Discoveries in Sonoma, Santa Cruz counties confirm scientists' fears, will trigger new restrictions on logging

The disease killing California's oaks also threatens the state's majestic redwood groves, scientists said Wednesday, citing findings from Sonoma and Santa Cruz counties.

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Caption: Julia Clothier, preserve manager, shows a damaged young Douglas fir tree that has become infected with sudden oak death at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve near Rohnert Park. Scientists announced Wednesday that Douglas firs and redwoods are new sudden oak death hosts. (Press Democrat photo by Scott Manchester)

Murder Most Foul

Sonoma County – Over the last two weeks the Sonoma County Sheriff has reported an increased in homicides. “Normally this time of year we are well below the national average. However, with four murders last week bring that brings us just a hairs breath under the average. With the Holiday season starting soon that number is just going to increase.”

The Flock Returns

Santa Rosa – As the stress of the urban life pushes on Santa Rosa the people appear to be looking to God for hope more and more. The Catholic Church reports nearly a 20% increase in citywide attendance of Services. While the different churches of the city welcome back the people of Santa Rosa into the fold of Christianity. “[We have] a long a proud history of helping the community. We’ve been the fabric holding the people together all these years and we will continue to provide.” said Father Walter Koeing

Local Boy Makes Good

Petaluma – John Lincoln is the classic hometown boy makes good story. Born at the end of the turbulent 1960’s he was the kid in High School that everyone wanted to know. Captain of the Wrestling team, Senior class President, and voted most likely to succeed were just a few of his accomplishments while in his youth. Moving on to his College days at Cornell where he earned two Ph.D.’s in Law and Business Management he continued his leadership role by creating a number of community outreach programs designed to help the homeless of Ithaca, New York. After earning these degrees he felt that there was more of the world was out there for the exploring. He did two years in Europe, followed by a tour through Africa and India that took two more years. Returning to the States he picked up his third Ph.D. for Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy school of Government.

Now you might ask what does a man, now in his mid thirties, who has done all it all do next? Well, return home and help his friends and neighbors. Mr. Lincoln is currently working on a number of charity projects in the local area that will aid the lower income people find jobs and help the homeless population find a safe place to rest.