Healdsburg Tribune March 28 2024

REDUCED USAGE, HIGHER COST OF DELIVERY AND DEFERRED MAINTENANCE

ALL ADD UP

Staff Report

Healdsburg residents learned late last week that they will pay more for water delivery and wastewater services over the next three years and beyond, with increases of 18% expected in Fiscal Year 202425 alone, beginning with the July utility bill.

Inflation, lower-thanprojected water sales (or usage; much of the decline is based on revised water use habits in the wake of the extended drought), new water treatment requirements and the need to replace centuriesold water pipelines are all driving these increases, according to Terry Crowley, the city’s utilities director.

“One of the many challenges facing the city’s water and wastewater departments is the amount of aging infrastructure serving our community,” Crowley said. “There are roughly 120 miles of water and

to Healdsburg.

“Many of these pipes, over a third, are more than 50 years old with some dating as far back as 1910. Adequate funding for the replacement of these pipes has not existed for many years, creating a backlog of deferred maintenance,” he added.

➝ Water Rates, 7

FROM CLIMATE FEST TO JAZZ FESTIVAL, THE CITY GETS IN PARTY MODE

By Christian Kallen

With the onset of spring last week—despite the cold and rain—Healdsburg is beginning to wake up from its sleepy winter months and get back in gear as the food/wine/music destination city it has become. No fewer than five significant annual celebrations are booked into venues in the coming three months.

Earth Day Climate Fest (April 21)

Climate Action Healdsburg claimed such success with last year’s Climate Fest that it’s bringing it back again, with city

collaboration, at the Healdsburg Plaza on Sunday, April 21. Also called Festival del Clima! , last year’s afternoon event drew more than 2,000 people to the Plaza to explore 50 booths, expanding information and awareness about climate solutions. More attendees are expected this year.

In actuality, the Sunday festival gets into gear early with a Move! Healdsburg bike ride on Friday evening, April 19, from 5-6:30pm. These monthly events from Move! Healdsburg, a work group of Climate Action Healdsburg, have become increasingly popular community gatherings “to get people moving by foot and bike for a better quality of life.”

The Climate Fest itself will hit the ground running on Sunday morning with a 5k run/walk, with Mayor

David Hagele taking part as a guest DJ. Booths will be available at the Plaza from noon to 4pm, with Plaza Street serving as a “transit fair” with various alternative means of transportation features including e-bike information from Get-Away Adventures plus 12 bikes available for test rides. Center Street will be filled with booths focused on eco-friendly food and plant starts, including free “Earth Cookies,” again to be provided by many of the same bakeries that donated last year.

As the booths close, popular Latina performer Rocio La Dama de La Cumbia will return to Healdsburg to provide lively entertainment from 4:30-6pm.

More information available at www.climateactionhealdsburg.org.

ROGERS WINS A PLACE ON THE BALLOT

SANTA ROSA POLITICIAN BEATS STATE PARTY CHAIR FOR RIGHT TO RUN IN NOVEMBER

Christian Kallen

By

Chris Rogers, the youthful Santa Rosa City Council member who challenged California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks for the Assembly District 2 seat, has been keeping a cautiously optimistic eye on the final results of the March 5 primary election. But the latest figures show that it now looks like a sure thing that he will get second-place in the primary—good enough to make

AVFest (April 26 - May 5)

Just one week later, the annual AVFest—formerly the Alexander Valley Film Festival—gets underway with an opening night screening, April 26, at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center. That will kick off a 10-day immersion in cinematic arts in the town where it all began, at the now-shuttered Clover Theater.

Other screenings will follow in Geyserville, Windsor, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, with many again taking place at Longboard Vineyards’ production room at the corner of Fitch and Hudson.

The organizers say the festival “features cuttingedge indie films and selections of diverse works from and about underrepresented artists and communities.” AVFest

the general election ballot in November. Rogers, 36, maintained a narrow lead throughout the post-election day tabulations. “We were feeling pretty good that it was headed that direction for a couple of weeks, as we saw the returns come in,” he said. Rogers’ current total (as of March 25) shows him holding a 1,500-vote lead over Hicks, a narrow margin that should be enough to claim the right to represent the Democratic Party on the Nov. 5 ballot. Even with a handful of outstanding ballots yet to be counted in all counties in the district (Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Mendocino and Sonoma counties), there don’t appear to be enough to change the results as they stand today. The election results must be officially certified by April 12, if not before.

First place in the

will also include Sonoma County student works in the annual Student Film Competition.

One of the highlights, especially for Healdsburg residents, will be the AVFest Block Party on May 3, on North Street, from 6-9:30pm, featuring food vendors, live music and festivities based around film and media arts. The complete AVFest schedule will be released on March 31.

