Over 4,000 attendees turned out for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, raising $1,570,705 to benefit local charities in the process. The 16th annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, presented by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance and hosted by Cline Cellars on Sunday, Aug. 31,... Continue

It’s all over but the sealing – that’s the word from Caltrans regarding an extensive repaving project on Highway 12 between Agua Caliente and Fremont Drive. Caltrans spokeswoman Alicia Sequeira said that paving and electrical work for the project’s Sonoma portion was completed Aug. 29.... Continue

Greater transparency in pesticide use – that’s the issue behind a new bill headed for the governor’s desk. Widespread protests erupted earlier this year over the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) use of airborne pheromone sprays against the light brown apple moth (LBAM) in... Continue

Glen Ellen’s Benziger Family Winery is one of three California recipients honored for their commitments to wildlife protection and sustainability. The first ever Endangered Species Coalition Champion Award for Land Stewardship honors the winery’s commitment to farming practices that promote sustainability and protects local wildlife.... Continue

Longtime visitors to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s department website got a pleasant surprise Monday – a new look and more information. “This update is actually a full-scale change that is designed to allow us to be more informative and interactive with the community,” Capt. Dave... Continue

With a flourish of his pen, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger can save the Sonoma Valley Hospital – or at least save up to 30 percent of the renovation cost. SB1699, which passed the Senate Aug. 20 with a 33-0 vote, will help hospital districts like Sonoma... Continue

Mayor Joanne Sanders will serve a second term, and challenger Laurie Gallian a first, following a sometimes contentious discussion about democracy, punctuality and finances at the Sonoma City Council’s most recent meeting. The council voted 3-2 on Aug. 20 to forego a November general election... Continue

Part two of a three part series profiling teachers new to the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Next week the Sun will profile teachers from Woodland Star Charter School and Sonoma Charter School. New talent, new hopes and enthusiasm unite these teachers new to Sonoma... Continue

Two sets of rules govern elections in California – and while last week’s Sonoma City Council decision is clearly legal under one of them, the other leaves room for interpretation. The council voted 3–2 in two actions Aug. 20: the first canceled November’s city election,... Continue