Healdsburg Tribune March 7 2024

Blaze Engulfs Wicked Slush

LANDMARK RIVERSIDE LOCATION HEAVILY DAMAGED IN SUSPICIOUS MIDNIGHT FIRE

By Christian Kallen

Late Tuesday night last week, Feb. 27, a fire erupted at the former Wicked Slush business on Healdsburg Avenue that did considerable damage to the structure—for almost 50 years the location of canoe rental businesses and, more recently, the ice cream café.

“Upon arrival, our crews were met with a heavily involved structure. The fire was quickly extinguished, but the building did sustain significant damage,” read the social media post from the Healdsburg Fire Department.

Other responding agencies included Healdsburg

Police, Northern Sonoma County Fire District, Sonoma County Fire District, Dry Creek Rancheria Fire Department, and CAL FIRE Sonoma-LakeNapa Unit.

Fire Marshall Lance Macdonald confirmed that the damage sustained during the fire was considerable. “A large portion of the building sustained fire damage, and the entire building has smoke damage,” he said.

Continued the social media release, “There were no injuries to either firefighters or the public. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.”

Though the cause of the fire is still officially under investigation, most people with an understanding of the building and its history—and its proximity

to the homeless encampment on Syar Industries property on the other side of the railroad tracks— have little doubt the fire was set intentionally, if not maliciously.

Canoe Rentals

The structure, an extended mobile home, was moved onto the property in the 1970s, to serve as a headquarters for W.C. Trowbridge, whose canoe rental concession had already become a landmark for locals and tourists.

In 2005, Lolly Mercer—a former champion water skier who learned the sport at nearby Memorial Beach when the reservoir from the seasonal dam was larger than it is today—took over the business, changing its name to River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe.

First leasing, then purchasing the property, Mercer ran River’s Edge at

ROGERS HOLDS EDGE IN ASSEMBLY ELECTION

PROP 1, MEASURE H AMONG OTHER MOST-WATCHED LOCAL RACES

Staff Report

The so-called Super Tuesday Election took place on March 5, with races in 15 states across the country. While the results of presidential primaries were the subject of much press coverage, in Sonoma County the most-watched races were much closer to home: the State Assembly District 2 seat, and a county

that location before she moved the rental business to the nearby beach, on the upstream side of Memorial Bridge. It is still in operation there under different ownership.

Mercer sold the property to Amy Colvin in 2016, and the next year Amy’s Wicked Slush was born. The soft-serve ice cream café became a sensation, revitalizing the approach to the bridge and Memorial Bridge. Other Wicked Slush cafés opened elsewhere in the county, not always with Colvin’s approval.

But the homeless encampment became an ever-increasing headache, then a burden for Colvin. Her patience wore thin after multiple interactions with the homeless, and minor vandalism occurred.

Fire Sale

After she quit the business last September, the

emergency services sales tax (Measure H).

The top two vote-getters in these primary elections, including State Assembly and U.S. Senate, will advance to the general election in November. The preponderance of Democratic candidates suggests that party votes will be split, and a Republican candidate will easily advance to the general election.

The Senate race came in two parts—the two-month partial term to fill out the unexpired six-year seat, and a separate ballot line to take the next six years. Laphonza Butler currently holds the seat, having been appointed by Gov. Newsom, but she vowed not to run this year.

Democrat Adam Schiff defeated his primary rivals easily in both races. As the only Republican in the

property was put on the market by Lolly’s sister, Roxanne Mercer, and offered by Luxe Places International, of Healdsburg. But the vandalism continued, growing in both frequency and intensity, Mercer said. The building and the half-acre property it sits upon was listed for sale at $625,000.

Though she has shown it several times to prospective buyers, most recently just days before the fire, its value decreased steadily. Mercer said with the building empty, vandalism had only escalated. There were break-ins, and intentional slicing of electrical, plumbing and refrigeration elements. “When Amy moved out she turned off the electricity,” said the realtor. “That didn’t seem to make [the vandals] happy.”

The fact that there was no electricity to the building, and a steady record of

➝ Historic Shop Burns, 6

race, Steve Garvey’s overall numbers were on a par with Schiff’s, and both will be on the ballot in November.

The Assembly District 2 race, to take over the North Coast seat from retiring Jim Wood, drew heavy interest in Sonoma County. In district-wide results among Democrats, Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa received almost 20% of the vote, and Rusty Hicks of Arcata was only a percentage point behind.

Runners-up included Healdsburg’s Ariel Kelley with roughly 14%, Yurok tribal leader Frankie Myers with 11% and Mendocino County supervisor Ted Williams with 7%.

Republican Mike Greer of Del Norte received the most votes, with about 28%. Results will be certified by April 12, to determine whether Rogers or

Photo by Christian Kallen

Photo by Tenaya Fleckenstein

A midnight conflagration at the former Wicked Slush in south Healdsburg drew multiple agencies to the historic site.

North St.

GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT

Jazz Dinners

Healdsburg Jazz brings back its fundraising benefit, “Jazz on the Menu,” on Thursday, March 7 — 25% of food and beverage sales go to the organization’s education programs. Participating restaurants are Baci, Chalkboard, Lo & Behold, Spoonbar and Valette. From 5:308:30pm, live music will accompany diners. More information at healdsburgjazz.org.