Updated information at avfilmpresents.org/ film-festival.

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (May 16 – 19)

The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience has announced its schedule for the 2024 version, its third multi-day immersion in

➝ Spring Celebrations, 4

primary went to Republican Mike Greer (27.4%), but Democrats hold a significant vote registration advantage over Republicans in the district which makes Rogers the favored candidate to replace retiring Jim Wood.

However, said Greer, “I certainly think I have a chance because people are tired of what’s happening in education and political mandates that are making life difficult for everyone. My campaign is not one of Republican-Democrat but [the] quality of life you want and the opportunity to achieve it.” It wasn’t until Friday, March 22, that Hicks (with 18.4% of the vote total) conceded the race to Rogers (19.5%) by phone, following up with a press release. “Today, I congratulated Councilmember Chris Rogers and wished him all the best.

➝ Rogers Wins, 7

Photo by Rick Tang

POPULAR BOOTH Carrie Brown, formerly of the Jimtown Store, manages a lemonade and cookies farmstand at Climate Fest 2023 while her colleague Cindy Daniels (of SHED, not shown) takes a break.

GOINGS ON AROUND

TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT

‘Wizard’ at the Raven

This Raven Players production of the musical The Wizard of Oz plays weekends through April 7. Note

Thursday, March 28, is pay-what-you can, all other performances $10 students, $40 grownups. See schedule and ticket links at raventheater.org/event/the-wizardof-oz. Raven Performing

Arts Theater, 115 North St. City Offices

Closed On Friday, March 29, as happens 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) 5470556, for Building inspections call (707) 431-3346.

Barrel Room Music

Live music continues at Hudson Street Wineries on Friday afternoons,

from 5-8pm. $5 cover for a danceable way to end the work week at 428 Hudson St. March 29 the Stragglerz come to play; see the season’s schedule at hudsonstreetwineries.com/ upcoming-events.

Women’s History

The Healdsburg Jazz Artist in Residence is trombonist Natalie Cressman, who will present a Women’s History program on Friday, March 29, about trombonist and composer Melba Liston. At Healdsburg Regional Library, 139 Piper St., 5-6pm.

Guitar Jazz

Friday, March 29, welcome Christian FoleyBeining (guitar) with Tom Shader (bass) and Kendrick Freeman (drums) to Furthermore Wines, 328A Healdsburg Ave. Starts at 5pm, no cover.

Saxophone Jazz

Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano plays at The 222 on Saturday, March 30, with pianist Marilyn Crispell and drummer Carmen Castaldi in Trio Tapestry. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm; tickets $45 and $85 at the222.org. Located inside Paul Mahder Gallery, 222 Healdsburg Ave.

Elephant Music

Electric Tumbleweed rolls into town on Saturday, March 30, at Elephant in the Room, 177A Healdsburg Ave. $10 cover, show starts at 8pm. More at elephantintheroompub.com.

Monthly Comedy

Laugh till it hurts at the Coyote Den’s monthly standup comedy show, hosted by Martin Marrufo with headliner Chazz Hawkins and others. $15 presale, $20 at the door; show starts at 8pm on Saturday, March 30. Coyote Sonoma, 44f Mill St., coyotesonoma.com.

Easter Weekend

Healdsburg has no traditional public Easter celebration, though the Healdsburg Chamber recommends the Geyserville Inn’s Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt, on Saturday, March 30, from noon to 1pm. In

Windsor, the Kiwanis Club holds its annual Egg Hunt at Windsor High School starting at 10am sharp, also on March 30.

Library Closures

Sonoma County regional branches, including in Healdsburg, will be closed on Sunday, March 31 and Monday, April 1. They will reopen with regular hours on April 2.

City Council

First meeting of the month for Healdsburg’s City Council is Monday, April 1, at 6pm. Agendas for all city meetings are published in advance at healdsburg.gov/543/ Agendas-Minutes. Location is Council Chambers, 401 Grove St.

Dad Country

Free-roaming musician

Avi Vinocur plays Little Saint on Thursday, April 4, 6pm. Coming April 11: Low Cut Connie (Adam Weiner). Second Story stage is upstairs at Little Saint, 25 North St.

‘The Mountaintop’

A two-person drama by Katori Hall about the last day of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., entirely set in his Lorraine Motel room the evening before his assassination. It opens April 4 and plays most days through April 14, 7:30pm. At The 222 stage, 222 Healdsburg Ave. Tickets start at $45, students free, available at www.the222.org.

Books & Wine

Copperfield’s Books presents an author’s reading

on Friday, April 5, at 7pm, next door at Thumbprint Cellars, 102 Matheson St. Meet Rowan Beaird, whose debut novel, The Divorcées , is set in 1950s Reno, Nevada.

