Sonoma People Archives

Some of the Kenwood pillow-fight artifacts collected by Pillowfight Coffee proprietors Joshua and Ashley Breinlinger. Photo taken at Pilllowfight Coffee in Kenwood Village on Highway 12 on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Robbi Pengelly / The Sonoma Index-Tribune)

These Amazing Sonoma County Feats Made It Into the Guinness World Records

October 2025

Here are all the Sonoma County people, places and traditions that have made it into the Guinness World Records.

Private chef Jessie Keilt is the daughter of Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. After spending the previous day on stage introducing Dead & Company, Keilt created a meal for Trixie Garcia, daughter of Jerry, and Reya Hart, daughter of Mickey, at the family home of longtime friend and Sonoma County winemaker Phil Coturri Tuesday, August 5, 2025 in Sonoma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Local Chef’s Grateful Dead-Inspired Harvest Dinner Bridges Art and Food

October 2025

A Sonoma County chef who grew up in the extended Grateful Dead family creates a menu to celebrate the band’s 60th anniversary.

Dan Lehrer, a co-owner of Little Apple Treats, has compared horticultural drawings of Sebastopol Gravenstein apples, this one from an orchard in Virginia in 1909, while researching the origins and spread of our beloved local fruit Thursday July 24, 2025. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Apple Growers Seek Answers About the Original Gravenstein

October 2025

A chance encounter reveals two very different apples with the same name. Is Sonoma County's Gravenstein apple the original or the imposter?

For Winemaker of the Year Lise Asimont, Success Begins in the Vineyard

September 2025

Filipino-American winemaker Lise Asimont, of Dot Wine in Healdsburg, produces award-winning rosé, Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc.

True West Film Center's artistic director John Cooper in downtown Healdsburg, May 22, 2025. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Former Sundance Director John Cooper Building Community at Healdsburg’s New True West Film Center

August 2025

As the new artistic director of Healdsburg's upcoming three-screen cinema and education center, John Cooper is bringing movies back to town.

Mike Zakowski, owner and baker of The Bejkr, sells his bread, scones, and fresh wood-fired pretzels Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Sonoma Farmer’s Market. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

The Rise of Sonoma County’s Bread Makers

August 2025

These local bakers unite in one shared cause: To make the finest breads with artisanal ingredients and hands-on love for the community.

Montgomery High School junior Rima Makaryan, 16, paints details on the "Dreamer" mural she created at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, on Saturday, March 30, 2019. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Over 25 Amazing Sonoma County Murals and Where to Find Them

August 2025

Discover the creative side of Sonoma County for free on a public art day trip exploring vibrant murals from local artists.

Blanca Molina, an artist and graphic designer in Sonoma County. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Maximalist Muralist Blanca Molina Spreads Color and Joy Throughout Sonoma County

August 2025

When it comes to public art, Sonoma County-based artist and graphic designer Blanca Molina goes big.

Rancher Kevin Lunny opens a gate in preparation for his family’s final roundup of cattle, Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Point Reyes National Seashore. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Point Reyes Family Says Goodbye to Cherished Ranch After Years of Legal Battles

July 2025

The Point Reyes ranch has been in the family since 1946. After a reluctant settlement deal, the family gathered for a bittersweet reunion and final roundup.

Teen Rodeo Champions Andres Puentes, 16, left, and Paula Puentes 12, at their family ranch in Napa, Calif. May 15, 2025 (Photo: Erik Castro/for Sonoma Magazine)

Charrería Is a Family Tradition for Winemakers Behind Sonoma’s Honrama Cellars

July 2025

When they're not making "wine with amazing grapes" at Sonoma's Honrama Cellars, the Puentes family rides with their award-winning charrería team.