Columns

Always the most repeated and appreciated blessing we hear at local Thanksgiving tables is how we live among so many generous and gratitude-filled people and communities, even as Sonoma County has not been without tragedy, unmet needs and disputes. We’ve endured historic wildfires, loss of life, rising homelessness and new uncertainties. Yet, we remain #SonomaStrong, hopeful, faithful and determined. Witness how many of us today are on the giving side of the Thanksgiving free food lines and community dinners. Let’s remember that “mixed blessings” are still blessings.

The first robbery occurred in April, just after a big slaughtering had been completed. The hearts, lights, lungs, and other meat taken from carcasses, considered in butcher parlance as “offal” together with one or two tools, disappeared. A few weeks later, immediately after another butchering, the same thing was repeated.

100 years ago – January 16, 1919

Fun facts: The word “yet” has a few meanings. As an adverb it references “a continuing state or condition.” As a conjunction, it introduces a contrasting fact or thought. As a modifier, it intensifies meaning, as in “yet again.” Another column of observation from Pierre Ratte.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution spells out five rights of every American against which the government may not construct any laws to restrict, alter or eliminate. These are the freedom of speech, of religion, a free press and the right to assembly and to petition the government with grievances. None of these are guaranteed. These rights and freedoms are only in place so long as enough citizens demand them, a free press protects them and supportive legal arguments win their day in court. These freedoms and other parts of our Bill of Rights have come under continuous legal and governmental attack during the long history of our nation. We believe this is so today.

You can’t see them. You can’t swim in them. But groundwater aquifers are one of the most important sources of water in the North Coast.

Have you ever awoken to a noisy sound on your street early in the morning and wondered what it was? If it was not your friendly solid waste truck collecting your garbage, it was probably your city’s street sweeper. Have you ever wondered why so many resources are spent to keep your streets clean, how they operate and why do they have to operate so early in the morning? Well if you have, here are a few answers.