Maya Angelou Day

Saturday, April 6, 2-4 pm is a Healdsburg Jazz celebration of the Presidential Medal of Freedom-honored Angelou, featuring poets Avotcja, Enid Pickett, Sonoma County Youth Poet Ella Wen, Marcus Shelby and others. An open mic for all interested poets and writers follows. Healdsburg Library, 139 Piper St., 2-4pm.

Walk!

Healdsburg

A community walk at the site of the Saggio Hills Affordable Housing Project, with Stephen Sotomayor, the Healdsburg housing director, and the Move! Healdsburg crew from the Climate Action group. Sunday, April 7, 1:303:30pm. Meet at Barbieri Brothers Park.

Slow Wine

A discussion, book sale and signing by renowned wine writer and educator Deborah Parker Wong, national editor of the Slow Wine Guid e, including a wine tasting from 6:308pm on Tuesday, April 9, at the Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St. Post events on the Tribune’s online calendar at healdsburgtribune.com/ calendar and send special announcements to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.

Photo by Bart Babinski/ECM

SAXOPHONIST Joe Lovano fronts Trio Tapestry, accompanied by drummer Carmen Castaldi and pianist Marilyn Crispell, on Saturday, March 30, at The 222.

Brains, Courage & Heart

YELLOW BRICK ROAD LEADS TO HEALDSBURG

By Harry Duke

Healdsburg’s Raven Players is one of the few local companies to wear the phrase “community theater” as a badge of honor. Absent a delusion of grandeur and pretenses of socalled “Broadway quality,” the Players simply make

the commitment to be a place that all are welcome, both on and off the stage. Their casts are frequently composed of a mixture of stage veterans and newcomers, and what their shows may lack in production values or experience is often made up for by the energy and heart displayed by the participants. Their seasons lean to the familiar, with occasional presentations of original or

lesser-known works. You can’t get any more familiar than The Wizard of Oz . Who hasn’t seen the classic 1939 film a couple of hundred times?

John Kane and the Royal Shakespeare Company adapted the film for the stage in 1987, retained all of the original dialogue and songs, and added just a wee bit more of both. Raven Players Artistic Director Steven David Martin has

a double-cast production of this version running at the Raven Performing Arts Theater through April 7. Dorothy Gale (Joanna Burrill, alternating with Eily Carniglia) runs away from her Kansas home to save her little dog Toto (a stuffed animal to start that transmogrifies into the precocious Willam Young) from the heinous Miss Gulch (Kate Edery). Transported via tornado

to the Land of Oz, Dorothy seeks a way home with the assistance of the Scarecrow (Bohn Connor/Elliot Davis), the Tin Man (Joe Caruselle/Dan Murray) and the Cowardly Lion (Nicholas Augusta/Evan Espinoza). Glinda the Good Witch (Katie WattsWhitaker) sends them off to see the Wizard (Craig Peoples/Matt Farrell) while avoiding the Wicked Witch of the West (Edery).

The Munchkins, talking trees, flying monkeys and jitterbugs met along the way are all energetically played by youth, many of whom are members of the Young at Heart Theatre program.

The veteran performers in the cast kept the show grounded, while the youthful ensemble’s energy and enthusiasm kept the show’s tempo and pace up and moving through its two-and-onehalf hour running time. This went a long way in keeping the numerous younger members of the audience engaged.

Director Martin and his team have upped the Raven’s usual production values and added substantial projections, smoke, bubbles and other special effects to the mix. There’s an eight-piece live orchestra under the direction of Kelly Considine delivering the live music, and Jeanine Gray brings a touch of modernity to the traditional costumes.

Knowing the dialogue and lyrics helps as sound continues to be an issue at the Raven. The orchestra frequently overpowered the singing.

It takes brains, courage and a whole lot of heart to mount a production like The Wizard of Oz.

There’s no place like … Healdsburg.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ runs through April 7 at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg. ThuSat, 7:30pm; Sat & Sun, 2pm. $10–$40. 707.433.6335. raventheater.org.

AVENGERS Off to see the Wizard are the Scarecrow (Bohn Connor), Dorothy (Joanna Sue Burrill), Toto (Willam Young) and the Tin Man (Joe Caruselle) in the Raven Theater production of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ playing until April 7.

Photo by Ray Mabry

Healdsburg in Springtime

Spring Celebrations, 1 things local that makes Healdsburg the Destina(with a capital D) it is. This year’s dates, from May 16 to May 19, Thursthrough Sunday, will include the to-be-expected Vintners’ Plaza Grand Tasting, from noon to 5pm Saturday, May 18. It’s festival of booths, tastflights, food samples one-on-one interaction with the people who grow, create and make the region’s bounty, to be held once again at the West Plaza Parking Lot.

