Your correspondent apologizes for any typos or wine stains in this piece but he's finishing this column and trying to get his 2024 ballot read, analyzed, marked and in the mail before polls close. Those who’ve herniated a disk lifting those dense Voters Guides know... Continue

Around this time each year many of us start to get more than a little tired of hearing, "Get out and Vote!" What? AGAIN? Yes! Voting is the lifeblood of our nation! That, and of course, bribery. Fortunately, hereabouts we can register and vote by... Continue

Diligent readers abreast of the latest news (wildfires, wars, mass shootings, environmental collapse, political insults du jour) are well aware of the nation's simmering problems with immigration. It's again a hot topic of political brick-batting in the current election cycle. (e.g., "Build that wall! Build... Continue

Dog-lovers in the City of Sonoma can be forgiven for being puzzled about recent news from Mars. Mars Petcare, that is; an earthbound dog-food company which also makes candy for humans, a/k/a Mars Bars. Per a press release by Pets Lifeline, our Valley's animal shelter,... Continue

Those reading over their copy of the Constitution this July 4th might think it needs some serious updating for the 21st century.  After all, it was last changed 32 years ago -- in 1992 -- when the 27th Amendment (Google it) was approved by 3/4ths... Continue

While most of it is long gone, a proliferation of beautiful statuary was harbored once  at Sonoma's Plaza. For decades, the only 'resident' was Whatshisname-With-Flag-On-A-Rock marking the site where, in 1846, rag-tag (i.e., drunk) white settlers raised the Bear Flag in revolt against Mexico, establishing... Continue

"Profound: 1. having or showing great knowledge and understanding; a profound thinker." In the wake of plagues, coups, wars and killer cops, readers may have noticed a sharp uptick in Profundity in newscasts & on social media. Apparently, that's because mass mediacasters (as well as... Continue

A proposal is rumored to be circulating in the Valley (well, at least around my desk) which, if adopted, could have profound implications for school districts & students nationwide.   It goes something like this: To graduate from high school, all students must be able to... Continue

Grumblings were recently overheard in a local bar-not-to-be-named, to the effect that if voters return Mr. Trump to the presidency, the sovereign state of California should -- MUST! -- Secede From The Union.  Readers will find it hard to believe but the grumbling went something... Continue