Week in Review: New Bank Coming to Town; New Study Endorses Raising Academic Standards in High Schools

Last week was filled with stories about where to find the Christmas lights in town, what to do at the last minute for gifts, how to help those in need during the Holidays and one futile attempt at locating Santa as he came to town. Still, there was some hard news. Following is a list of these as well as some "softer" features:

• The in Washington D.C found that almost 25 percent of those seeking to enlist in the military failed required academic tests. It suggested that high schools increase the academic rigor of courses for all students.  Which is exactly what Sonoma Valley High School has done beginning this fall.
• The announced that it will open a branch in downtown Sonoma in April.
• hosted a lively fund-raiser for Friends In Sonoma Helping (F.I.S.H.)
• A failed in his attempt to see Santa .
• We brought you a photo shoot of the around town. Let us know which ones were your favorites.
• And you still have some time to vote for the best room recreations...