➝ Spring Celebrations, 1 all things local that makes Healdsburg the Destination (with a capital D) it is.

BloodRoot Ramble (June 7 – 8)

This year’s dates, from May 16 to May 19, Thursday through Sunday, will include the to-be-expected Vintners’ Plaza Grand Tasting, from noon to 5pm on Saturday, May 18. It’s a festival of booths, tasting flights, food samples and one-on-one interaction with the people who grow, create and make the region’s bounty, to be held once again at the West Plaza Parking Lot.

The organizers, who signed a three-year contract over the winter to keep this “experience” on the city calendar through 2026, are looking forward to completion of the Foley Family Community Pavilion on North Street. While that is possible for 2025, it’s not likely to happen until the midsummer of that year. Other activities will include “culinary experiences with celebrity chefs,” wine education seminars, Bollywood Night at La Crema Winery and a blues concert with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at RodStrong Vineyards on Friday, May 17. Information and tickets www.healdsburgwineandfood.com.

The organizers, who signed a three-year contract over the winter to keep this “experience” on the city calendar through 2026, are looking forward to completion of the Foley Family Community Pavilion on North Street. While that is possible for 2025, it’s not likely to happen until the midsummer of that year.

➝ Spring Celebrations, 1 all things local that makes Healdsburg the Destination (with a capital D) it is. This year’s dates, from May 16 to May 19, Thursday through Sunday, will include the to-be-expected Vintners’ Plaza Grand Tasting, from noon to 5pm on Saturday, May 18. It’s a festival of booths, tasting flights, food samples and one-on-one interaction with the people who grow, create and make the region’s bounty, to be held once again at the West Plaza Parking Lot. The organizers, who signed a three-year contract over the winter to keep this “experience” on the city calendar through 2026, are looking forward to completion of the Foley Family Community Pavilion on North Street. While that is possible for 2025, it’s not likely to happen until the midsummer of that year.

BloodRoot Ramble (June 7 – 8)

BloodRoot Ramble (June 7 – 8)

Billing itself as “Healdsburg’s homegrown music & wine festival,” the Ramble returns from BloodRoot Wines on Saturday, June 8, expanding to take over centerfield at the Healdsburg Community Center. Top billed is Lord Huron, an indie rock band with twangy roots in the Midwest.

Billing itself as “Healdsburg’s homegrown music & wine festival,” the Ramble returns from BloodRoot Wines on Saturday, June 8, expanding to take over centerfield at the Healdsburg Community Center. Top billed is Lord Huron, an indie rock band with twangy roots in the Midwest.

Billing itself as “Healdsburg’s homegrown music & wine festival,” the Ramble returns from BloodRoot Wines on Saturday, June 8, expanding to take over centerfield at the Healdsburg Community Center. Top billed is Lord Huron, an indie rock band with twangy roots in the Midwest.

Multi-instrumentalist

Multi-instrumentalist

Multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird, R&B singer Cautious Clay, the Nude Party from North Carolina and Sonoma County’s own Spike Sikes round out the June 8 concert day. The mini-fest features local wines, craft beers and other sustenance, from noon to 8pm at the Community Center. (They’ve smartly built a BloodRoot Ramble 2024 playlist on Spotify to preview the festival.)

Other activities will include “culinary experiences with celebrity chefs,” wine education seminars, a Bollywood Night at La Crema Winery and a blues concert with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Friday, May 17.

Information and tickets at www.healdsburgwineandfood.com.

Andrew Bird, R&B singer Cautious Clay, the Nude Party from North Carolina and Sonoma County’s own Spike Sikes round out the June 8 concert day. The mini-fest features local wines, craft beers and other sustenance, from noon to 8pm at the Community Center. (They’ve smartly built a BloodRoot Ramble 2024 playlist on Spotify to preview the festival.)

Other activities will include “culinary experiences with celebrity chefs,” wine education seminars, a Bollywood Night at La Crema Winery and a blues concert with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Friday, May 17. Information and tickets at www.healdsburgwineandfood.com.

Andrew Bird, R&B singer Cautious Clay, the Nude Party from North Carolina and Sonoma County’s own Spike Sikes round out the June 8 concert day. The mini-fest features local wines, craft beers and other sustenance, from noon to 8pm at the Community Center. (They’ve smartly built a BloodRoot Ramble 2024 playlist on Spotify to preview the festival.)