Wild Men Upstairs

A quintet from New Orleans, the Deslondes present a disheveled set for Healdsburg audiences, following the opening act of Skyway Man in this unusual evening at Second Story, Thursday, March 7. Free, doors at 6pm, show 7pm. Upstairs at the Little Saint, 25 North St.

‘Rickshaw Girl’

A “first Thursday” presentation at The 222 presents Rickshaw Girl, a Bangladeshi film about an artistic young woman looking for financial salvation. Producer Eric Adams will be on hand to present and discuss the film, Thursday, March 7, 7pm at 222 Healdsburg Ave. Tickets $20 at the222.org.

Neil Diamond Superstar

Nationally touring production celebrating the songs and styles of Neil Diamond, with Jack Wright and the Heartlight Band. It will take over the stage on Friday, March 8, at 7:30 pm. Tickets $35-$50, online or at the Raven Performing Arts Theater 115

HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS

Barbie’s Birthday

Barbie’s big weekend starts Saturday, 11am to 3pm, at the Healdsburg Museum’s special exhibit downstairs. Raffle prizes, a photo box, Barbie bingo and refreshments. “Feel free to bring your Barbie and dress in pink!” Free, donations accepted, 221 Matheson St. Rainbow Jazz

The house band at Furthermore Wines is the Rainbow Jazz Collective, a quartet playing standards and more on Saturday, March 9, from 5-8pm. It’s free at 328-A Healdsburg Ave.

Spirit Bar

On Saturday, March 9, the Susan Sutton Trio plays original music, treasured standards and tunes rarely played. Sutton (piano), is joined by Piro Patton (bass) and Kevin Dillon (drums). Free, from 6-9pm at the Spirit Bar, Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St.

Movie Music

The Healdsburg Community Band performs the screen music scores of John Williams, whose action and science-fiction films with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and others have won 25 Grammy Awards, five Academy Awards and multiple other accolades. It’s Saturday, March 9, at 7pm. Free, but donations welcome.

Pop Fiction

The aptly named dance band Pop Fiction delivers nonstop hits to packed dance floors wherever they go, and they’ve set their sights on Healdsburg’s Coyote Sonoma for Saturday, March 9. Tickets $20, show at 8:30pm. Check out coyotesonoma.com/ upcoming-events for more shows at 44-f Mill St.

Oscar Evening

Sunday, March 10, the Oscars are live via simulcast from Hollywood to Healdsburg, thanks to AVFilm. They used to do this at the Clover Theater, now it’s at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North St., starting at 4pm, $15.

Monday Singalong

Hey kids, how about some tunes? Join Farmer Arann Harris for a Monday morning, March 11, performance tailored for youngsters and their guardians as he performs musical tales of farm life. Tickets $25 for adult and first child (additional children $5). Starts at 10am at Second Story, upstairs at Little Saint, 25 North St.

Recycling Success

Innovators are reducing waste in Healdsburg. Listen to their remarkable stories and learn more about how to create a circular economy, at the Monday, March 11, meeting of Climate Action Healdsburg, 6pm at the Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Ave.

Planning Commission

The influential Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 12, to discuss zoning, permitting, development and exclusions on ongoing projects in Healdsburg. Meeting starts at 6pm, 401 Grove St.

Parks and Rec

Healdsburg’s Parks and Recreation Commission holds its March meeting on Wednesday, March 13, starting at 6pm in Council Chambers, 401 Grove St. City Offices Closed On Friday, March 15, like every two weeks, the City of Healdsburg closes its offices at City Hall, but work continues for Public Works and Building inspections. To schedule a Public Works inspection call (707) 547-0556, Building inspections call (707) 431-3346.

Upcoming at DCK Pigs & Pinot, the annual celebration of pork and pinot noir, is a hot ticket in

the wine world. Chef Charlie Palmer oversees the high-palate fun at Dry Creek Kitchen on Friday and Saturday, March 15-16. Check in at Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St. St. Patrick’s Day Sunday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day. Once-a-year Irish enjoy the early morning parade around the Plaza at 7am, then adjourn for a morning nap before returning to the Plaza for more shenanigans, 11am to 2:30pm.

Post events on the Tribune’s online calendar at healdsburgtribune.com/ calendar and send special announcements to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.

READERS WEIGH IN

ON HEALDSBURG’S

WEIGHTY ISSUES

At the 2/7/24 Vertice (SingleThread) meeting in Healdsburg which I attended, Vertice owners asked for community input on potential uses for the recently acquired Raven Film Center and 150 North Street properties.

My suggestions for the sites are as follows: Middle-income-priced restaurants along the lines of Bravas, Willys, Baci, etc. that reflect quality and innovation.

Use of one of the “stage” theaters for movies and/ or entertainment and community events. I suggest reaching out to the Raven Theater for joint participation. These actions would reassure residents of Vertice’s inclusivity and community support.

