Editorial

"It certainly was a different time in the ’Burg back then. Dogs and kids were allowed to wander around in the bars. And along the stretch of (then) West Street and Plaza Street, it seemed there were so many bars! All the owners supported each other and enjoyed beers at the different establishments..."

Pantone has anointed its 2026 Color of the Year and, in an act of breathtaking caution, selected white. Well, basically white. “Cloud Dancer” is its official name—a soft, contemplative white-adjacent non-color billed as a balm for our overstimulated moment.

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.

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. ...

"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..."

"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."

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... "

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.

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.

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....