Changes and Stability at Sonoma Patch

As the guest editor here in Sonoma, I've tried to connect with the community in a few days in a way that took Alexis Fitts almost two years. Of course I can't do it - but it's been fun and informative taking a deeper look at Sonoma, site of the and heart of the Valley of the Moon. I've worked at many sites in Sonoma, Napa and Marin, and I feel closest to this one.

Patch, we'd like to remind you, remains the same key voice in your community. Not only can you find local news about police and fire, city government and community events, but you can search for and post jobs, start your own blog, add an announcement or event and share your photos or videos with other readers.

In fact it's important to us that you take an active role in Patch. If you use the tools to share news about your business or event, your business or event becomes news. On Patch.

We’ve recently moved some things around and simplified the layout to make the site easier to navigate. And that means it's easier to use, and easier for you to make us a part of your daily school, business, recreation or arts, and news community.

Here are a few ways you can help "tend the Patch" until a permanent new editor is found, which probalby won't be too far away. In the meantime our Patch is your Patch, your home is ours.

Got some good News? Use Announcements , under the News tab, to brag about your kids’ accomplishments or your own, a business success, a local fund raising initiative or a call for volunteers, or to share the news of a new appointment.

Start a Blog: Want to blog for Patch? We call it Local Voices, and it's easy to get started. Click here to submit your information and tell us about why you’d make a good Patch blogger.

Add Events: Select the Events tab to add your upcoming event (please check the calendar to make sure it’s not already posted). If you had a photo or poster there's a good chance we'll be able to feature your listing.

Comment: Now you’ll be able to see comments not just from Sonoma readers, but what people are saying across the Patch network wherever the story is posted. And of course you can still comment on any story, as long as you are logged in.

Add Photos or Videos: Every now and then we create a Public gallery, and ask you to add your photos of a parade, barbecue, festival or other event in Sonoma. With Patch, you can do that as easily as clicking the Upload Photos and Video button on every story. You can even use you to do it, it's that easy.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Patch. I want to know what you have to say.