Vertice’s consideration of a luxury 5-room hotel

at 150 North Street is a disappointment. The downtown already has too many hotels, and this is hotel over-concentration on one block. I suggest middle-income residential housing, rather than the potential for also having ultra-luxury condos that may mimic the multimillion-dollar condos at the Mill District. The General Plan emphasizes a mix of housing types and affordability. It also emphasizes “protecting neighborhood character.”

The General Plan emphasizes development maintaining “a balance between resident and visitor needs.” But there is serious concern that Vertice could possibly develop a replica hospitality venue that is similar to SingleThread with dinners that cost over $1,000 per couple. I would not like to see these “exclusive” economic uses of these two properties

that only very wealthy tourists and the 2% class can afford.

If Vertice claims to be a part of the community (per website and pronouncements), I hope they will share common ground with residents’ concerns and as it relates to elements of the General Plan and Guiding Principles. Vertice has reached out, and I look forward to both their responses and more community meetings this spring. B ruce A B r A mson Creekside Court, Healdsburg

SMART Station

I enjoy reading the articles, letters and columns in the Healdsburg Tribune (I call it the “Spittoon”).

The paper is improving.

Christian Kallen continues to do an excellent job of writing and reporting. Much enjoyed.

The SMART train station future location debate is humorous to watch. People worry about parking, while 49 parking spaces are taken up by “parklets” leased to businesses by the city council. A train going through the roundabout at street level is madness.

The railroad bridge is many years away from being train-worthy and yet Healdsburg awaits the SMART train like a dog in heat.

It’s embarrassing. T im m c G r Aw Fitch Street, Healdsburg New Direction?

It’s time the old Healdsburg families and longtime residents united to help shape the “new” direction that Healdsburg is going (both within city limits and the greater Healdsburg region). I’ve been here for almost 50 years, and am a thirdgeneration Healdsburger (although outside city

limits, so with fewer direct action options).

The biggest miff I have with the way things have gone in the last 15-20 years is that the decision-makers are wringing out the very essence of Healdsburg to line their vanity coffers, and in the process have demolished the innocent and unassuming charm that made Healdsburg resonate with visitors. We should not be trying to be the next Napa. We should be keeping our small town agricultural roots, warts and all, since that was what made Healdsburg different from the rest of the Wine Country, and therefore so attractive: it was real. But alas, I suppose I’m writing this much too late.

As a decidedly leftwing resident who lived through the ’70s here, I’ve always had mixed feelings about the mutations that have gone on in Healdsburg. On the one

hand, I was derided and threatened on the street by hicks in lifted 4x4s for riding a skateboard while having long hair in the ’80s, and connected with the Latino population since we were similarly on the receiving end of derision by arguably right-wing factions during the same era. Now however, I want those lifted hick trucks back. We are a country ag town, not Rodeo Drive North! I can’t even afford to buy socks in my own town (except for one place— thank you, EveryWear. Co!).

There is much more that can be said on this subject, and brevity has never been my strong suit, so I think I’ll just leave it at that. For now. J us T in w ilson Dry Creek

Readers are welcome to send letters to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.

Photo Courtesy Warner Bros.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN Ken and Barbie (Ryan Gosling, left, and Margot Robbie) head for the Academy Awards party at the Raven on March 10, after making a stop at the Healdsburg Museum on March 9.

Best Picture Oscar Preview

10 FILMS THE ACADEMY CONSIDERS WORTHY OF A STATUETTE

By Jared Rasic

From 1944 to 2008 only five films per year were nominated for Best Picture. In 2009, the playing field was expanded to 10. Ten is a better field because it covers a wider variety of films, but there are still usually one or two nominees that don’t belong anywhere near the Best Picture race.

A film considered one of the best should either move the art form forward or be a sterling example of the importance of cinema and what it can achieve in the realm of allowing humanity to see itself better.

What about the 10 nominees for Best Picture this year? Are they all worthy? Most assuredly not all of them. But let’s take a look.

Killers of the Flower Moon: Even though I think the film would have been stronger focused on a character other than Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ernest Burkhart, it’s still an important work from one of America’s greatest living filmmakers. I’d be surprised if Lily Gladstone doesn’t take the Oscar for Best Actress.

Oppenheimer : More proof that one should never bet against Christopher Nolan, this (along with Barbie) got people back into movie theaters and proved people will see something long and dramatic when intelligence is put into the filmmaking and performances. My biggest issue with the film is the handling of the women in Oppenheimer’s life, who all exist to further his narrative arc and not their own.

Barbie: Definitely belongs here, as no other movie this year really hit culturally as hard as this one did. Whether you love it or hate it, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie made something truly original here that’s unapologetically feminist and layered—something not enough critics give the film credit for. Gerwig not getting a Best Director nomination is insane.

The Holdovers: Probably the most wholesome movie of the year, The Holdovers exists to be a big-hearted and empathetic look at our differences and similarities as human beings, and how small acts of kindness are much easier to share than we sometimes think. Also, it’s one of the best Christmas movies we’ve had in a long time. Paul Giamatti probably has the Best Actor Oscar on lock.

American Fiction : A solid movie with a

wonderful central performance from the great Jeffery Wright, the first hour feels like what we imagine when we think of “Oscar bait.” Then the final 45 minutes turn the entire premise on its head, and it becomes a deceptively brilliant meta-textual satire of how White America consumes and discards BIPOC art. This probably won’t win anything, but it deserves to be up here.

