There's been a whole lot of fun going on and a great deal of natural beauty in Sonoma Valley in 2012.
It has been such a deep delight for me to experience, for the first time, the changing of colors in the valley and all that the city and its wonderful Plaza have to offer. The quality of talent that exudes from Sonoma is so enriching. With so many performers and events in the area, just a few are reflected in these brief videos and photo galleries, mostly from the second half of the year. I have been Sonoma Valley Patch editor since late July.
As you enjoy recapping with some of our more uplifting stories, and as we all approach the New Year together, I want to leave you with the inspiring words of Transcendence Theatre Company's Executive Director Stephan Stubbins, captured in an interview (video included).
"Transcendence means excelling, surpassing, going beyond the usual limits. It's about having a glimpse of how good an exhilarating life can be and then knowing you can actually live in that...and wanting to work toward that. Part of it is having a vision, and the other half is acting, no matter how hard it gets, staying disciplined enough to continue to go toward that vision...to continue to imagine and feel where you're going...what's possible."
*****
Thank you to everyone who has provided content for Sonoma Valley Patch this year. Wishing all our readers, contributors and advertisers a healthy, prosperous and joyful New Year. -- Julie Pendray
2012 Video Clips and Photo Galleries, with associated stories.
Doobie Brothers rock on at B. R. Cohn Winery
Sonoma's City Party had people dancing in the streets.
Glen Ellen Village Fair had great small community appeal.
Veterans' Memorial Traveling Wall arrives in Sonoma.
Flag Day in the Plaza—166th anniversary of the raising of the Bear Flag.
Patch and readers' Endeavour flyover videos/photos.
An "excellent" Sonoma Valley grape harvest expected to boost economy.
Transcendence Theatre Company entertained and inspired us, while helping to keep Jack London State Historic Park open.
"A Chorus Line" brought tears as well as laughter, as the cast went on a journey together and emanated that to the audience. Message: Don't regret what you do for love.
Sonoma Music Festival, Vol. 1 Benefits Pets Lifeline.
Sonoma County Fair brought in a ride from Michael Jackson's Neverland, as well as some bronco riders.
Watch Sonoma baker Mike Zakowski, a member of the U.S. Baking Team that grabbed the world cup title in the Coupe Du Monde De La Boulangerie in Paris 2010.
Autumn in Sonoma—the prettiest time of year. Photo gallery.
A recent storm brought its own beauty, shown in this photo gallery.
The Neighborhood Gallery: Sonoma Pics & Clips, featuring July 4th and other events and special moments. (Please continue to add to this to make it a fun community archive.)
The ultimate (and amusing) condiment battle was waged with Hidden Valley Ranch dressing vs. Ketchup in a melee on the streets of San Francisco. Sonoma-based Images In Motion created the costumes used in the national television ad.
Valley of the Moon Farmers Market --Sonoma's social scene each Tuesday--attracts foodies and musicians from far and near.
Former ABC-TV "Bachelor" Ben Flajnik went back to the Swiss Alps a year to the day after proposing to Courtney Robertson, then returned to Sonoma to move his Envolve winery into the old Buena Vista location. Great video of European trip.
Mayor Joanne Sanders hits the road in her new electric car.
New Mayor Ken Brown outlines his priorities for 2013.
Bark in the Park brought out some amusing costumes worn by both canines and their owners. Sonoma loves its animals!
Young dancer Jordan Kearns rips up the Sonoma sidewalk around the Plaza.
TELL US: Which is your favorite video?