Under The Sun: Kathy Pons, president of Valley of the Moon Alliance

What is the Valley of the Moon Alliance, Kathy? VOTMA started in 2002 in response to two large, proposed resorts in the Valley. Only one, the Graywood Ranch, has ended up in development. VOTMA challenged the adequacy of their EIR in court, but the court... Continue

Under The Sun: Jane Zimmerman, marriage and family therapist

As a therapist, Jane, do you consider yourself in the wellness profession? Yes I do. My clients are definitely seeking wellness, emotional and spiritual. There is lot of fear and anxiety right now, and what people bring into my office is very mixed. For many... Continue

Under the Sun Interview: Joanna Kemper

Under the SUN: Joanna Kemper, Conservationist of the Year Tell me about the award you just received, Joanna. I was named "Conservationist of the Year", an award given jointly by Sonoma Rotary Club and the City of Sonoma. I feel very honored; previous recipients include... Continue

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: Interviews