Anatomy of a Fall: Easily one of the best films of the year. In a just world, Director Justine Triet would win the Best Director Oscar, instead of the almost-guaranteed Christopher Nolan. The film is just so unpredictable and electrifying, with some of the most formally daring filmmaking of the last few years. It gets better every time you watch it, and it inspires the best post-film discussions of the year.

Maestro: Bradley Cooper directs the hell out of this and gives the best performance of his career as Leonard Bernstein (and Carey Mulligan is astonishing), but this is not one of the best pictures of the year. After 130 minutes focused on Bernstein, I didn’t feel like I understood him, his marriage, his music or his tortured soul any better than when it began. Something deep in the center of the film is missing, and I’m not sure it can be quantified. If films have souls,

Maestro’s is AWOL.

Poor Things: This will win the more visual Oscars, like Production Design and possibly Cinematography. It’s a hell of a ride filled with jaw-dropping visuals and two bravura performances from Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, but I think it will be deemed too “weird” by Academy voters. It’s a startling work of originality that general audiences often hate.

The Zone of Interest: The most powerful and stunning Holocaust film since Son of Saul, this bone-chilling examination of the banality of evil and the bureaucracy

of genocide hits hard and often by compartmentalizing the horror in the same way the Nazis did. The audience is forced to watch evil exist without self-examination, as a Nazi family plays house on the opposite side of a wall from Auschwitz. The contrapuntal clash of visualizing the idyllic home and garden of the family with the nightmarish sounds of Auschwitz is unforgettable. Past Lives: Probably my favorite of the Best Picture nominees, Past Lives just hits differently. As a wistful elegy for dreams unrealized, it somehow makes viewers

feel nostalgic for a life they never had. I hope this wins something, but I won’t be surprised if it doesn’t.

Still, that leaves a ton of other great movies this year that should have been up for Best Picture. Incredible films like The Iron Claw, Fremont, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Showing Up, Asteroid City Fallen Leaves and Blue Jean were completely ignored. Maybe that just means 2023 was an exceptional year for film. What was your favorite film this year, and why? Leave a Reply in the Comments section below.

Photo courtesy of A24

REUNITED Childhood friends from Korea, played as adults by Teo Yoo (left) and Greta Lee, meet in New York after 20 years in ‘Past Lives,’ nominated for Best Picture in 2024.

Cannabis Lawsuit

not received a copy of the complaint. Though the suit was filed a month ago, certification of the suit and service to the principals can sometimes take weeks.

The Process

Two businesses received the council’s approval, JF Healdsburg (dba Jane) and 465 Retail (dba Solful), at the Nov. 13 meeting. Their selection came following presentations by the eight applicants and 90 minutes of public comment. The council then took a 15-minute “bio-break” (as it was termed at the time), reconvening to begin its public deliberation.

A straw poll was then requested by then-mayor Ariel Kelley, to gauge the sentiment of the council, which found that all five of the council members listed both Jane and Solful as among their three favorites. Chris Herrod also listed Mercy Wellness as among his choices, and the other council members named SPARC as their third choice. Given the unanimity of the two operators, Jane and Solful were chosen.

Although the on-dais consideration by the council was brief, it followed extensive public comment—most from employees or customers of the applicants—and a monthslong process of application and review, conducted by

a city staff committee and the consulting firm HdL.

In the suit, Mercy Wellness CEO Brandon Levine drove home the point that his company was the highest-scoring applicant after the third phase of selection. At that point Mercy scored 97.06%, followed by Solful with 94.94% and Jane with 90.94%.

On the other hand, Mercy scored lowest following the Phase 2 score with 95.42%, while six of the eight applicants scored 100%. Solful also scored less than perfect, at 98.75%. SPARC was initially disqualified at the Phase 2 level, but after appealing and receiving a second hearing was able to lift its score to 100%.

The selection of the successful applicants, however, is ultimately the decision of the city council, not the staff, but Mercy contends that both Jane and Solful should have been disqualified by missing components of their applications. Solful should have not been allowed to include a proposed parking area not on the permitted property (at 465 Healdsburg Ave.) but next door, and Jane should have been bumped because its application lacked a required zoning clearance letter.

A related charge was that the mayor at the time, Ariel Kelley, received campaign contributions from

ennie

JShe is survived by her significant other, Matt Dubois of Santa Rosa, California and her long-time best friend Trinity Striepeke of Healdsburg, California.

She is also survived by her father, Terry Gordon (Arlayne) of St. Louis, Missouri; Siblings Lisa Westfall of San Diego, California, Steve Gordon and Laurie Gordon, both of San Diego, California, and Matt Gordon (Candace) of St. Louis, Missouri; Also aunts Tonya Giusso (Gary) of Geyserville, California, Karen Lafferty (Michael) of San Diego, California, and Mary Katherine (Kittie) Weniger (David) of Carpenteria, California; And by her uncle, Eugene (Skip) Gordon of Santa Barbara, California; She was a cousin to Shannon Hausman of Healdsburg, California, Antonio Giusso of Geyserville, California, Melanie Pepper (Matt) of Carpenteria, California; and Marissa Nagler of San Diego, California; In turn, she was Aunt to Meghan Gordon of San Diego, California and Liam and Stella Gordon of St. Louis, Missouri.

