Sarah Stierch

I'm a journalist, opinionist, photographer and polymath based in northern California. I am currently seeking freelance opportunities in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake Counties in Northern California. I am currently a contributor on breaking news, arts/culture and food/drink for The Mendocino Voice.

I write about wildfires, food, beverage, travel, history and the local culture of regions in Northern California. I also photograph a lot of these subjects.

I am the former Food & Wine Editor of the Sonoma Valley Sun and beverage and travel writer for Sonoma Magazine. I have contributed to North Bay Woman,the Press-Democrat, the North Bay Bohemian, Huffington Post, Wine Enthusiast, the Sonoma Index-Tribune, and NorthBay Biz.

My wildfire work was called "groundbreaking" by KQED Forum's Michael Krasny in 2017. In my wildfire coverage, I have appeared on KQED Forum, WNYC's The Takeway, the Weather Channel, KPFA, KSVY, KSRO and in the Washington Post, St. Helena Star, SF Gate, San Francisco Chronicle and ABC Weekend Nightly News.

My photography has been published by The Washington Post, Utne Reader, Motorburn, Nature World News, the Christian Post, Buzzfeed, KNPR, KQED, Thrillist, Frommers, Lonely Planet, the Financial Observer, Country Queer, ROAR, WAMU, the National Park Service, California State Parks, the NBA, Joie de Vivre Hotels, PETA, Hilton and more.

You can contact me at sarahstierch at gmail.com and find me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

    <
    >
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Annual Battle of the Bloody Marys brings out the best in coast bartenders

LITTLE RIVER, CA, 3/12/24 – Hundreds of bloody mary enthusiasts gathered at the Little River Inn’s Abalone Room on Sunday, Mar. 9, for the 4th Annual Battle of the Bloody Marys, a fundraiser for MendoParks. The event drew bartenders from throughout the Mendocino Coast who crafted creative bloody mary cocktails, all with the hopes of winning one of the battle’s coveted awards.
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Mendocino Flavors: Boba tea and Vietnamese food in Ukiah, celebrate local sparkling wine this weekend and more tasty news •

MENDOCINO Co., 1/25/23 — The owners of Sunny’s Donuts have taken over management of Royal Tea and Boba in Ukiah. The cafe opened in March 2023 serving boba (bubble) tea, energy drinks, deli sandwiches, smoothies and Japanese snacks and drinks. As of January, it is under new management and has been renamed Royal Tea and Sandwiches. The cafe still offers its signature boba tea, but its menu has been overhauled to focus on Vietnamese food. The menu includes bahn mi sandwiches ($10.99), rice bowls
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Mendocino Flavors: Mexican-style coffee in Ukiah, Dungeness crab sales start this weekend; new Anderson Valley Brewing beer for the calorie and carb conscious and more news bites •

MENDOCINO Co., 1/19/23 — During a rainy afternoon in Ukiah, I stopped by El Mitote Café to try one of its coffee drinks. The little pink coffee trailer has been the talk about town for caffeine enthusiasts, popular for its Mexican-inspired beverages and considered the first Mexican coffee shop on wheels in California.
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Heavy rain, gusty winds and potential flooding anticipated as another atmospheric river blankets Mendocino County starting Jan. 20

MENDOCINO Co., 1/19/24 – Another bout of rainy weather will envelop Mendocino County this weekend when another atmospheric river arrives on Saturday, Jan. 20. The entire county can expect moderate to heavy rain, gusty winds and the potential for flooding. The latter has resulted in a flood watch being issued by the National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) for the entire county.
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

State Assembly introduces bill to make Dungeness crab California’s official state crustacean as the season opens up in Mendocino County •

MENDOCINO Co., 1/16/24 – Dungeness crab is a core part of holidays and convivial dining experiences for Californians. From the ritual of cleaning, cooking and cracking crab to the many ways one can enjoy it, there is no doubt that Californians love Dungeness crab. It’s also a core part of the economy of coastal communities, including Point Arena and Fort Bragg...
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Mendocino Flavors: Bird Cafe closes in Point Arena; new ramen restaurant coming to Ukiah; famed sommelier to make appearance in Philo and more tasty food news •

MENDOCINO Co., 12/29/23 — Happy New Year, Mendocino County foodies! I hope you’ve found the chance to indulge this week, whether it’s preparing a tasty meal for your family and friends or dining out at one of our local establishments. Perhaps you received a new foodie or beverage gift to enjoy at home, and you’ve already broken it in! Enjoy!
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Ten deliciously delightful Mendocino County gifts for foodies •

MENDOCINO Co., 12/15/23 — All of us eat to live, but some of us live to eat (perhaps with a cocktail in hand). We all have that friend or family member — the home cook who never lets you go hungry, the foodie who Instagrams every meal, the friend who seeks out a reservation at the hottest restaurants, and the wanna-be sommelier who always insists on picking the best wine for dinner. What’s better than a fabulous food or beverage gift for all the above?
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Mendocino Flavors: The Beet opens in Cloverdale with a Hopland connection, Mayan Fusion launches new menu, foodie fundraisers and other tasty news bites •

MENDOCINO Co., 12/14/23 — Happy holidays! There’s a lot of delicious food and beverage news this week, and I have Christmas shopping to do…so let’s dive in! Hopland resident, culinary consultant and man about the Ukiah Valley Andrew Radabaugh opened a wine bar and restaurant in nearby Cloverdale, just south of the Sonoma-Mendo county line, this past week called the Beet Wine Lounge.
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Vic’s Place celebrates 75th anniversary, Mica opens in Ukiah and more tasty food and beverage news •

MENDOCINO Co., 12/7/23 — Happy Hanukkah! Tonight marks the start of Hanukkah. I’ll be celebrating by lighting my menorah in my living room window and dining on latke (potato pancakes) topped with applesauce (from Sonoma County’s Nana Mae’s Organics) paired with a glass of sparkling wine from McNab Vineyards, which offers a crisp and acidic sip that helps to cut through the oil of the latke. Chag Sameach! On that note, no matter what holiday you’re celebrating, I’d love to hear what you enjoy pr
Load More Articles