Ken's Corner - Ken Brown

On Valentine’s Day this week I had just the very best gift a man could ask for. My fifth grandchild – and first granddaughter – was born. Penelope May Brown arrived in this world, feet first at eight pounds, 14 ounces. My daughter Shoshana and her husband Tony are thrilled as are their two sons Anthony and Jimmy as well as Tony’s parents, James and Donna. The world we live in is beyond amazing, coming and going. Unbelievable really when you think about how it all works. 

SAVE THE DATE! The City of Sonoma will host the annual passing of the Alcalde’s cane from Mary Evelyn Arnold to Whitney Evans on Thursday March 1 at Vintage House from 4 to 6 p.m. Vintage House is located at 264 First Street East, Sonoma. We are asking for a $10 donation at the door. Wine and refreshments will be offered. More details next week. 

 My good friend and a great friend to Sonoma, George Webber, Buena Vista brand ambassador, a.k.a. The Count, wants to let folks know some very exciting news. “With Count Agoston Haraszthy of Hungary being the second most important historic Sonoman, behind only General Vallejo in influence to our City, it is only apropos that a Sonoma-Tokaj Sister City Committee be formed to help celebrate the Count’s 200th Birthday on August 30. I hope anyone interested in history and meeting Hungarians joins our committee and attends the introductory meeting at Buena Vista Winery on February 16 at 6 p.m.” Folks can reach George at 694.5097. 

From council woman Laurie Gallian, “Last Saturday morning, I attended with Mayor Pro Tem Ken Brown, John McReynolds and  Marc Armstrong a historic event in Sonoma. Nestled in Sonoma Valley was the first regional gathering of representatives from the founding USA Cittaslow Cities of Sonoma, Sebastopol and the town of Fairfax and Cittaslow USA. Getting to know Cittaslow USA, Virginia Hubbell, Alana Coburn, Eric Storm, Beth Meredith, packed our agenda with discussions on Cittaslow – where are we now, in the future in our communities, structure, fundraising, communication, and projects.  A powerful moment for me was when Virginia talked about how a presentation by El Verano School teacher Dave Neubocker and his fourth and fifth grade class presented, at a City council meeting, bee colony collapse which inspired the beginnings of the Cittaslow Pollinator Pal project.

“This program was launched in 2010 in the Valley and taken to the Cittaslow Assembly in Poland 2011 for a world launch. I was inspired and engaged about continuing to bring this SLOW city movement as the City of Sonoma representative with all its diversity in projects, including the Waterboxx, community meetings and events to the Sonoma community.” For more information please contact Alana Coburn at alana@cittaslowusa.org.

I am part of the effort to help the children of Haiti through Timoun D’Haiti. The aim of our Sonoma group is to help these young ones who represent the future of Haiti. Through fundraising, in-kind donations, and on-site volunteer work, we want to bolster the ongoing work benefitting Haiti’s children. Our inspiration is La Maison des Petits de Diquini, an orphanage in Port-au-Prince. On Saturday, June 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. there will be a Haitian Cultural Festival and Fundraiser. For more information please go to timoundhaiti.org or email info@timoundhaiti.org. Listen to Mornings in Sonoma on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. for more information brought to you by interesting guests. 

Check out the new remodeled Hot Shots Coffee at 711 Broadway. This is a prime example of what the former Sonoma Redevelopment Agency was empowered to do. They are employing more people, adding much needed services and greatly improving a significant corner in the City of Sonoma gateway. Stop by or give them a call at 935.8480. If they are serving the hot pastrami sandwich don’t pass it up.

I have begun taking the next steps in the process of taking better care of myself. I recently had a wonderful and healing shiatsu treatment from Gary Ruiz. It has been a game changer for sure. You can reach Gary at 938.2296 or email at shiatsu4u@comcast.net.

Here are two quotes that I love. The first is by an unknown author.

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.”
“When the love of power is replaced by the power of love, the world will know peace.” – Jimy Hendrix