I love this time of year, as the leaves begin to turn and flitter to the rain-soaked soils. We have commemorated this time of year for well over 100 years, and while the Vintage Festival has come and gone, we don’t need such a celebration to... Continue
Each month, various governments, groups and organizations, raise awareness on a variety of issues. For instance, the month of September is National Yoga, National Fish, National Prostate, National Chiari Malformation, Life Insurance Awareness and National Hispanic Heritage Month. The focus of this week’s column will... Continue
Dr. Galen Burdell, a noted Marin County dentist, accidentally killed his mother-in-law, Mrs. James Black. The year was 1864. Let’s start at the beginning. The scene is what is now Olompali State Historic Park, located between Novato and Petaluma on Highway 101. In 1843, Mariano... Continue
Soon, school children will be visiting our mission and learning about the Native Americans who lived in the area. Fall seems to be the season for teachers to address Native cultures and November is recognized nation-wide as Native American month. Traditionally, Fall equates to harvest,... Continue
I was minding my own business when a friend came up and asked, “If you’re building a building and you find a burial ground, that stops everything, right, or if you find some arrowheads, or if you...” I took a sip from my coffee cup and,... Continue
First, I would like to wish all readers a wonderful Labor Day. Second, I would like to explore the history of this wondrous National holiday. Third, please don’t discuss with my children the history behind this three-day weekend. I have lied to them. They believe... Continue
This week I write about what’s going on in Egypt, and Sonoma’s Sister City there, Aswan. I have provided several updates over the last few years, but in the past month, Egypt finds itself deeper and deeper in a state of utter chaos. There has... Continue
As summer closes, the family took a little excursion to the northern frontier, winding our way out of Seattle to the little town of Monroe, Washington. A McKale family reunion brought first, second and third cousins together from all over the U.S. Washington has unique... Continue
First, an update regarding recent events in Egypt. On July 3, the army took control of Egypt, relinquishing the democratically elected President of his duties. Some have called this action a coup, while others consider it a needed action to prevent a civil war. Regardless... Continue
Last week I addressed the unofficial sister-city relationship between Sonoma and Benicia. This week I do the same with Napa Valley. In my twenty years living in Sonoma Valley I have heard about a good healthy rivalry with our neighbor to the east. Though geographically... Continue