She was predeceased by her mother, Suzette Whelan Gordon of Cloverdale, California.

Born May 10, 1974 in Boise, Idaho, she moved to the Santa Rosa, California area at the age of three where she remained her entire life. She attended Healdsburg High School where she had many friends and was very popular. She graduated in 1991.

Jennie was probably the nicest person on the planet. Everybody loved her. She possessed a charming giggle which was always present in any conversation.

Her passing was a personal tragedy for a lot of people, both friends and family. She will be sorely missed.

In lieu of a funeral service, a celebration of her life will be held in the near future.

some of the successful applicants for the Assembly District 2 race she later entered. She announced her candidacy following the city’s cannabis process, but state law prohibits a candidate receiving donations 12 months prior or following an official action.

As such, they say, she should have recused herself at the time or returned the campaign donations to avoid conflict of interest.

The Suit

At the center of the Mercy suit, and Levine’s argument, is the decision process itself on Nov. 13. The bulk of the discussion was a series of eightminute presentations by the eight applicants, and the public comment that followed.

“They said, ‘We’re going to take a break to use the restroom,’” Levine told the Tribune. “They all disappeared, and then they came back after 12 or 15 minutes and they said, ‘We’re going to decide who gets these applications.’”

Though the city council members recall using the time to go to the bathroom, Levine suspected they met then, or previously, to surreptitiously agree on their favored operators.

“They gave no reason for the applicants that they chose, which leads me to believe that that decision was unanimously made either at that meeting or at another meeting,” Levine said.

Following the council’s Nov. 13 decision, Mercy sent two formal protests

JOHN “JACK” WENDELL TROTTER JR.

June 19, 1943 – March 1, 2024

John “Jack” Wendell Trotter Jr., 81, of Healdsburg, CA died peacefully in his home on March 1, 2024.

He was born in Los Angeles,CA on June 19, 1943 to John and Lillian Trotter, where he lived until he moved to Garden Grove, Ca later in his youth. His first job was working at the Carnation restaurant in Disneyland. After graduating from Garden Grove High School and attending San Jose Bible College, he joined the marines. He served two tours with the Unit 5th Marine Regiment where he received two purple hearts for his service in Vietnam.

After his time serving in the military, he settled down in Healdsburg, CA where he spent most of his remaining years. During these years he was an active member of his community, participating in the rotary and the local school board. He was an avid war historian and gun collector. His collection included guns from as far back as the Civil War. He was a member of the Healdsburg Federated Church for many years. He worked for PG&E until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife and dance partner, Lis, who he married on September 20, 2002. They enjoyed many life experiences together including many European trips. He is also survived by his children, Kathy Muhlbeier, Bryan Trotter, Heather Andrews, Christian Bach, Pernille Bach, and Susanne Bach, as well as 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

A private military service will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

to the city, characterized as “cure and correct” letters. Dated Dec. 5 and Dec. 22, these letters protested the decision based on similar terms eventually presented in the Feb. 8 lawsuit.

On Jan. 16, 2024, the city’s attorney, Samantha Zutler, provided an extensive response to the letters that discounted their legal validity, pointing out among other things that the missing Jane document was the city’s fault, and the donations to Kelley’s campaign did not meet the legal criteria for conflict.

“Your ‘protest letter’ is of no legal consequence,” Zutler wrote.

On Feb. 8, Sigrid R. Waggener of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips filed the Mercy Wellness suit, a Petition for Writ of Mandate and Complaint for Declaratory Relief.

A key charge in the suit is that the city council violated the Brown Act by not openly discussing their process in arriving at a decision, and alludes

to the possibility that during their 15-minute break on Nov. 13, they reached a decision out of public view.

All council members who responded to the collusion question posed by the Tribune denied there had been any “bio-break” meeting to reach consensus. It might be noted that with a three-male, twofemale constitution of the council, bathroom-break collusion is unlikely to have occurred.

Levine is adamant that there was wrongdoing, and his long efforts to develop a Healdsburg dispensary were unfairly dispensed with—efforts that included co-sponsoring Chamber of Commerce barbecues and participating in the Veterans Day parade.

“The government holds cannabis operators responsible for all of their actions to an extreme,” Levine said. “I think this is a time where we should hold them responsible for their actions as well. It has to be a twoway street.”

Rogers Holds Edge

➝ 1

Hicks will face Greer in November.

Sonoma County’s Mea-

sure H, which would impose a half-cent sales tax to support fire prevention services, appeared headed for victory with 60% of the vote.

State Proposition 1 for mental health treatment facilities was scoring just

over 50% statewide, about the same as its Sonoma County results.

County-wide, voter turnout was about 25%.

Both Prop 1 and the Democratic candidate for Assembly District 2 will likely go down to the wire, and not be officially certified for another five weeks.

