Springs’ highway improvements get symbolic start

Breaking ground on the Highway 12 sidewalk project are Jennifer Gray and Pat Gilardi from Supervisor Gorin’s office, Rich Lee of the Springs Community Alliance, former Supervisor Valerie Brown, First District Supervisor Susan Gorin, Tom O’Kane and Susan Klaussen, Sonoma County Public Works Department, and... Continue

Former Uncle Patty’s to become a new restaurant

By Gina Cuclis Considered to be the biggest eyesore in the Springs, the former Uncle Patty's at 15 Boyes Boulevard near the Sonoma Mission Inn, next year will be transformed into an upscale pizza restaurant. The owner, Karen Waikiki, has drawn up plans that involve tearing... Continue

Gifts of community good

Editor: Yesterday after calling the IRS to help me with my income tax return I was referred to the free tax service at the Vintage House in Sonoma. I went immediately, as I was baffled by this years return: not having a book to follow... Continue

Hugh Leeman opening at Patz & Hall

Art and wine lovers visited Patz & Hall Winery on Saturday evening to celebrate the opening of San Francisco artist Hugh Leeman's new exhibition of paintings and mixed media works. The works will be on display at the winery from now until July 5. Photos... Continue

Friends of Maxwell Park gather for tour

About 40 community members gathered on Saturday at the first tour conducted by Friends of Maxwell Farm Park, a group formed by historian/professor Larry Davis. The two-hour walking tour began in the parking lot, and traversed all sections of the park. First stop was along... Continue

Stompers seeking host families for players

[caption id="attachment_48997" align="alignnone" width="442"] From left to right: Matt Marquis, Liz McDonald, Scott Garner, Lindsey McDonald and Matt Hibbert, pose for a photo on the field before a 2014 Stompers home game. Both Lindsey and Liz are eager to be host “moms” again this season.... Continue

Envolve Winery celebrates Sauvignon Blanc release

Envolve Winery celebrated the release of their much anticipated 2013 Sauvignon Blanc at their annual Patio Pounder party at their downtown Sonoma tasting room. Locals and out of towners alike enjoyed the beautiful weather, heated games of Jenga in the courtyard, live music by Dan... Continue

R-Snik™ and Old Grapes

As far as can be determined, there’s no need to panic just yet over reports about a recent lawsuit alleging there is an excessive amount of arsenic in cheap wine. Totally unscientific research (the most flexible kind) reveals the following: • Per Wikipedia, arsenic is... Continue

VOM Water District sets conservation rules

Limiting irrigation to three days a week and water served only by request in restaurants are among the rules issued by the Valley of the Moon Water District (VOMWD) in an effort to cut overall water use by 20 percent less compared to 2013. VOMWD’s... Continue

Council kerfuffle over Planning Commission appointment

In what was clearly a frustrating process for Sonoma's Mayor David Cook, at its most recent meeting the City Council was unable to agree on the ratification and appointment of Mike Coleman to the Planning Commission. Up to now, the appointment process has been a review... Continue