Tabloid fever dreams take turn for the worst
The fantasies that once lived on cheap newsprint now pulse through mainstream culture. In the social media age, anything can be “true” if it flatters one’s bias or fuels their outrage, writes Jared O, Bell.
Open Mic: Digging a deeper hole
A noted Dry Creek farmer complains that streambed degradation is evident at Yoakim Bridge as the gravel around the instream pier has been scoured away, resulting in a partial void under the pier footing. ...
Benefit for girls flag football
"My name is Max Morris and I am the senior class president for Healdsburg High School. Healdsburg is one of two schools in our area that don’t have a girls flag football team, let alone a single flag football game..."
Letters: Sept. 10, 2025
"Every local government is unique in the range of services it provides and how those services are delivered," writes the city's Finance Director. "For example, while both Healdsburg and Petaluma provide police, fire, water and sewer services, Sonoma does not. Additionally, Healdsburg is the only one of the three that provides electric services... These differences among many factors influence the total size of the city budgets and lead to inaccurate comparisons if not considered."
Letters to the Editor, Sept. 4
Writes a former mayor, "This letter is not hyperbolic or overly dramatic. Our governmental system, our vital Checks and Balances, our Human Rights, our economic freedom and most important to me, our beloved, hard-earned Democracy, erodes in front of our eyes. We have to do more than observe, hope, pray and just believe it will get better. This time invites action. As a lifelong learner, a career secondary educator and a public servant, I write to appeal to you... "
LETTERS: Why no road signs of the river?
Dear Editor: I don’t know about you, but when I’m sitting shotgun, driving down the highway, I like to hang my head way out the window, suck up those sniffs and really let my ears fly. It’s both invigorating and relaxing at the same time.
What does the Planning Commission do?
The Planning Commission works in a collaborative way with the Planning Department and the City Council. Commissioners are selected by the council and advise the city on the merit of upcoming projects. We keep in mind the wishes of the residents and protect the environment and our tree inventory.
Letters: Readers take issue with stories
I’m so happy to read of this ("The Row", July 3). What a fantastic use of the area and keeping within the historical “spirit” of Healdsburg and not selling out to a huge hospitality operation. As a business owner and tenant from 1995 through 2003 I have a great respect and affection for the Humphrey family....
Open Mic: Reply to the Social Security commissioner
"Your fraudulent letter confirms you don’t intend to do the job the American people have given you. That job can only be done by someone with thorough expertise in the field, and a passion to serve and protect our fellow Americans. You have neither. You only have the competence to do the job you’ve really been assigned: destroy Social Security."
Letters: A vote for oaks in city plant survey
"I was so happy to see that the City of Healdsburg has given us a chance to suggest an official City flower, plant or tree as representative of Healdsburg," writes reader Mary Kelley. "I was especially pleased to see that all of the options are California Native Plants. There are five different plants from which to choose, and the sixth option is a category which encompasses a variety of species of Oak trees."
Arts & Entertainment
Movies a year-round obsession, not seasonal
“There are usually some fun surprises for us in the line-up of our ‘Audience Favorites’ program,” said co-founder Pamela Demorest. “Some films resonate more with our audience than they did with our celebrity jury, and we always want our guests to feel like a vital part of the process.”





















