Ken's Corner - Ken Brown

Well, it’s 2013. I am looking forward to a really good year for my lovely family, my community, California, the planet and myself. I want to nurture love that is already established, I want to plant love in as many fertile soils as I can, and I want to stay away from violence and hate. It’s up to each and every one of us. Make the right choices. 

Ed Stolman, a wonderful Sonoman, recently passed away. Here is a quote from his good friend Steve Pease: “Ed was a tremendous supporter of our town, including the original creation of the Film Festival. He was my partner in crime (ironically in evicting you) as part of our effort to preserve the Sebastiani Theater. That ultimately led to a change in the property’s management (for the better) and the creation of the parking lot behind the theater. Without Ed, we probably would not have the Green Music Center, nor would Lifelong Learning have become a nationwide program. He was a mover behind the Olive Festival. And, as one friend noted, it was ‘Ed and Carolyn’s mission to enhance culture in Sonoma’ and they did that with grace and a smile. He was a wonderful and very special guy who will be greatly missed.” Indeed he will. I will dedicate the Jan. 7 council meeting in his honor. 

January is Human Trafficking (Modern Day Slavery) Awareness Month. You can listen to expert Kathy Hargitt, a local Valley resident on Mornings in Sonoma January 10 at 9 a.m. Ms. Hargitt will receive a proclamation at the Sonoma City Council meeting as well. Council meetings are televised on SUN TV Comcast 27 and streamed live on sonomasuntv.com beginning at 6 p.m.

I will resume my Mayor’s Office hours, 1:30-2:30 p.m. at City Hall, on Tuesday January 8. No need to make a reservation, and all conversations are confidential. 

Tune into Mornings In Sonoma on SUN 91.3 FM, SUN TV Comcast 27 and live on Sonomasuntv.com on Wednesday January 9 at 9 a.m. for the Martini Throw Down. This show is a prelude to Martini Madness held this year on January 11 at Ramekins, and will featuring Michelle Chutzpah Heston vs. Avi G the Mad Russian Mixologist. They will create two different Martinis, one traditional and one innovative, before a stellar panel of judges: Kathleen Hill, writer, columnist and historian; Mark Vogler, co-founder, Out In The Vineyard, an experiential LGBT wine travel and event company in Sonoma; Virginia Lemoyne, GM, at Ramekins Culinary School, Events & Inn where the Martini Madness is happening; and Hunt Bailie, GM at Murphy’s Irish Pub, one of the winners in 2012. Hosted by Sonoma Mayor and Mornings in Sonoma Host Ken Brown, this will be one entertaining show! 

One of the very best and most rewarding ways to serve your local community is by becoming a commissioner. Currently we have three openings on the following commissions: Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission, whose applicants must reside within the City of Sonoma’s sphere of influence; the Community Services and Environment Commission Alternate, applicants must reside inside within city limits; and the Mobilehome Park Rental Review Board, applicants must reside in a mobile home within city limits. Interested citizens may apply by submitting a completed application form to the City Clerk by 5 p.m. on January 18. Forms are available at City Hall or Sonomacity.org. 

Still time to sign up for the 7th Annual Sonoma Birding Christmas Bird Count for Kids This annual event is on Sunday, January 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please contact Tom Rusert at 707-939-8007 or sonomabirding.com. This a magical experience!

It’s First Friday time again. At the Sunflower Caffe, 421 First Street West, from 5-7:00 p.m., the work of John Sumner will be featured as well as the music by JoyRide and bubbly tastings by Bubblee Blondie. At the Epicurean Connection, 122 West Napa Street, the work of Ray Jacobsen will be featured with a reception from 6-8 p.m. 

Back to the New Year. Take ownership of this opportunity. Keep love in your heart always and share it whenever you can.