Sarah Stierch

I'm a journalist, opinionist, photographer and polymath based in Sonoma, 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.

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The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

December First Friday invites artistic exploration and gift-giving in Fort Bragg and Ukiah

MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA, 11/29/22 – This month’s First Friday art walks in Fort Bragg and Ukiah on December 2 showcase the wide diversity of the region’s artists through group exhibitions. Given that the holidays are about gathering with friends and family, December’s First Friday is a great chance to join fellow art enthusiasts to celebrate creativity and select the perfect handmade holiday gift for a loved one. First Friday art walks are held in historic downtown Ukiah and Fort Bragg the evening
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Winter Feast on December 6 to benefit small local farms

REDWOOD VALLEY, CA., 11/29/22 – In a world where large farms often dominate grocery store shelves, it’s small farms that are the true backbone of local agriculture and foodways. They are integral to our culture, health, and economy. Small farms help maintain rural communities, nurture and protect the environment, and provide a diverse array of products to keep our bellies full and our bodies healthy. To celebrate – and support – the work of small farms, the Good Farm Fund will host its annual W
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Fort Bragg High School students bake pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving event

MENDOCINO Co., 11/22/22 — On Thanksgiving, the Fort Bragg Presbyterian Church will distribute an estimated 1,000 free prepared, packed and served meals to coastal community members. To support the church’s efforts, the Fort Bragg High School Culinary Arts Program prepared 25 pumpkin pies for the dinner. Chef-teacher Amy Valla guided 68 students through the process of making the pies, which were baked and then frozen. The pies were recently delivered to the church and on Thanksgiving, students wi
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Festival of Lights returns to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

MENDOCINO Co., 11/21/22 — One of the most magical holiday events in Mendocino County returns when the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg hosts its annual Festival of Lights starting November 25. Over the past few weeks, staff and volunteers designed and installed seemingly countless holiday light displays among a portion of the 47 acres of gardens. Beginning this Friday, when the sun sets, the garden will transform from a peaceful space of greenery and flowers to a dazzling display
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Eighteen restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Mendocino County

MENDOCINO Co., 11/16/22 – Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 24. While some folks enjoy preparing a grand, family-style supper with turkey, gravy and all the fixings, others prefer to let others do the cooking. Or perhaps you’re not too fond of Thanksgiving food (canned cranberry sauce anyone?). We have a few options for you, too! Here’s a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Mendocino County. Albion Ledford House Restaurant – The Ledford House serves Thanksgiving in its dining room
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Willits diner reopens with new name, hours and menu; lettuce shortages; where to get your Thanksgiving turkey and more delicious news!

Willits diner has new name, menu and hours Cafe 77 in Willits is now Kelly’s Diner. Cafe 77 opened in 2017 to mixed reviews. Locals lamented that the dishes lacked fresh ingredients and service was slow, while travelers heading through Willits praised the reasonable prices and solid breakfasts. Kelly’s Diner has expanded the menu and dining hours, providing a much-needed later dining option in town. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. and includes biscuits and gravy, four types of eggs benedict, six ty
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Mendocino Flavors: Ukiah restaurant celebrates one-year anniversary, new restaurant coming to Willits, and more delicious news!

MENDOCINO Co., 11/15/22 – The rainy season is officially here in Mendocino County. It’s a great time to gather with friends at local restaurants or to start putting the final touches on your family’s Thanksgiving menu. Here’s the latest food and dining news throughout the county. Ukiah’s La Cocina celebrates its one-year anniversary The hip Ukiah Mexican restaurant, La Cocina, celebrates its one year anniversary this week. It’s an art-filled modern restaurant with a large menu and a bar featur
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Fort Bragg will host free tire collection on Saturday, October 22

MENDOCINO Co., 10/19/22 — The City of Fort Bragg is teaming up with Conservation Corps North Bay to provide residents an opportunity to dispose of unused tires. On Saturday, October 22, residents may bring their used tires to the Fort Bragg City Hall where they will be properly disposed of by the Conservation Corps. Properly disposing of tires is important for maintaining public health and safety. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, unused tires can create a breeding
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Say Boo! Halloween events around Mendocino County

MENDOCINO Co., 10/18/22 – Mendocino County is definitely making up for the lack of trick, treating, haunting and scaring over the past two years with over 25 family-friendly Halloween events for 2022! Here’s a list of events taking place in Mendocino County, in Calpella, Elk, Fort Bragg, Laytonville, Leggett, Mendocino, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Ukiah and Willits— if we’re missing anything, let us know in the comments or by email at [email protected] so we can add it in. Happy Halloween! 🎃
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

The Mendocino Setlist: October 21-26

MENDOCINO Co., 10/18/22 – Welcome to the launch of the Mendocino Setlist! Each week we feature live music happenings around the county. The music scene of Mendocino County is as diverse as our landscape – just as one can travel from the ocean to the forest, one can experience jazz in Ukiah and blues in Point Arena. Kyle Madrigal – Guitarist, harmonica player, and singer Kyle Madrigal performs every Friday. All ages, free, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Brickhouse Coffee, 3 S. Main St, Willits. Funkacilin
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Mendocino Flavors: Local cheese wins national competition, family suppers are back, sour endings and more delicious news

