With spending down and revenues up, Sonoma’s $10 million city budget appears to be in good shape at mid-term – but whether or not it remains that way may depend on the state’s own fiscal health. “That’s a critical $64 million question that remains to... Continue

Sonoma pioneer Bob Kunde – rancher, farmer, cattleman, and Sonoma County Trail Blazer – died Friday at the age of 80. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Leslie M. Kunde, and sons Jeff R., Keith L., and daughter Marcia M. and their families. He... Continue

There are lies, damn lies and statistics,’” said Dr. Clinton Lane, quoting Mark Twain at the Sonoma Valley Hospital’s July 16 strategic planning meeting. “I’ve been sitting here on this committee and listening to surveys, and most of the elections were lost,” he said. “This... Continue

One more candidate is needed to qualify Sonoma for a general City Council election, following Mayor Joanne Sanders’ announcement this week that she’ll seek a second term. “My family has given me their vote of support, now it’s time to see if the community appreciates... Continue

A fresh new group of Sonoma Valley businesses are saving money and energy – and generating excitement among staff and customers – with their sustainable business practices. Barking Dog Roasters, El Pueblo Inn, Haus, Sonoma Valley Bank, Friedman’s Home Improvement, and Wine Country Film Society... Continue

While Sonoma City Hall gets spruced up for its 100th anniversary, celebration organizers are asking the next generation of Sonomans for some aesthetic help. The city is soliciting art from all Sonoma Valley students, grades K–12, for the event’s official poster. City Historian George McKale... Continue

The draft mobile home ordinance scheduled to be approved at the June 16 Sonoma City Council meeting has been sent back, once more, for refinement. At issue is the definition of the term “bona fide conversion” and the desire by Councilmember Steve Barbose to avoid... Continue

Two Napa residents were arrested near Glen Ellen Friday afternoon in connection with an armed robbery less than an hour earlier at the Safeway recycling center in Sonoma. Nineteen-year-old Ramon Llamas and a 16-year-old accomplice were taken into custody without incident on Highway 12 near... Continue

The Sonoma City Council has engaged a Berkeley consulting firm, Natural Logic, to help staff to develop a city sustainability plan. City Manager Linda Kelly said the council had chosen the company because of their “action-oriented” track record of having developed sustainable practices for other... Continue