Photo by Christian Kallen

LOCATION Mercy Wellness bet the former Di Vine Pizza was the right place for a dispensary, but its bid fell short when the city council awarded the permits to other applicants.

Hall of Fame Welcomes 5 New Athletes

RUNNER SARAH SUMPTER A POSTHUMOUS INDUCTEE TO HIGH SCHOOL’S SPORTS HOF

By Christian Kallen

Healdsburg is justifiably proud of its student-athletes, and since 1992 has honored them by inclusion in an Athletic Hall of Fame. There are currently 49 members of this exclusive club, including honorary members, and on Feb. 25 five more names were added to the rolls.

On that Sunday, over 100 of Healdsburg’s most loyal locals gathered at the Villa Chanticleer Annex for the inauguration ceremony for the latest class of inductees. As the newest members of the Hall of Fame, five athletes were recognized for their contributions not only in sports, but for their positive influence in Healdsburg.

Richard Bugarske hosted the afternoon event, held at the American Legion annex. The HOF is cosponsored by the school, American Legion Sotoyome Post 111 and Healdsburg Kiwanis Club. Bugarske is currently the Kiwanis

president, chair of the Hall of Fame Committee— and as a vet, an American Legion member. Touching all the bases, as it were.

“The value of athletics in schools is significant,” Bugarske said. “It has a profound impact on individuals, the school and the community. Athletics is powerful and transcendent. It can bridge gaps, bring people together in unique ways and gives many young athletes unbelievable, life-altering opportunities.”

Bugarske presented and narrated a brief slide show that charted the 101-year history of the Kiwanis, the 105-year story of the American Legion and the growth of community sports in Healdsburg. He also spoke of the mysterious origin of the high school’s Greyhound mascot—a 1920s racing car or the arrival of the Greyhound Bus line to Healdsburg in 1930?

The newest inductees included girls volleyball and basketball players, track athletes, tennis players and coaches, and a wrestler. The most emotional recognition was reserved for Sarah Sumpter, class of 2008.

Sarah’s Story

As a Greyhound cross country runner in the fall of 2007, she won both the regional NCS division championship and the state CIF Division 4 championship in cross country, and was named Press Democrat runner of the year. These high school successes were clouded by anorexia, which she challenged in public and managed to overcome.

Her collegiate career at UC Davis was equally successful, where she set a school record in the 10k and was named Big West Athlete of the Year in 2012. But her struggles with health returned. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010, yet she continued to run when she could and returned to competition.

She was preparing for what would have been her first marathon when she ran her last race—the 4th of July 2015 Kenwood Footrace, where she came in first. She died at home in Cloverdale three months later. Her career was recounted

by one of her running coaches at the time, Carlos Quiroga, as he introduced Brian Sumpter to accept the award for his daughter.

“I am proud of my daughter’s achievements both in high school and college at UC Davis, but most of all I’m proud of my daughter’s indomitable spirit while fighting brain cancer during the final years of her life,” said Sumpter, a Lake County sportswriter. “She never backed down to any challenge, never made excuses,” he said. “While she wasn’t always the fastest runner in the final years of her life, she was the fastest runner undergoing chemo.”

HOF Class of 2024

The five inductees to the Healdsburg High Athletic Hall of Fame are the 11th class, dating back to the HOF’s founding in 1992 when the first four athletes were selected. The last time a new class was added was 2019, so the old-timers in the audience were chafing for the recognition.

Suzy Charles (Class of ’89), was a multi-sport athlete throughout her Healdsburg career and settled into an All-State volleyball year. She, too, continued to UC Davis, there to become a team leader in basketball.

John Suazo, a ’95 graduate, was also a runner, starring in track and cross country during his junior and senior years. He was a top runner at Dominican, in San Rafael, and is still involved in the Healdsburg community as a soccer booster and Little League coach.

Anne Seppi (1999 graduate) is Healdsburg’s most recent Hall of Fame tennis player—a three-time MVP, Sonoma County doubles league champion in her junior year and singles champion as a senior. Add to that her four years lettering in basketball for another well-rounded Greyhound athlete.

Matt Crippes (Class of ’03) was the last called up to receive his plaque. An All-League, All-Empire

and All-State wrestler at HHS, he continued with the sport into the military, wrestling with the U.S. Air Force Academy from 2004-2006.

The five inductees join the other 49 names in the Healdsburg High Athletic Hall of Fame (healdsburghighhalloffame.org/) in lasting recognition of their contributions to sports and community in Healdsburg.

“It is difficult to summarize thoughts about each athlete,” Bugarske said after the event. “On one of the slides I talk about the value of athletics to the student, their families and the community. The Hall of Fame celebrates those thoughts.”

Though there are several places with Hall of Fame information at Healdsburg High School, the wall display in Smith Robinson Gym next to the snack window will soon be up to date, with all 54 names in the Healdsburg High Athletic Hall of Fame.

Healdsburg Junior High Named ‘Distinguished School’

1 OF 3 IN COUNTY

TO EARN STATEWIDE AWARD

Staff Report

Healdsburg Junior High was recently named a 2024 California Distinguished School, a recognition by the state’s Department of Education that identifies schools that show significant progress in student achievement.