The evening before, on June 7, VIP ticket-holders can meet the artists at the new Reeve Wines tasting room in Dry Creek, hear the Coffis Brothers in concert at Little Saint in downtown Healdsburg and join the “after-party” at Bubble Bar on June 8. A limited number of tickets for the Friday events are available to the public as well as VIP ticket-holders.

The evening before, on June 7, VIP ticket-holders can meet the artists at the new Reeve Wines tasting room in Dry Creek, hear the Coffis Brothers in concert at Little Saint in downtown Healdsburg and join the “after-party” at Bubble Bar on June 8. A limited number of tickets for the Friday events are available to the public as well as VIP ticket-holders.

The evening before, on June 7, VIP ticket-holders can meet the artists at the new Reeve Wines tasting room in Dry Creek, hear the Coffis Brothers in concert at Little Saint in downtown Healdsburg and join the “after-party” at Bubble Bar on June 8. A limited number of tickets for the Friday events are available to the public as well as VIP ticket-holders.

Once again the Ramble is committed to raising money for gun safety awareness, this time with a goal of $100,000. Information and tickets at bloodrootramble.com.

Once again the Ramble is committed to raising money for gun safety awareness, this time with a goal of $100,000. Information and tickets at bloodrootramble.com.

Once again the Ramble is committed to raising money for gun safety awareness, this time with a goal of $100,000. Information and tickets at bloodrootramble.com.

Healdsburg

Healdsburg

all-day Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15, featuring artist-inresidence Steve Turre and his Generations Sextet, and a host of others. This is in collaboration with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, and will take place in the Plaza.

all-day Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15, featuring artist-inresidence Steve Turre and his Generations Sextet, and a host of others. This is in collaboration with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, and will take place in the Plaza.

Healdsburg Jazz Festival

Jazz Festival

Jazz Festival

all-day Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15, featuring artist-inresidence Steve Turre and his Generations Sextet, and a host of others. This is in collaboration with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, and will take place in the Plaza.

(June 15 – 23)

(June 15 – 23)

(June 15 – 23)

The Healdsburg Jazz Festival kicks off with a free,

The Healdsburg Jazz Festival kicks off with a free,

The Healdsburg Jazz Festival kicks off with a free,

The next day marks a return of Samara Joy, who won last year’s Best New Artist Grammy a few months after appearing in Healdsburg. She reappears for a Father’s Day concert on June 16, this time at Kendall Jackson Winery; locals who saw her at Bacchus Landing last year raved about the performance for months.

The next day marks a return of Samara Joy, who won last year’s Best New Artist Grammy a few months after appearing in Healdsburg. She reappears for a Father’s Day concert on June 16, this time at Kendall Jackson Winery; locals who saw her at Bacchus Landing last year raved about the performance for months. This year's lineup will also have saxophonist Joshua Redman, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire with Bill Frisell and Herlin Riley, Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), the Cookers, the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, along with latenight concerts throughout the 9-day festival. More information at www.healdsburgjazz.org.

The next day marks a return of Samara Joy, who won last year’s Best New Artist Grammy a few months after appearing in Healdsburg. She reappears for a Father’s Day concert on June 16, this time at Kendall Jackson Winery; locals who saw her at Bacchus Landing last year raved about the performance for months.

This year's lineup will also have saxophonist Joshua Redman, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire with Bill Frisell and Herlin Riley, Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), the Cookers, the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, along with latenight concerts throughout the 9-day festival. More information at www.healdsburgjazz.org.

This year's lineup will also have saxophonist Joshua Redman, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire with Bill Frisell and Herlin Riley, Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), the Cookers, the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, along with latenight concerts throughout the 9-day festival.

More information at www.healdsburgjazz.org.

Other events to look forward to include the Saturday Farmers’ Market starting April 13, followed by the start of the Tuesday Farmers’ Market on May

Other events to look forward to include the Saturday Farmers’ Market starting April 13, followed by the start of the Tuesday Farmers’ Market on May

Other events to look forward to include the Saturday Farmers’ Market starting April 13, followed by the start of the Tuesday Farmers’ Market on May

14 in the Plaza. The city’s 6-8pm Tuesdays in the Plaza concerts start May 28, and the Future Farmers Country Fair will be held May 23 – 25.

14 in the Plaza. The city’s 6-8pm Tuesdays in the Plaza concerts start May 28, and the Future Farmers Country Fair will be held May 23 – 25.

14 in the Plaza. The city’s 6-8pm Tuesdays in the Plaza concerts start May 28, and the Future

SNAPSHOT

SNAPSHOT

Tiny Food in a Box

Tiny Food in a Box

Tiny Food in a Box SNAPSHOT

By

Pierre Ratte

on the little lending libraries found around town. Instead of books, people can get or drop-off food any time.

food any time.