MENDOCINO Co., 10/14/22 – It’s been a busy week in Mendocino County’s growing food and beverage scene. Here’s the latest! Boonville’s Pennyroyal Farm won the equivalent of an Oscar for goat cheese. Its Pepper Moldunes won Reserve Best in Show in the 2022 American Dairy Goat Association Goat Milk Products Competition. A smooth goat cheese rolled in Piment d’Ville (fine ground espelette pepper grown in Boonville), Pepper Moldunes also won first place in the Formed/Shaped Soft Cheese, Savory Flavo
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

The Office closes, Elk’s Drew named one of the hundred best wineries in the world, and more!

Editor’s note: We’re trying out a new feature this week covering food, drinks and more across Mendocino County. Think we missed something, want to see more, or have a new tips? Let us know what you think at [email protected] The Office at Main & Mill hosted its last hurrah on Saturday, October 1. Owners Kim and Roley sold the popular bar and grill and announced in mid-September that they would “ride off into the sunset.” They operated the Office for 14 years, offering solid pub grub, boozy brun
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

October First Friday showcases fall-inspired art in Fort Bragg and Ukiah

MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA, 9/30/22 – Fall is in the air at the First Friday art walks in Fort Bragg and Ukiah on October 7. This month’s exhibits reflect the autumnal season with musical mushrooms, cozy textiles, and Day of the Dead activities. First Friday art walks are held in historic downtown Ukiah and Fort Bragg the evening of the first Friday of each month. Galleries and museums open their doors to the public, for free, often offering live music, beer and wine, and special activities to comple
The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA •

Fire crews quickly respond to small fire in Willits

MENDOCINO Co., 9/6/22 – Fire crews are on the scene of a fire at Valley Oaks Mobile Home Park in Willits. The “Oak Fire” was reported as a recreational vehicle fire at 1:24 p.m. According to scanner traffic, crews arrived to find a travel trailer on fire and two structures and a vehicle threatened. Crews also expressed concern of a minor vegetation threat. MCSO issued a Nixle alert asking for situational awareness for people in the area; please avoid the area if possible: Situational Awareness
Sonoma Magazine •

Where to Get the Best Margaritas in Sonoma County

La Rosa Tequileria & Grille, Santa Rosa: Dining editor Heather Irwin has declared La Rosa's La Diabla her favorite margarita. It comprises lime, strawberry (or mango) with muddled jalapeño peppers served on the rocks. If heat isn't your thing, try one of their 12 other margaritas, or keep it simple with a sip of tequila from the expansive bar, which features over 180 artisan tequilas. 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-3663, larosasantarosa.com (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat) Lo & Behold,
Sonoma Magazine •

Two Sonoma County Breweries Named Among 100 Best Brewers in the World by RateBeer

As thousands of beer-lovers from around the world descend on Sonoma County for the annual release of Pliny the Younger, there’s yet another reason to brag about our booming beer scene. Local breweries Russian River Brewing Company (Santa Rosa and Windsor) and Lagunitas (Petaluma) were just named among the top 100 breweries in the world by beer review website RateBeer, coming in at number two and 100 respectively.
Sonoma Magazine •

Sonoma County Spots Where You Might Find Pliny the Younger, Outside of Russian River Brewery

Pliny the Younger, the famed beer from Russian River Brewery, returns to Sonoma County this Friday, February 1, 2019. Now in its 15th year, the super-hoppy triple India pale ale continues to draw a crowd: thousands of beer enthusiasts are expected to descend on Sonoma County from all over the world to taste the beer during its limited annual release. [10 things you need to know about Pliny the Younger] This year, lines of Pliny pilgrims will form both at Russian River’s downtown Santa Rosa bre
Sonoma Magazine BiteClub •

Sonoma County Restaurants Offer Free Meals to Furloughed Government Workers

As the government shutdown moves closer to the one-month mark, an estimated 4,000 federal employees in Sonoma County are dealing with the consequences. Rent is late, bills remain unpaid, and food and necessities are becoming scarce for many families, who continue to wait for the government to reopen so that they can get paid and return to work. To support furloughed federal workers and their families, a few Sonoma County restaurants and coffee shops are rallying to provide hot food, cool drink
Sonoma Magazine •

Dry January Hit List: Best Sonoma County Bars for Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Living in Sonoma County is not without its benefits: a beautiful natural landscape,  amazing food and locally made drinks are only a few of the perks. For the over-21 set, there’s everything from fine wine to hoppy beers to vodka, gin and whiskey. But living the good life everyday can sometimes make you feel, well, a little bloated… For those of us who may have indulged a wee too much during the holiday season, the month of January offers an opportunity to reset by abstaining from alcohol toget
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