The junior high was one of only three Sonoma County schools to win the award. “This is a huge honor and testament to the hard work of our junior high’s staff and students,” said District Superintendent Chris Vanden Heuvel and Board President Aracely Romo-Flores in a joint statement.

Multiple measures are evaluated to identify eligible distinguished schools based on their performance on state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard).

Schools were selected by analyzing data reported

through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate, said the CDE.

Criteria include exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions and demonstrating high graduation rates (high schools only).

The other two Sonoma County schools so recognized were Brook Haven and Twin Hills Charter middle schools, both in Sebastopol. A total of 293 elementary and primary schools statewide won the award.

“Again, a huge congratulations to Team HJH! Thank you to our HJH staff for their tireless efforts and commitment to our students, and thank you to our students for working hard and being all stars inside and out of the classroom.”

Concluded the joint statement, “It’s a great day to be a Grey Pup!”

Photos by Michael Lucid

CAREER DISPLAY The Hall of Fame accomplishments of Sara Sumpter, Class of ’08, include her running shoes, medals, trophies and plaques, and her last competition bib.

AWARDEE Anne Seppi, at right, was welcomed to the Healdsburg High Athletic Hall of Fame by Tom Kirkpatrick on Feb. 25, 2024.

Photo courtesy Healdsburg Unified School District

CREME DE LA CLASS The Healdsburg Junior High Leadership Class in fall 2023. The school won a coveted Distinguished School award from the State Department of Education.

Man Jailed After Evading Fitch Mountain Search

PORSCHE DRIVER LEADS POLICE ON HIGH-SPEED CHASE, HELICOPTER CALLED IN

A Healdsburg man who evaded law enforcement on Sunday afternoon by hiding in the thickets of Fitch Mountain was arrested and jailed on Monday in Santa Rosa.

Donald L. Hughes, 43, was recognized by a Healdsburg Police officer on Sunday afternoon, March 3, who then attempted to pull him over. Hughes was driving a latemodel Porsche at a slow rate of speed on Healdsburg Avenue, arousing the officer’s curiosity.

When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver at first slowed as if to comply, then took off at a high rate of speed northbound on Healdsburg Avenue. He turned onto Powell Avenue and raced up the hill to Villa Chanticleer, where he apparently abandoned his vehicle and “footbailed,” i.e. fled on foot, into the woods of Fitch Mountain. The vehicle was impounded at the scene.

Healdsburg Police called for an assist from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, but after an hour-long hunt law enforcement gave up the active search.

At 3:09pm the following day, Monday, Santa Rosa Police arrested Hughes for public intoxication and violation of probation and

Tuesday, Feb. 20 9:57am A

Monday, Feb. 19

8:18am

at Healdsburg Avenue was arrested and transported to county jail on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding criminal threats.

2:22pm The RP stated she tried to sell her truck on Craigslist. She paid the required $5 fee and provided the vehicle identification number (VIN) to Craigslist. Shortly thereafter, she claimed three fraudulent charges totaling $436 were made to her credit card. The RP was afraid that someone may illegally change the registration on her vehicle and report the car as stolen. The RP requested that the information be documented with the Healdsburg Police Department, and she followed up with the DMV.

7:35pm An officer stopped a 43-YO man for violating bicycle-light rules near Lola’s Market on Healdsburg Avenue. He was cited and released for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger.

11:47pm The RP saw an aggressive man yelling in front of the office at Dry Creek Inn on Dry Creek Road. Officers responded and spoke with the subject about his yelling.

3:42pm

3:48pm

Wednesday, Feb. 21

8:30am Graffiti reported on March Avenue.

11:04am Graffiti reported on Grant Street at the railroad tracks, on the Seghesio shed and on a chain-link fence.

2:22pm Drug activity was reported near Starbucks Coffee on Vine Street. The RP stated that two men approached a truck and took a baggy filled with what the RP believed were drugs. Then the men smoked out of what

Historic Shop Burns

Last

of Syar by the end of May,” said Margaret Sluyk, CEO of Reach for Home, adding that the grant includes a year and a half of services to help relocated individuals. The grant “to help those living on Syar Property is based on an individualized, staggered approach to help with

and

“The

informed Healdsburg Police that he was in custody. He was heavily intoxicated and creating a disturbance in the Bennet Valley neighborhood near Summerfield Road.

Healdsburg Police said Hughes was wearing extremely muddy clothes when he was interviewed in jail, suggesting his Fitch Mountain escape was perilous. It was not known how he made it to Santa Rosa from Healdsburg.

Healdsburg Police charged him with one felony charge of evading an officer, as well as resisting arrest, driving without an interlock device, violation of probation, reckless driving, driving the wrong way on a road and driving with a suspended license from a prior DUI.

The Santa Rosa charges

the RP believed to be a crack pipe. The two men were with a woman smoking out of the pipe as well. At 2:54pm, a vehicle that matched the description of the truck was stopped on Kinley Drive at Magnolia Drive. The woman in the vehicle was transported to Healdsburg General Hospital. A 46-YO man was cited and released for lack of required insurance and driving without a license.

