Dear Readers—
The brightest days of the year are upon us and with them, a bright new future for Made Local Magazine.
Made Local Magazine was originally created as a publication of the Sonoma County Go Local Cooperative, which recently closed its doors after 18 years (2008-2026). A new organization, Shop Local Sonoma, has formed to continue its local-first mission. Meanwhile, independently, the magazine will be re-imagined and relaunched by alumni contributors under the wing of FMRL LLC, a Petaluma-based story studio founded by North Bay Bohemian editor and The Drive 95.5 FM host Daedalus Howell.
Having been the editor of Made Local Magazine from November 2023 to October 2025, it’s exciting to return as its editor and move the magazine forward as an independent publication. Together, with our team of contributors (including some familiar bylines), we’ll continue sharing the stories of the makers, creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators who make Sonoma County such a vibrant place to live and work.
Before our first seasonal print issue, we’ll be connecting with you via our weekly newsletters and online magazine. I’m looking forward to real conversations between real people doing real things.
All the best,
Kary Hess
Editor, Made Local Magazine | Sonoma Co.