Improving access to your library: Library eliminates fines
PAID ADVERTORIAL — Last year, the Sonoma County Library went “fine-free” and eliminated overdue fines for items returned late. In addition, all past fines were waived. In all, more than 80,000 people — 30 percent of all library borrowers — had their overdue fines waived.
Foppiano Winery Sold to Graton’s Martin Ray
In 1926, Foppiano Wines was forced by Prohibition revenue agents to discard 140,000 gallons of red wine into a ditch next to the highway, where the current winery is located. From there, it flowed into a nearby creek and then into the Russian River—but not before locals scooped up buckets full of the illegal beverage...
Tasting Room Closing Ending Area’s Longest Run
Simi Winery, whose signature wine-barrel tasting room was a landmark on Old Redwood Highway when it served as 101 North, will close its tasting room in February, Constellation Brands announced this month.
“As we focus on evolving SIMI into a leading premium consumer lifestyle brand,...
Steakhouse Marinating on Plaza Street?
The roof has been razed and the walls have come down on the narrow business space at 113 Plaza St., next door to Duke’s.
Though the applicant, builder and owner won’t answer directly, the restaurant is widely presumed to become a steakhouse; the big Texas...
County’s hospitality industry hit hardest in COVID outbreak
The welcome mat for Sonoma County’s wine country was rolled up several weeks ago in the midst of the COVID-19 shelter-in-place, and there is no prediction of when it might be rolled out again. Only a little over one quarter (27.8%) of the county’s 7,000 lodging rooms were occupied at the beginning of this month, down from an average occupancy rate of 78% from a year ago.
Downtown Bakery & Creamery reopens this week under new, local owners
The beloved Downtown Bakery & Creamery is reopening on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Parish Cafe is under new ownership, but the eatery’s recipes and concept won’t change
Correction: The Parish will serve lunch and breakfast, not lunch and dinner.
Hispanic Vintners Celebrate Harvest at Bacchus
Since its opening two years ago, in July 2021, Bacchus Landing has become recognized as a prime place to hold larger events in Healdsburg, from the monthly “Music on the Piazza” affair on first Saturdays, to several sold-out concerts for June’s Healdsburg Jazz Festival.
On...
Food for Thought: Healing Illness with Food + Love
SPONSORED – If you live in Sonoma County, you’ve likely seen Food for Thought volunteers collecting food donations at local grocery stores nearly every weekend of the year. And if you’ve ever donated food, money, or time as a volunteer, everyone at Food For Thought thanks you!
Faherty Opens As Council Considers Formula Stores
The new proposal was to expand the formula-free zone one block further into the Downtown Commercial district. McDowell showed a map where a red line marked the border of the proposed formula-free zone; it surrounds most of seven city blocks adjacent to the Plaza, marking a significant expansion of the prohibition zone.
















