Local Business

The coronavirus pandemic is taking a devastating economic toll on Sonoma County’s economy: tourism, once a mainstay, is non-existent; 16,000 local workers have filed for unemployment; more than a thousand small businesses have applied for the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) Payroll Protection Plan (PPP). Meanwhile local governments continue to provide essential public health and welfare services, while their normal revenue sources trickle to near-zero.

Just seven years after the West Sonoma County Vintners filed their petition, the West Sonoma Coast—where the cold marine air and heavy fog offer distinct advantages for growing wine grape varieties ranging from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Syrah—has officially been sanctioned as a...

The only movie theater between Santa Rosa and Ukiah, located in a classic cinema dating from 1950, has gone dark. The Clover Theater, located on East First Street in downtown Cloverdale, ceased showing films in mid-October, as owner Ryan Hecht announced in an email...

If wine is on a holiday shopping list—whether one is the host, the wine-bearing guest or the gift-giver for wine-loving and foodie friends—one may look no further than local wineries, tasting rooms and curated shops.  Magnum or a Mystery Responsible for the holiday wine selections this...

The latest round of grants from the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District (HTID) was announced earlier this month, the most recent installment in a program begun in 2020 and approved to last for 10 years. The latest distribution, of over $100,000, went to 11 organizations for their ability to put “heads in beds,” per the requirements of the HTID. But not everyone was pleased...

Sonoma County Summit State Bank has revamped its brand logo with bright new hues and type styles.

Downtown store Erin Mavis branching out by hosting book pop-up shop, launching book club on July 27

When you walk into Downtown Bakery and Creamery on Center Street, the scent of warm scones envelops you in a comforting hug and the familiar sound of the bread slicer rings out as locals line up for their morning coffee.

On July 1, 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.

What makes Healdsburg’s market particularly unique is the continued dominance of non-primary residence purchases. In 2024, 61% of all purchases were for second homes or investment properties, with rural properties showing an even higher rate at 76%. This tracks with 2023 when 64% of properties were purchased as non-primary residences, writes a local realtor.