Under The Sun: Cab driver “Captain Joel” Sinkay

How long have you been driving for Vern's Taxi I started in '13 after closing my own business, Leonard's Bait Shop at the marina on the Petaluma River. I had a shrimp boat, too; called her "Queen". It was a 1941 U.S. Navy net tender... Continue

Under The Sun: Randi Sherman, author

What inspired you to write “The Lobby”? I don’t know really, I had been writing linear novels, with a clear main character, a beginning, middle and end. I started writing “The Lobby” in the same way, but as I introduced more and more supporting characters,... Continue

Under the Sun: Tony Albini — Maintenance/Operations Manager, SVUSD

I hear you're a local, Tony. Yeah, I went to Flowery elementary, then El Verano, then Altamira and Sonoma High where I graduated in 1988. I'm a genuine home boy! I've gotten to know almost every square inch of every school. Sonoma Valley is my... Continue

Under the Sun: Stacey Stern — Depot Park Museum manager

Was there really a train depot here? Yes there was. And this existing building stands where the original one burned down in the 1970s. The City of Sonoma, the community and the Sonoma Valley Historical Society all collaborated and built this building in 1979. We... Continue

Under The Sun – Madeline Black

I’ve heard you referred to as the “Pilates Lady” -- what’s your story? I grew up in New York and became involved in professional dance. This was in the 80s. At that time the Pilates craze was dying; there were no Pilates studios at all.... Continue

Under the Sun Interview: K.D. McComb

Do you mind telling me what K.D. stands for? Not at all; it stands for Krishna Devata. I was born into an Ashram community in Vancouver, Canada. Our teacher was Bhaktivedanta Swami. My parents were westerners, and I was raised as a Hindu there for... Continue

Under the Sun: Anita Torres, home care worker

Where are you from Anita and how long have you been a Home Care Worker? I was raised right here and went to El Verano school. I've been an active Home Care Worker since 1996. Currently I work for In Home Support Services (IHSS), a... Continue

Under the Sun: Rabbi Steve Finley, Congregation Shir Shalom

Finley? Bet there's a story behind that name. Yes. My father's family was from Ireland -- Catholic. He spent his childhood in a Catholic orphanage. He met my mother while a G.I. in England during the Second World War. She was from an Orthodox Jewish... Continue

Under the Sun: Dmitra Smith; musician, advocate

I once knew a Dmitri, but you're the first Dmitra I've met My mother was absolutely sure she'd have boy, but she got me. She was an avid reader and loved Russian writers, so Dmitri became Dmitra. Well, you're certainly not Russian. Where were you... Continue

Under the Sun: Dan Eraldi, three generations on Sonoma Plaza

Eraldi's is a real fixture on the Plaza. How did it begin? My Grandfather David lived in Sonoma and owned the Star Saloon, which was just south of Depot Park on First Street West. He decided to start a Men's store, and in 1922 opened... Continue

Under The Sun: Interviews