Columns

Suspending flow for fish

Always the most repeated and appreciated blessing we hear at local Thanksgiving tables is how we live among so many generous and gratitude-filled people and communities, even as Sonoma County has not been without tragedy, unmet needs and disputes. We’ve endured historic wildfires, loss of life, rising homelessness and new uncertainties. Yet, we remain #SonomaStrong, hopeful, faithful and determined. Witness how many of us today are on the giving side of the Thanksgiving free food lines and community dinners. Let’s remember that “mixed blessings” are still blessings.

Help in isolation

Ukiah, the city I work in, recently renovated the entire downtown area with new sidewalks, paved road, and all new trees with planter areas. In full transparency, I was involved in aspects of the planning of this project but not the design. When a co-worker of mine made a criticism regarding the new planters at all the street corners, I was excited to actually have some rare insight that I felt was useful in a nerdy sort of way. He complained that the contractor left the planter areas several inches too shallow and made an opening in the curb which will likely flood and dump garbage and dirty water around the new plants just put in. “Exactly the point!” was my response which only made him more confused, and as I presume, makes him not the only one. Let me geek out with you in a science meets nature sort of way.

Eyes closed I can feel the rays warm my face as the sun rises over the mountain. It is early morning and quiet. I sit in my backyard grateful and thankful we live in Sonoma County.

"We voted on Prop. 12 in 2018 to ban factory farming of the kind promoted by the Yes on Measure J people from outside the county, which was a statewide initiative. It went into full implementation on January 1, 2024. It has barely had the opportunity to go full swing and here we are targeting only Sonoma County. Why?" So asks one reader in our Letter to the Editor column, found online only this week...

This past weekend included the pleasure of kayaking Tomales Bay with a youth group. It’s fun to be out with tween-agers. Their energy seems boundless. Their enjoyment rising from the moment. Their wonderment a reminder of life approached with curiosity and fully explored.  Will creatures...

John Necker makes it fun to read about the city council