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LATEST NEWS
Austin Prock Wins 6th #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at Sonoma Raceway NHRA Event
Funny Car points leader Austin Prock continues to dominate the Mission #2Fast2Tasty, securing his sixth win by defeating Blake Alexander at the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Shawn Langdon and Troy Coughlin Jr. also clinched wins in their respective categories during the 12th race of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
Santa Rosa Takes First Step in New Tobacco Regulations
The Santa Rosa City Council has approved new regulations for tobacco retailers. It bans the sale of flavored tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, sets a minimum pack price of $10, and prohibits retailers from offering coupons or discounts. It also prohibits local retailers from selling tobacco products online. Retailers will also have to obtain a license from the city. Additionally, no new tobacco retailers will be allowed within 600 feet of schools, parks and other youth-oriented areas. Also, licensed retailers relocating their business can’t transfer their license if the new location falls within the 600-foot buffer zone. A second formal vote is scheduled for next month. Licensing and enforcement will start in January.
The Wooz Explained: What Was the ‘Wild Original Object Zoom’ Really About?
Located in the heart of Vacaville, California, The Wooz, officially known as the “Wild Original Object Zoom,” was a small yet unforgettable amusement park. And to say that this place captivated visitors with its quirky charm and unique attractions would be an understatement. Sure, it may not have the fame of Disneyland or Six Flags. But The Wooz carved out its own special place in the memories of those who visited, and are old enough to remember. If you’re one of them (or even if you’re not) you might be wondering — what exactly was The Wooz all about? Let’s take a trip down memory lane to hopefully answer this question.
Influential Wine Country Architect Howard Backen Dies at 88
Anyone who has spent time in Napa has likely been in a Howard Backen-designed building. The prolific co-founder of Backen & Backen Architecture designed upwards of 300 private homes, 40 restaurants and more than 60 wineries, many of which are located in Napa Valley. His signature farmhouse-chic style champions functionality and natural harmony, favors discreet affluence over ostentation, and has defined the Napa aesthetic over the last three decades. Backen, arguably one of Napa's most influential figures without ever touching a wine grape, died July 22 at 88.
Rohnert Park youth baseball league targeted by vandals
ROHNERT PARK, Calif. - A youth baseball league in the North Bay is struggling to recover after its concession stand was destroyed by vandals. Around 11 p.m. Monday, vandals broke in and set the concession stand on fire at Benicia Park. The stand is operated by the Rohnert Park Cal Ripken Baseball League.
Napa judge denies resentencing request from Kayleigh Slusher's killers
(KRON) — Three-year-old Kayleigh Slusher was murdered by her mother and her mother’s boyfriend in 2014. This week, hearings were held for the Napa girl’s convicted killers because they requested for their prison sentences to be reduced under a California law, SB 1437. Napa County Superior Court Judge Francisca Tisher presided over the hearings and […]
Saturday News and Notes from the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals
Friday’s opening qualifying runs at the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals produced some of the quickest elapsed times and fastest speeds of the season and Saturday’s final two sessions promises to deliver more of the same. After missing the Norwalk event, Brittany Force needs a strong finish to the...
Celebrate the ‘Year of the Farmer’ at the Sonoma City Party Aug. 1st
The public is invited to celebrate The Year of the Farmer at the 27th Annual Sonoma City Party August 1, 5:30-9:30 p.m., presented by Sonoma City Council and the City of Sonoma – a night of free fun, festivities, and live performances in honor of our vibrant community. The...
Kalitta Captures Track Record; Van Sant shocks again while Tasca III and Hartford lead in their NHRA categories.
The thunder of tens-of-thousands of horsepower reverberates again through the golden hills of Sonoma Valley as some of the most powerful vehicles in existence race in the DENSO National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway July 26 to 28. The Friday night winds and cool temperature led to a series of wild events at day one of the series.
