Fires highlight critical weaknesses in communication infrastructure
On the first night of the fires in Sonoma County, large swaths of the region lost cell phone coverage and internet connectivity, as Verizon and Comcast coverage took a big hit. At the height of the destruction, as many as 77 cell towers were taken off the grid. Despite swift reaction times from the providers, the loss of communications was costly in the first, most hectic hours of the firestorm.
Social distancing: A refresher course
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its fourth week locally, early reports indicate that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March 19 order to shelter-in-place and subsequent “social distancing” are helping to keep demands on the local health care system below capacity.
Sebastopol City Council to consider prohibiting fireworks and reviving city life
The Sebastopol City Council will discuss reviving public life again at its upcoming meeting Tuesday, May 4 at 6 p.m. The meeting, held over Zoom, will also include a public hearing on an ordinance to prohibit fireworks and a resolution on water conservation measures.
‘No one size fits all for school reopening’
At webinar on school reopening, racial equity, state and county superintendents provide guidelines, not plans
District promises to save 7th period
Some students in west county like high school so much they fought hard for the right to stay there an extra hour every day. Upon learning that the district was planning on cutting 7th period for budget reasons, students began protesting at board meetings and rallying in Sebastopol’s downtown square.
Operation Santa seeks to bring families in need together with those who want to help them
Kids can write to Santa, and get responses from around the country
Quarantined: A new law is disrupting California school reopenings
Heather Christiansen got an email on Aug. 14 from her son’s school, saying her 10-year-old had been in contact with a classmate who tested positive for COVID-19.
Repaving of certain Sebastopol streets to begin next week
Residents living on Sebastopol streets scheduled for repaving may experience a couple days of disruption in exchange for smoother roads in the long-term starting next week.
Arts & Entertainment
Stage face-off: Revenge vs. rivalry
Local audiences seeking a solid presentation of an American theatrical classic have two very diverse options right now. The Raven Performing Arts Theater hosts Stephen Sondheim’s massive macabre musical, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," while The 222 offers Sam Shepard’s more intimate fraternal drama, "True West." Both run in Healdsburg through Nov. 8.