This past Sunday, Healdsburg’s first Neighborhood Tiny Food Pantry opened. It’s located on University Avenue between Monte Vista and March Avenues. The tiny pantry is a riff on the little lending libraries found around town. Instead of books, people can get or drop-off food any time.

The sign says: “Need food? Grab some. Have food? Place some.” It’s a tiny experiment in community giving. Perhaps, the book shelters, more be built?

The sign says: “Need food? Grab some. Have food? Place some.” It’s a tiny experiment in community giving. Perhaps, like the book shelters, more will be built?

The sign says: “Need food? Grab some. Have food? Place some.” It’s a tiny experiment in community giving. Perhaps, like the book shelters, more will be built?

Not-so-fun facts: Food security is an issue in

Not-so-fun facts: Food security is an issue in

Not-so-fun facts: Food security is an issue in

Sonoma County. The Redwood Empire Food Bank registered 31% more families receiving food distributions in 2023. U.S. food prices were up 6% in 2023. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average California family of four spends $300 per week on food; that’s over $15,000 per year in after-tax dollars. With gasoline prices surging, household budgets struggle. Fortunately, there are significant charitable organizations addressing needs in and around Sonoma County. In Healdsburg, Farm to Fight Hunger gives 100% of its production to charity.

Sonoma County. The Redwood Empire Food Bank registered 31% more families receiving food distributions in 2023. U.S. food prices were up 6% in 2023. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average California family of four spends $300 per week on food; that’s over $15,000 per year in after-tax dollars. With gasoline prices surging, household budgets struggle. Fortunately, there are significant charitable organizations addressing needs in and around Sonoma County. In Healdsburg, Farm to Fight Hunger gives 100% of its production to charity.

Sonoma County. The Redwood Empire Food Bank registered 31% more families receiving food distributions in 2023. U.S. food prices were up 6% in 2023. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average California family of four spends $300 per week on food; that’s over $15,000 per year in after-tax dollars. With gasoline prices surging, household budgets struggle. Fortunately, there are significant charitable organizations addressing needs in and around Sonoma County. In Healdsburg, Farm to Fight Hunger gives 100% of its production to charity.

In 2023, it donated 29,000 pounds of fresh veggies, which translates to 116,000 servings, plus 23,000 eggs, to those in need.

In 2023, it donated 29,000 pounds of fresh veggies, which translates to 116,000 servings, plus 23,000 eggs, to those in need.

In 2023, it donated 29,000 pounds of fresh veggies, which translates to 116,000 servings, plus 23,000 eggs, to those in need.

Farm to Fight Hunger’s idea to grow fresh food for those in need is thriving. Volunteer labor helps make the farm viable. Volunteers are sourced through Farm to Pantry. Farm to Pantry gleans excess produce from farms and private property throughout Sonoma County. It started with Melita Love’s little red wagon rescuing excess produce from the farmers’ market.

organization grew to a powerful collection and distribution engine of fresh produce. Since its inception, Farm to Pantry distributed almost 8 million servings; in 2023, it delivered 430,000 pounds of free fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need.

Farm to Fight Hunger’s idea to grow fresh food for those in need is thriving. Volunteer labor helps make the farm viable. Volunteers are sourced through Farm to Pantry.

organization grew to a powerful collection and distribution engine of fresh produce. Since its inception, Farm to Pantry distributed almost 8 million servings; in 2023, it delivered 430,000 pounds of free fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need.

Farm to Fight Hunger’s idea to grow fresh food for those in need is thriving. Volunteer labor helps make the farm viable. Volunteers are sourced through Farm to Pantry.

Farm to Pantry gleans excess produce from farms and private property throughout Sonoma County. It started with Melita Love’s little red wagon rescuing excess produce from the farmers’ market.

Farm to Pantry gleans excess produce from farms and private property throughout Sonoma County. It started with Melita Love’s little red wagon rescuing excess produce from the farmers’ market.

Since then, with Duskie Estes’ leadership, the

Since then, with Duskie Estes’ leadership, the

Since then, with Duskie Estes’ leadership, the

organization grew to a powerful collection and distribution engine of fresh produce. Since its inception, Farm to Pantry distributed almost 8 million servings; in 2023, it delivered 430,000 pounds of free fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need.

Lastly, Redwood Empire Food Bank prepares meals and distributed free food to 140,000 people during 2023 from 300 distribution sites ranging from the Oregon border to Sonoma County. Each of these organizations can be found on the web if you have an interest in volunteering. Or place food in the new neighborhood Tiny Food Pantry and become part of a community experiment in local giving.

