The tiny crossroads of Freestone (pop. 32), on the road

Faustian Deal: Telecom Pioneer Submits Application for Tasting Room, Event Center in Freestone hamlet

Update: Webley has offered the community water in return for the locals dropping opposition against the outrageous scale of the project in this tiny community. Mr. Webly, at his expense has agreed to provide the community: 1)    Additional potable water storage in the form a 35,000 gallon tank and associated foundation at / next to …

Faustian Deal: Telecom Pioneer Submits Application for Tasting Room, Event Center in Freestone hamlet Read More »

Walt Ranch controversial vineyard conversion litigated

This is a bad project that has gone back to the drawing board several times due to the destruction of the watershed, endangered species, wildlife, climate issues and more. Have we finally reached our tipping point where people come before profit for the wealthy and influential? What is missing from this article is the 2 watersheds …

Walt Ranch controversial vineyard conversion litigated Read More »

Preserve Rural Sonoma County

Enough Already ……Sonoma County moves to limit winery development?

Enough Already Sonoma County moves to limit winery development By Padi Selwyn  http://www.bohemian.com/northbay/enough-already/Content?oid=2978035 The wine industry study session held by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors earlier this month was a step in the right direction, as local officials try to balance the interests of the wine industry with a growing backlash by rural residents …

Enough Already ……Sonoma County moves to limit winery development? Read More »

Sonoma County Winery Events facing Changes in Rules

Appearing online now and in print August 1.  9/27 PRSC’s story in the Bohemian appears. http://www.sonomacountygazette.com/cms/pages/sonoma-county-news-article-5458.html Sonoma County Winery Events facing Changes in Rules Sonoma County Winery Events facing Changes in Rules By Padi Selwyn and Judith Olney, Co-chairs, Preserve Rural Sonoma County July’s winery events study session by the Board of Supervisors was a …

Sonoma County Winery Events facing Changes in Rules Read More »

Red Flag for further event permits…do you hear me now?

EDITOR: Staff Writer Christi Warren’s reporting on the massive traffic jam caused by a festival at Sonoma Lavender in Kenwood warranted placement on Page A3 in Tuesday’s paper (“Highway 12 grinds to halt due to festival”). What was not mentioned is the potential for the cumulative impacts caused by the many events permitted (and not permitted) that …

Red Flag for further event permits…do you hear me now? Read More »

Lopez and the Coast: Letter to the editor

Lopez and the coast EDITOR: Please keep running the columns by Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times on the corrupt, back-room dealings of the California Coastal Commission. He understands thoroughly the scope and nature of this corruption. His well-researched and reported columns give readers a clear insight into the ways these self-aggrandizing commission members …

Lopez and the Coast: Letter to the editor Read More »

Outdoor recreation is big business in Sonoma County

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/business/5764324-181/outdoor-recreation-is-a-green?artslide=0 The above article from Bill Swindell of the Press Democrat in June 26th  “….official’s look for ways to attract active tourists to Sonoma County”.  With massive traffic jams in and around the county and the Sonoma County Supervisors still budgeting big bucks to attract more tourists, it makes you wonder where do they live? Certainly not …

Outdoor recreation is big business in Sonoma County Read More »

“The Inconveniences of living near a vineyard” by Robert Butler of the Washington Post

Would you buy a home next to a vineyard knowing the millions pounds of chemicals that are being used, the water and air fouled and high cancer rates that are firmly established by multiple studies? ” ….But, loss of ambiance notwithstanding, a neighbor whose house is located close to the vines (thankfully, mine is not) …

“The Inconveniences of living near a vineyard” by Robert Butler of the Washington Post Read More »

Napa County has highest cancer rates for children…..Sonoma not far behind…

Napa County has highest cancer rates for children Napa County has the highest cancer rate for children in California according to statistics.  Childhood deaths from cancer are 22.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Sonoma doesn’t fare much better at 20.6 childhood deaths per 100,000 children. For adults, normal cancer rates are 424.94 deaths statewide per 100,000 …

Napa County has highest cancer rates for children…..Sonoma not far behind… Read More »

No $ for Workers As: Auto Giants Pay 1% in taxes Federal Taxes on $42 Billion in Profits

Auto Giants Refusing Union Demands Paid Just 1% in Federal Taxes on $42 Billion in Profits: Analysis “The tax system is rigged to benefit multinational corporations over the workers who keep them running.” BRETT WILKINS Sep 19, 2023 Despite reaping tens of billions of dollars in profits between them over the past five years, General Motors …

No $ for Workers As: Auto Giants Pay 1% in taxes Federal Taxes on $42 Billion in Profits Read More »

Forest Unlimited: Oak Woodland Ordinance Hearing Thursday, September 21, 1 pm

Forest Unlimited: Oak Woodland Ordinance Hearing Thursday, September 21, 1 pm Please come to the Hearing on the Sonoma County’s Oak Woodland Ordinance at 1 pm on Thursday, September 21st.  We will need public support for a strong ordinance to protect oak woodlands from being denuded from various developments including agricultural conversions and/or expansions.  The …

Forest Unlimited: Oak Woodland Ordinance Hearing Thursday, September 21, 1 pm Read More »

New Tree Ordinance Unveiled by Permit Sonoma

New Tree Ordinance Unveiled by Permit Sonoma Tree Protection Ordinance On August 3, 2023, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider updates to current tree removal regulations. After holding a public hearing, the Commission then asked staff to return on August 31 with additional provisions to strengthen the Sonoma County Tree Protection Ordinance …

New Tree Ordinance Unveiled by Permit Sonoma Read More »

400+ Actions to End Fossil Fuels Planned Around the World for Sept. 15-17

400+ Actions to End Fossil Fuels Planned Around the World for Sept. 15-17 “When we the people use our collective power we can win,” said one campaigner. JULIA CONLEY Sep 11, 2023 “September 15-17, 2023. Everywhere.” Those are the dates and location of the international mobilization against fossil fuels set to take place this coming weekend, and …

400+ Actions to End Fossil Fuels Planned Around the World for Sept. 15-17 Read More »

Nominations are open for the SCCC 2023 Environmentalist of the Year

Nominations are open for the SCCC 2023 Environmentalist of the Year   Nominations are open for the 2023 Sonoma County Ernestine I. Smith “Environmentalist of the Year” Award Sponsored by the Sonoma County Conservation Council Close of nominations:  Thursday, September 28, 2023 Here’s your chance to honor the Sonoma County environmentalists whose work you most admire. Initiated …

Nominations are open for the SCCC 2023 Environmentalist of the Year Read More »

CalCAN Hiring 2 Positions

Ready to Make a Change? We’re Hiring. Join our team and be a driving force in advancing policy to support sustainable and organic agriculture climate solutions. CalCAN is looking for TWO individuals who are passionate about shaping state and federal policies that will pave the way for a better future. Read further for job descriptions …

CalCAN Hiring 2 Positions Read More »