The Japanese film “Perfect Days” features renowned actor Kôji Yakusho leading a Zen-like life in the heart of Tokyo, where he works as a public toilet cleaner. Yakusho won Best Actor for the role at the Cannes Film Festival. His character, Hirayama, is shown playing... Continue
Under The Sun: Interviews
Gary Edwards was recently selected by the City Council and past Alcaldes to be the honorary mayor of Sonoma, the 2026 "Alcalde" (Spanish for mayor). Anna Pier talked with the 66-year-old tireless volunteer about how he got to Sonoma, why he cares so deeply about... Continue
The Sonoma Valley Unified Board of Trustees has made two monumental decisions since Trustee David Bell took the gavel in December, the approval of the MacArthur Park Charter School petition, and selection of a new Superintendent for the District. Anna Pier met with the new... Continue
Sonoma Valley Hospital welcomed Dr. Patrick Okolo to the hospital staff in early October as Chief Medical Officer. A nationally recognized physician leader and academic gastroenterologist, he brings extensive experience in clinical excellence, quality improvement, and organizational leadership. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Dr.... Continue
35-year-old Ale (pron."Á-lay") Santoyo has worked at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn most of her adult life. She talks with Anna Pier about her journey of self-discovery through her work, the joy of working at a unionized hotel, and her Mexican heritage. You've worked for... Continue
Under the Sun: Seth Donnelly, Educator and Activist Co-Founder of Taxpayers Against Genocide in Gaza
The story of Sonoma's Seth Donnelly is the story of the making of an activist. Anna Pier sat down with the high school teacher who has spent the last year at the helm of Taxpayers against Genocide in Gaza (TAG). Your background? I grew up... Continue
Sonoma Valley Unified School Board President Catarina Landry leads a Board which must address a fiscal crisis; decide on a third potential school closure (following Dunbar Elementary in 2023 and Adele Harrison Middle School in June); and hire a new Superintendent. Anna Pier talks with... Continue
CEO Sara Brewer brings impressive education and work experience, and a passion for addressing health care disparities, to her new job at Sonoma Valley Community Health Center. Anna Pier sat down to talk with the young (46) leader about how she got to Sonoma, her... Continue
At the helm since the end of this April, Ben has been CFO at the hospital since the spring of 2022. Anna Pier sat down to talk with the young (43) and enthusiastic Interim CEO about his ongoing and new roles, and what he thinks... Continue
Inspired by the Citizenship Celebration put on by the nonprofit Sonoma Immigrant Services (SIS) on June 21 to honor the 90 new Sonoma Valley citizens since July 2024 who worked with SIS, the Sun's Anna Pier talked with its remarkable and humble founder, Vicki Handron.... Continue