Specialties

Both our print as well as web edition are Written by Readers ...people who are passionate about their communities, and their interests, and want people to learn what they consider important. We feature community columns, articles on issues that impact our home, information and education on topics of interest, and the most comprehensive calendar in Sonoma County. We distribute the print edition at the beginning of each month throughout Sonoma County to more than 800 cafe's, restaurants, coffee shops, stores and our street box newsstands & the web edition is updated all month long. Our mission is: Connecting Sonoma County Communities. Articles and letters may be submitted through our web site at www.sonomacountygazette.com or via e-mail to vesta@sonic.net.

History

Established in 2001.

Our paper started out as the Forestville Gazette, 12 pages black and white, published by the Forestville Chamber of Commerce. Within months of becoming editor, Vesta Copestakes expanded the editorial, added pages and bought the paper from the chamber. She quickly expanded circulation to West Sonoma County, added color, more pages and newsstand circulation in addition to mailing papers for free to West County homes. Over the last 11 years the Gazette has increased circulation to the entire Sonoma County, prints 32,000 copies a month in full color at 72 pages, distributes to more than 800 locations, and has a web page that keeps current between print editions at www.SonomaCountyGazette.com.

Meet the Business Owner: Vesta Copestakes C.

Vesta Copestakes has a long history in public relations, marketing & advertising, and graphic design & editorial. These skills, in addition to her passion for volunteering in the community, set the stage for publishing a community newspaper. The Sonoma County Gazette is written by people who read the paper, giving them a place where they can communicate with the rest of Sonoma County on what they consider important to our collective lives. Vesta is committed to encouraging people to actively participate in our community, and does so through educational articles, recognition for people contributing to the benefit of all, and giving readers tools for getting connected. Her passion for supporting independent entrepreneurs extends from the individuals she hires, to the editorial support she gives encouraging readers to do business with Sonoma County business owners.