Help decide what’s next for Maxwell Farms Park

For reasons which often defy explanation, certain parcels of land repeatedly become focal points for community action, controversy and negotiation. Subject to land use decisions pertaining to development, preservation, access and ecology, such parcels demand attention, often over an extended period of time. One such... Continue

Food + Drink Bites for April 16

The latest food + drink news, events and calls for your participation in and around Sonoma Valley. As the legendary James Marshall Berry says... "If your gig isn't in my column, you didn't tell me about it." Send your news to our Food + Drink... Continue

Hitchhiking hound reunited with ungrateful owner

Dear readers: While I was down in Westlake Village recently, I came upon a little dog that was trying to merge onto 101 northbound on foot -- dangerously close to my friend’s Subaru -- so I quickly snatched the little hairy pooch up from the... Continue

It’s time to get grillin’

After last time’s “Refreshing Wine Choices for Warmer Weather” it occurred to me that most of you have already reacted to our non-winter and have uncovered, cleaned and fired up that wonderful extension of your kitchen we enjoy so much out here, the outdoor grill.... Continue

An existential threat?

In his March address before a joint session of Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the “existential threat” that Iran posed against his country. In response, Congress intensified its push for military intervention to destroy this enemy. The phrase became a buzz words... Continue

‘Green’ is the new black

[gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="48068,48069,48070,48071"] A dress made of cookie boxes? A gown sewn of straws and drink wrappers? Couture composed of used tea bags, or magazines, maybe a bathroom rug? It’s time to talk trash for the Sonoma Community Center’s fifth annual Trashion Fashion show,... Continue

In Deep Water

In spite of or possibly in reaction to California's worst drought in 120 years, I suddenly find myself surrounded by neighbors building swimming pools. Five homes within 200 feet already have pools and two more even closer have completed the construction phase and have moved... Continue

Does this stress make me look fat?

Hello Sonoma, it's time I let you in on a little secret. It's not the clothes that are making you look fat, it's all the stress. It may come as no surprise to you that stress has an effect on your health, but did you... Continue

The blue shovel

When the chips are down... like this week dealing with Comcast, plumbers running around the house, hospitals, nursing homes, the water company… I had to wonder. How do I work with my mind so I enjoy life while it is still difficult? The frustrations are... Continue

40 years in 800 square feet

Every picture tells a story. To reflect the saga of Sonoma’s Broadway Market, a historic mainstay at the ‘four corners’ intersection, it takes a mural 12 feet tall and 60 feet wide. Artist Dave Gordon puts the finishing touches on the project, commemorated April 15... Continue