Lastly, Redwood Empire Food Bank prepares meals and distributed free food to 140,000 people during 2023 from 300 distribution sites ranging from the Oregon border to Sonoma County. Each of these organizations can be found on the web if you have an interest in volunteering. Or place food in the new neighborhood Tiny Food Pantry and become part of a community experiment in local giving.

Lastly, Redwood Empire Food Bank prepares meals and distributed free food to 140,000 people during 2023 from 300 distribution sites ranging from the Oregon border to Sonoma County.

Each of these organizations can be found on the web if you have an interest in volunteering. Or place food in the new neighborhood Tiny Food Pantry and become part of a community experiment in local giving.

Photos by Christian Kallen

CHEESE

GRAMMY WINNER Samara Joy performed for last year’s Healdsburg Jazz Festival, and several months later won the Grammy for Best New Artist (all genres). She comes back to Healdsburg in 2024.

Photo by Healdsburg Community Church

TINY FOOD A food exchange box opened on University Avenue recently, the latest idea to share goods to cure hunger.

Photo by Leigh-Ann Beverley

REACHING Zach Williams, of Lone Bellow, reaches for the high notes during their performance at BloodRoot Ramble 2023, held at Healdsburg’s West Plaza Park. This year the Ramble will be held at the Community Center, with headliner Lord Huron.

GRAMMY WINNER Samara Joy performed for last year’s Healdsburg Jazz Festival, and several months later won the Grammy for Best New Artist (all genres). She comes back to Healdsburg in 2024.

Photo by Leigh-Ann Beverley

REACHING Zach Williams, of Lone Bellow, reaches for the high notes during their performance at BloodRoot Ramble 2023, held at Healdsburg’s West Plaza Park. This year the Ramble will be held at the Community Center, with headliner Lord Huron.

Photos by Christian Kallen

CHEESE PLATE Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese was one of the many booths at the 2023 Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, which returns to the West Plaza lot in May 2024.

GRAMMY WINNER Samara Joy performed for last year’s Healdsburg Jazz Festival, and several months later won the Grammy for Best New Artist (all genres). She comes back to Healdsburg in 2024.

Photo by Healdsburg Community Church

TINY FOOD A food exchange box opened on University Avenue recently, the latest idea to share goods to cure hunger.

Photo by Leigh-Ann Beverley

REACHING Zach Williams, of Lone Bellow, reaches for the high notes during their performance BloodRoot Ramble 2023, held at Healdsburg’s West Plaza Park. This year the Ramble will be at the Community Center, with headliner Lord Huron.

SPORTS

Bats, Balls and Bases

BOYS, GIRLS TEAMS SLUG THEIR WAY INTO SPRING

By Caleb Knudsen

Healdsburg High School students had the week off for spring break, and while that slowed down the sports calendar for the time being, things should pick up next week, as games stack up two, three, even four times a week into May.

The boys baseball team is still looking for a win in the North Bay Redwood league.

Two of their three wins in their 3-7 season record came a couple of weeks ago in Fort Bragg tournament play. Since then, they’ve played two games—one of them a league matchup— and lost both. The league game, their second, was a warm spring afternoon at Rec Park on March 19. Alex MauroManos was the starting pitcher but struggled through four innings, walking five and giving up seven hits and as many runs. Andrew Greene pitched a lean fifth, then freshman Anthony Espinoza took the mount with mixed results but good exposure.

field line, his second, to give the Greyhounds the lead. But the Mustangs scored big in the fourth and sixth innings, and ended up on the high end of an 11-7 score.

Xander Harms led off the second inning with a home run down the left

Two days later, on March 21, Healdsburg hosted American Canyon at Rec Park in a tightly scored non-league game. The Greyhounds claimed the most runs in an inning in the bottom of the third, scoring 3 to even up the game. But the Wolves chipped away through the top of the seventh when they took a 7-5 lead. The home team could only bring home a single run in the bottom of the

inning and lost a heartbreaker, 7-6.

Isaiah Roberts got a pair of hits and an RBI, Wyatt Dugan scored twice, and Hayden Mariani got a double and a walk on offense. Four Healdsburg errors helped American Canyon keep runners on base, and at the end of the game that was the difference.

Tuesday evening at Rec Park, the Greyhounds got their first league win with a 2-1 squeaker over Santa Rosa. Mauro-Manos went the distance for the win. Thursday at 6pm, March 28, they meet Piner at Rec Park, followed by an April 2 game against Montgomery, again at home.

Girls Softball

The Healdsburg girls softball team is glad Credo is on the schedule this year. They’ve played them twice for two of their wins in their 3-3 overall record.

