Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What surprising Sonoma stories shaped California’s path to statehood?

Be sure to catch Nancy Willis Open Studio on the Sonoma Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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Hello again Sonoma! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What surprising Sonoma stories shaped California's path to statehood?
  • What this new trial delay means for Ken Mattson's Sonoma investors
  • When can you catch Sondheim's "Follies" at Sonoma Community Center?

Also on today's calendar: Nancy Willis Open Studio and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 77 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 79, low: 50.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 87 and low of 52 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Historian to lecture on little-known facts of Sonoma's history (sonomanews.com) — Sonoma residents can dive into the town's lesser-known role in California statehood at a free lecture by historian Peter Meyerhof on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Sonoma Community Center. Part of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society series, the evening includes a 6 p.m. reception and a 6:30 p.m. talk exploring local people and events that shaped the state constitution.
   

2. Disgraced Sonoma investment advisor Ken Mattson scores delay in fraud trial (pressdemocrat.com) — Sonoma residents following the Ken Mattson case should know his federal fraud trial has been pushed back to May 3, 2027, despite prosecutors' objections. The disgraced Sonoma real estate investment advisor faces multiple counts tied to alleged $200 million investor losses, while related bankruptcy proceedings seek to claw back millions in disputed credit card charges.
   

3. Still Here, Sondheim's 'Follies' in Sonoma (bohemian.com) — Sonoma Arts Live is staging Stephen Sondheim's "Follies" at the Sonoma Community Center now through Sept. 27, giving locals a chance to see a richly acted, musically demanding production close to home. With standout performances, only minor technical hiccups, and convenient evening and Sunday matinee shows, it's a strong option for a night out without leaving town.
   

4. winegrape-declines-drag-down-total-value-of-2025-sonoma-county-crops (fresnobee.com) — Sonoma farmers and residents are seeing the county's overall crop value drop nearly 10%, largely because of weaker winegrape yields and prices, even as apples, livestock, poultry and cannabis gained ground. The Sonoma County Department of Agriculture will present the detailed 2025 Crop Report and a broader economic study to the Board of Supervisors, outlining how shifting markets may affect local growers and jobs.
   

5. CNN commentator Van Jones spotlighted at Sonoma Speaker Series (sonomanews.com) — Sonoma's Speaker Series is bringing CNN commentator and author Van Jones to a sold-out event at Hanna Center on Monday, Oct. 5, including a VIP reception and in-depth interview. While tickets are gone, locals should know a major national political voice will be in town discussing his work on green jobs, criminal justice reform, and bipartisan policy efforts.
   

📸 Around Sonoma

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Missed Connection - Kitty cat edition
    Hi! Did you or someone you know recently adopt this sweet girl from Pet's Lifeline in Sonoma? Her name is Goldeneye and she is a small, one-eyed… (Nextdoor Sonoma)
  • What is your proven recommendation for a 210,00 mi.
    Service for a 2011 Toyota Camry? Hansel wants to charge $2400+. Is that in the ballpark nowadays? TIA (Nextdoor Sonoma)
  • Genuine Parts Company - GPC posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager in Sonoma. Apply here.
  • Aimbridge Hospitality posted a job opening for Courtyard Petaluma - Housekeeper in Petaluma. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sonoma here.

Ok Sonoma! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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