District offices, 17850 Railroad Ave. The Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees meets every second Tuesday of the month. The agenda is available online at www.sonomavly.k12.ca.us. Valley of the Moon... Continue