Record number of cider producers join showcase at Gravenstein Apple Fair
Long before California’s infatuation with the wine grape, apples were king in Sonoma County, which was once considered among the top apple-growing regions in the world. It all began with the Gravenstein, a versatile, early-ripening variety that likely arrived in Sonoma County in the early 1800s. Although opinions differ on who introduced the apple to the area, there is widespread agreement ...
The French Laundry named ‘most famous’ restaurant in California
A local restaurant was recently named the most famous restaurant in California. Chef Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in Yountville was crowned the Golden State’s “most famous” eatery in a July 15 story on the foodie website www.lovefood.com. The list was based on user reviews, awards and accolades and firsthand experiences of the Lovefood team. The story highlighted 50 restaurants, one from ...
Parents mourn Northern California officer killed in the line of duty by suspected DUI driver
As parents of a police officer, Pismo Beach residents Becky and Marc Bowen knew the risks of their son’s profession, but they never thought they would have to live through their worst nightmare. Their son Matthew Brent Bowen, a Vacaville officer, was killed in the line of duty on...
Kalitta blasts to track record 3.649: Tasca, Hartford, and Van Sant also shine in Sonoma
Reigning Top Fuel world champ Doug Kalitta made the quickest run of the 2024 NHRA season on Friday at Sonoma Raceway, setting the track record and taking the provisional No. 1 spot at the 36th annual Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and...
Pro-Palestine activists issue ‘People’s Ceasefire Resolution’
Frustrated with the negative response to ceasefire resolutions by the majority of Sonoma County cities, pro-Palestine activists July 23 declared a “People’s Resolution.”. Cotati is the only city in the county to approve a resolution calling for an end to Israel’s ten-and-a-half-month assault on Gaza, which has left an estimated 40,000 Gazans dead and many more injured or buried under rubble. Activists failed in their attempts to pass similar resolutions in Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Sebastopol,
Vintage Wine Estates warns of 377 layoffs possible amid bankruptcy
Vintage Wine Estates warned this week that as many as 377 of its California employees, mostly in Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa counties, could be out of a job this fall as it looks to sell all its assets in bankruptcy court to pay hundreds of millions in debt. The notice...
Pink Floyd tribute ‘Pete’ Floyd Plays Rio Nido Roadhouse
Sonoma/Marin exports and purveyors of the Pink Floyd sound, Pete Floyd, have been playing all around these parts lately and have proven themselves a veritable headliner. Fronted by vocalist/guitarist Pete Delaney and the ambidextrous Pete Hale, this is one tribute that delivers on all fronts. Although only active for a...
Week in Review: The Fight to Keep Farming in Sonoma & Increasing Citricola Scale Challenges
Sonoma County farmers are facing some significant challenges with proposed local ballot Measure J seeking to ban operations that can be classified as concentrated animal feeding operations. There have been increasing reports of significant numbers of citricola scale in the San Joaquin Valley. A coalition of more than 500 organizations is calling for farm bill finalization by the end of the year. According to the latest Monterey County Crop Report, adverse weather and flooding took a toll on crop values last year. Stay up to date with the latest agricultural issues by subscribing to the weekly newsletter.
Napa foster care nonprofit Expressions of Hope moves, expands
Expressions of Hope is growing, which means that there's even more 'hope' to go around. The Napa nonprofit, which provides free clothing and other aid for foster and kinship care families, has moved to a new, much bigger location. After years of sharing space with the Napa Valley Life Church,...
Letters to the Sonoma Index-Tribune for July 26
By choosing not to run, there is honor for Biden’s valor. His forsaking narcissism for responsiveness to the “Battle for the Soul of the Nation” will be historic. Perhaps the angst in his final decision was not dissimilar to that of Shakespeare’s Brutus to wit:. “Between...
Triplex sells in Petaluma for $1.2 million
A 2,554-square-foot three-unit house built in 1908 has changed hands. The spacious historic property located at 314 English Street in Petaluma was sold on June 14, 2024. The $1,150,000 purchase price works out to $450 per square foot. This single-story triplex features a total of two bedrooms and one bath....
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