3:44pm A hit-and-run accident occurred in the parking lot of Healdsburg Elementary School on First Street. The RP witnessed what happened and had a picture of the suspect vehicle. Officers responded and took a report.

5:00pm A burglary occurred on Chalk Hill Road. The RP’s matter was transferred to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

6:16pm A disturbance occurred at L&M Motel on Healdsburg Avenue. A man was driving by honking and yelling, perhaps with the aim of getting his girlfriend evicted. The vehicle left, and the RP was asked to call back if the vehicle returned.

6:18pm The RP indicated that the tenant of a property the RP manages complained that a man was at The Raven Film Center on Center Street, shouting. Officers responded, but the man was gone on arrival and unable to be located. Dispatch called the tenant, because the tenant, not the RP, saw the man.

9:09pm An unlicensed driver was cited on March Avenue at University Street.

9:26pm A vehicle was stopped for violating tail-light rules on Healdsburg Avenue at Parkland Farms Boulevard. A 47-YO man was cited and released for possession

were similar vehicle and probation violations, and included the charge of public intoxication.

His first court hearings were held on Wednesday morning, following which Hughes remained in

of drug paraphernalia and violating probation. A second man, 46, was cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia.

10:31pm A 57-YO man was cited on Healdsburg Avenue at Marigold Drive on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding possession of a switchblade, trespassing and violating the open-container law.

Thursday, Feb. 22

8:46am Graffiti was reported on Grant Street at the railroad tracks.

• 2:50pm A 52-YO woman was cited and released in the West Plaza parking lot on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding public intoxication.

4:10pm The RP indicated her boyfriend threatened her with a knife on West North Street. She wanted him to leave her residence. Officers arrested the 40-YO man and brought him to county jail for brandishing a weapon.

Friday, Feb. 23

1:03am Officers contacted a 25-YO man on Healdsburg Avenue at Ferrero Drive. He was arrested and brought to county jail on outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding trespass, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

9:35am The RP stated her child’s father was abusive, manipulative and narcissistic. He hit her on the previous day, causing visible injuries. Officers responded, and an emergency protective order was granted. The vehicle of the 36-YO man was entered into the Flock license plate reader system. Later, the vehicle was located by Flock, and the driver was arrested

and transported to county jail for domestic violence.

• 12:07pm An officer provided resources to a person camping and sleeping under blankets at the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society on Matheson Street.

2:50pm An officer contacted two people trespassing on Syar property. A 28-YO man was cited and released for trespassing, polluting near a waterway and violating probation. A 24-YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for trespass, polluting near a waterway and on outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding possession of drug paraphernalia.

6:53pm Mail tampering occurred on Lincoln Street. Three packages arrived at the RP’s house. The RP believed they all belonged to her and began opening them. When she saw electronics in one of the packages, she realized that particular package was addressed to a different person but had her address on the package. The RP did not know the person on the label. Later in the day, a woman came to the RP’s door and stated that her husband accidentally sent the package to the RP’s address by mistake. The RP gave the package to the woman. The RP was advised by dispatch to contact the postal service regarding the incident. The incident was documented.

8:51pm The RP and her husband heard their car alarm go off, and the husband went outside and found his car door open. Nothing was taken from inside the vehicle, but the front license plate was missing. A report was taken.

10:14pm The RP stated a man made threatening

The exact number of people still encamped on the widespread Syar property is unknown. “What we do know is we are working with all individuals south of Healdsburg and north of Healdsburg and everywhere in between on the river. We started with 42 individuals and are now at 21,” Sluyk told the Tribune, just weeks before the fire at Wicked Slush.

at

in Santa Rosa, with an increased bail of $700,000.

statements to fight people in the parking lot of Rotten Robbie’s on Healdsburg Avenue. Officers arrived at the scene and contacted the people involved. No further assistance was required.

Saturday, Feb. 24

8:44am The RP stated there was a transient person with a dog on West Grant Street sleeping on his property. The RP wanted the person to move along, but the RP was not willing to press charges. An officer responded and advised the person to move along.

7:28pm Drunk driving occurred on Redwood Highway at Westside Road. The RP stated that a vehicle was swerving all over the road. Officers checked the area, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.

Sunday, Feb. 25

12:34pm Vandalism occurred on West Grant Street. The RP’s neighbor dumped raw mushrooms on the RP’s doorstep and took an antique glass from the porch and broke it. The neighbor then put the shattered glass in the water bowl of the RP’s cat. Next the neighbor put a shopping cart near the RP’s car and smeared a green sticky substance over the windshield. Later, the RP stated the neighbor sprayed a substance on the windshield again and leaned a mop against the car. The RP also believed the antenna of her car was bent. An officer responded and took a report. Several hours later, the RP returned home to find a green liquid substance on her front door that she believed was put there by the neighbor while the RP was gone.

Compiled by Carolyn Brenner

Photo Courtesy Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office

HENRY-1 The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter unit, based at Sonoma County Airport, was used in an aerial search of the Fitch Mountain region on Sunday, March 3.

Photo by Christian Kallen

ENCAMPMENT Home for the homeless is on the Syar property on the other side of the railroad tracks. An ongoing effort to relocate them continues.