Anna brings an entrepreneurial flair to all her ventures, all deeply-rooted in her life's purpose to help others, both in her native Rwanda and here in Sonoma. Seated outside Bon Marché Thrift Store, enjoying a Rwandan brew from her new Coffee Cart, Anna tells Anna... Continue
Under The Sun: Interviews
By Anna Pier The day Rebecca Hermosillo was sworn in as our District One Supervisor, Sonoma's Betzy Chavez began work as her bilingual Field Representative to our Valley. She works at the East Sonoma County Services Center, 19080 Lomita Avenue, Sonoma. How long have you... Continue
Sonoma’s Maki Aizawa, a co-curator of the remarkable Books Become Art exhibition at the Sonoma Valley Museum, talks with Anna Pier about her life in Japan, the artist book show at SVMA, and the artists she works with through Amu Arts. What is the genesis... Continue
Elected to the Sonoma City Council in 2022, Patricia Farrar-Rivas will serve as Mayor in 2025. The Sun's Anna Pier sat down with her to find out her background and her goals and aspirations for her service. Born and raised? I was an Air Force... Continue
Executive and Artistic Director of Sonoma Conservatory of Dance, Patty talks with Anna Pier about her journey in ballet, her work with Restorative Justice, the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance, and … the Masquerade Gala. Tickets at SCDgala.org Tell us about the Gala on November 14.... Continue
In the spring of 2024 Víctor Ferrer, by unanimous vote of the Fine Arts Commission, was named Treasure Artist of Sonoma. The Executive and Artistic Director and maestro of Quetzalén folkloric dance group, Ferrer was honored for his contribution to the Latino community, bringing their... Continue
David Pier, after nearly ten years as Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation, will leave at the end of October for a new position. Sitting in the courtyard garden at the hospital with the Sun's Anna Pier, Dave talked about his work at... Continue
Analyst for the UN World Food Project currently in Gaza and former professional soccer player who is an international advocate for equality for women in sports, the remarkable Erin Blankenship was visiting her sister Leslie Blankenship in El Verano when she talked with Anna Pier.... Continue
Alondra Marroquín describes herself as "a proud daughter, sister and spouse of immigrants." She has worked with the nonprofit Sonoma Immigrant Services (18360 Sonoma Highway) since its inception in 2019). SIS has helped nearly 300 locals become naturalized U.S. citizens and, in May, was accredited... Continue
On November 23, 2023 the SOS Unity Kitchen at 17400 Sonoma Highway, opened its doors to the food insecure of our Valley. Kathy King, ED of Sonoma Overnight Support talks with the Sun's Anna Pier about the new venture, SOS, and her life. Tell... Continue