All clips written by Roger Coryell, owned by their publishers
Pruning isn’t punishment. It’s renewal. Roses like pruning. I swear, if you lean in close, you’ll hear them sigh with relief when those tired canes get snipped. I even talk…
For kids in Sonoma County, the sound of possibility starts with a single chord. At Guitars Not Guns, students ages 8 to 18 are learning more than just music—they’re building…
There’s something oddly satisfying about discovering that your favorite critters are associated with downright bizarre words. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping piece of obscure trivia or a weird collective noun you…
The year turns again. Another January arrives, crisp and clean. The hills are damp, the air smells of earth, and for a moment, the world feels quieter. I look at…
Back in 2017, wildfires took most of Sonoma County by surprise. For many, it was the first time hearing about the “urban-wildland interface,” a term that suddenly became terrifyingly real…
January: the month that insists on staring deeply into your soul just after you’ve eaten your weight in holiday cookies and overspent on gifts nobody asked for. It’s a time…
Feel a shake recently? Sonoma County experiences hundreds of tiny earthquakes annually. The legacy of volcanoes has shaped the county’s hills and its fertile soil, leaving behind a geological story…
The tasting room at Bricoleur Vineyards is all at once grand and familiar. The high, rustic ceilings hint at its past life as a horse barn, yet every detail feels…
I was a complete idiot when I was 17. I made a lot of bad decisions. We won’t go into detail, but you know what it’s like.
During the early 1870s in Sonoma County, before vineyards dominated the landscape, a group of local farm boys pursued criminal fortune. Unlike legendary gunslingers, these men were inexperienced—reckless and destined…
Winter in Sonoma County brings a serene beauty to the garden. As I prune my roses and clear the morning frost from the fountain, I find joy in these quiet…
Winter is a season steeped in traditions, imagery, and feelings that span cultures and centuries. While words like “snow” and “cheer” get plenty of airtime this time of year, there’s…
As a wine columnist in Sonoma County, I often explore vineyards and tasting rooms to uncover the stories behind the bottles. Recently, I visited Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma o…
At Humane Society of Sonoma County (HSSC), every adoption is a lifeline, connecting animals in need with families ready to open their hearts and homes. New board president Lisa Barnes…
Sonoma County is known for our rich farmland and incredible local food, but despite all the abundance, many of our neighbors are going hungry. How can it be that in…
Fewer than half of Sonoma County high school graduates meet A-G requirements for UC, or CSU admission
Why shop local? As the holidays approach, the lure of online shopping grows stronger. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of buying gifts in their pajamas at 2 a.m.,…
For many in the Bay Area, enjoying fresh Dungeness crab in November or December is a cherished tradition. Whether piled high at family gatherings, served with warm sourdough, or starring…
November’s chill introduces some intriguing words into our vocabulary. Here are a few that might surprise you.
Please don’t join the Darwin club by trying to drive through flooded roadways. Bad idea. Don’t do it.
Martinelli Winery in Forestville, a family-owned landmark, is known for its bold Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. As Julianna Martinelli, a board member and part owner, explains, “Our wines aren’t wimpy;…
In the spirit of World Kindness Week, especially after navigating a highly polarizing election that felt reminiscent of the “may you live in interesting times” trope, it’s more important than…
Next week, Sonoma County's plan for managing its cherished coastline faces a pivotal moment. On Thursday, Nov. 14, the California Coastal Commission will decide whether to approve the county's updated…
On Halloween 2024, Sonoma County is wrapped in a scent almost like rain — that perfect Halloween mix of cool, damp air that makes every shadow seem a bit darker.…
Champions and heroes are rare, especially in disadvantaged places like Roseland. While some are paid to work in these areas to help residents, it's even more heroic when volunteers give…
Welcome to the strange, delicious lexicon of fall, where words like crepuscular slink in at twilight, painting the sky with shades of dusky purples and smoky greys. It’s a word…
Imagine Sonoma County without Crane melons, Bernier garlic, or Russian River pinot noir. Local farms shape the landscape, economy, and culture. But their future is uncertain, and what happens next…
Sonoma’s Mediterranean staples: olives and grapes thrive in local soil
West Sonoma County residents have a chance to shape the future of their wastewater systems and potentially lower their bills. A new committee, created in response to costly sewer spills…
Homeowners in areas like Monte Rio, Rio Nido, and Forestville who still rely on old cesspool systems now have more affordable upgrade options. These outdated systems dump untreated waste directly…
This is a tribute to Sonoma County’s everyday heroes — fire reporters and techs from the Watch Duty team. They’ve developed a lifesaving fire-spotting app, working tirelessly to protect us…
In a significant push for environmental conservation, Sonoma County may soon see its wetlands expanded, offering new protections to wildlife and bolstering climate resiliency. Local lawmakers, Reps. Jared Huffman and…
This month’s Nonprofit Nook spotlights Joint4ces, a Sonoma County nonprofit transforming veterans’ lives by connecting them with opportunities in agriculture. Founded by Sunny Welch, with Dante Graham as vice president,
The Pocket Creek Exchange Post in Guerneville — a once-thriving community spot for swapping reusable items — has shut down due to dumping. Local residents blame rising fees at county-owned…
The Russian River County Sanitation District will hold a public hearing on May 21, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. at 575 Administration Drive, Room 102A, Santa Rosa to discuss proposed sewer…
California's ocean salmon fishing industry faces a critical decision in 2024, with the Pacific Fishery Management Council presenting three potential paths for the season—ranging from limited fishing to a complete…
In the wake of the March 1 sewage spill into the Russian River (about half the amount of liquid in an Olympic-size pool) and worries about agricultural runoff, I’ve had…
In Rio Nido, locals are coming together for a big cause: bringing back the Rio Nido Post Office. This effort, led by the Friends of Rio Nido and the Rio…
In Sonoma County, a concerted effort is underway to secure the future of California's salmon, with a broad invitation extended to all interested parties. The California Department of Fish and…
Chanslor Ranch, a 378-acre property along Highway 1 near Bodega Bay, has officially become Sonoma County's newest regional park and open space preserve following Sonoma County Ag + Open Space's…
Years from now, you'll all say you were in the room where it happened. You'll all say it, but only thirty or so of you will not be fibbing. History…
In the grand lexicon of life's little surprises, we must now consider the inclusion of the term "Rohnert." Not to be mistaken with a rare breed of miniature schnauzer or…
In Guerneville, the debate over becoming a city is gaining momentum. With a pivotal public workshop scheduled at Guerneville School on Jan. 27, the community is actively discussing the future…
As leaves turn, Sonoma County’s array of free autumnal outings beckons. Sonoma County Ag + Open Space collaborates with partners for events requiring registration.
In an effort to address and better understand economic disparity within the region, the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Sonoma County is gearing up to host a pivotal discussion under…
Sonoma County is taking advantage of a surge in atmospheric rivers, with 12 recorded in California by mid-March 2023, significantly ahead of the average of six to 10 annually. The…
Welcome Boho Manor! So far the restaurant reviews are terrific. We wish the best to this historic property and movie setting.