The Lady Greyhounds followed up their 7-6 win over Credo on March 11 with a 10-6 victory over Piner the next day. It was a non-league game but as Piner currently sits atop the girls North Bay Redwood league, it was a feel-good win. Especially since the Lady Greys had built up a 7-run lead entering the seventh, and even Piner’s three-run barrage failed to

THROW TO THIRD Ashley Jenkins watches a throw from the catcher get away from her, as pitcher Laurel Heaney looks on. The runner scored, but Healdsburg won the March 11 game against Credo, 7-6.

make much of a difference. Laurel Heaney went the distance for her third win, striking out eight and walking only two. Heaney and Izzy Osborn hit twobaggers and each got an RBI, while Mia Falberg and Celia Vellatton got a pair of hits each. After losing 6-0 on the road against Terra Linda the next day, which we won’t talk about, Healdsburg played a rematch against Credo on March 20, scoring 6 runs in the bottom of the first and never looking back. Credo, a Waldorf charter school in Rohnert Park, could

only bring across a single run in the top of the first, as Heaney handcuffed the Gryphon with seven strikeouts in just five innings of play, allowing only a single hit, as the game ended early with 11-1 on the board. Tuesday night this week, March 26, the girls traveled to Tomales for a non-league game, and made a statement with a 13-2 victory. They hosted Calistoga the following evening, results too late for press time. The league schedule starts in earnest on April 2, with a 5pm game against Elsie Allen on the home field.

Badminton Grows in North Bay Schools

HISTORIC RACQUET GAME FINDS NEW PLAYERS AND MORE FANS

By Caleb Knudsen

That the sport of badminton is again being played in high school gyms around the area is due in large measure to the efforts of Scott Bischof. A former competitor and founder of the World Badminton Museum, he introduced the sport at several schools including Piner, Elsie Allen, Roseland University Prep and now at Healdsburg.

Meets include 15 individual matches: four each boys and girls singles, two each doubles and then

three mixed doubles. Each match is scored similarly to volleyball, the best of three games to score 21 points by a margin of 2.

Home matches are played in the Smith Robinson Gym, with eight courts set up across the hardwood floors running simultaneous games, usually starting at 4:30pm.

After losing their first match of the year on March 5 against Windsor by a 10-5 cumulative score, the Healdsburg badminton team has turned on the juice and won three in a row.

March 7 saw a 13-1 shellacking of Roseland College Prep, and a week later the Greyhounds put a leash on Roseland

University Prep, 11-4.

In between they evened the score with Windsor, winning a close 8-7 meet at home.

March 26 found them once again at home against Elsie Allen, another of the schools Bischof introduced to the sport.

Led by No. 1 boys singles player Esteban Guzman and girls No. 1 Kathleen Casero, boys doubles Alex Francis/Edgar Navarro and girls doubles Estrella Santiago/Alexa Cervantes, among many other competitive players, Healdsburg is now 4-1 as a team. They hope to keep winning for the rest of the season, which ends on April 25, followed by post-season play to be announced.

Photo by Christian Kallen

WELCOME RECEPTION Xander Harms (11) trots home after hitting a solo home run in the second inning of the March 13 Healdsburg-St. Vincent game, greeted by his teammates.

Photo by Christian Kallen

AT THE NET Esteban Guzman, who frequently plays as Healdsburg’s No. 1 badminton male, warms up for the March 26 match at Smith Robinson Gym.

Water Rates Increase

Single-family residents will see higher costs, but they will be less in percentage and actual dollars than the increases seen by commercial and industrial users.

“We recognize that rate increases create a burden for many customers,” City Manager Jeff Kay said in his most recent report, released March 22. “We also acknowledge the frustration when commendable conservation efforts are cited as one of the causes. The reality is that the costs to operate the water and sewer systems do not go down when usage goes down.”

Rates Flow Uphill

It may seem contradictory to increase water rates when water use has decreased, but city staff have stressed for months that using less water means that the relative cost per gallon goes up. To maintain infrastructure, personnel and hard costs, and to make significant capital expenditures on necessary deferred maintenance, overall utility charges must increase.

users are charged $6.48 for the first 0-5 HCF. A typical household’s peak summer use is usually between 6-10 HCF, or two HCF units; combined, this brings a total of $12.96 per singlefamily residence.

Starting next year, the second tier 6-10 HCF rate will increase slightly to $8.41, and a third tier of over 10 HCF will be implemented at a still higher rate, $10.80. Increased rates for non-residential classes—commercial, industrial and landscape— will also creep up.

hard costs. Current sewage fees are $46.67 for a single-family residence; they would increase to $51.33 in July 2024, then to $60.57 in July 2025 and to $69.66 in 2026 for FY 2026-27.

Higher rates for larger households, and commercial and industrial services, would also be implemented.

Residents who found the Notice of Public Hearing (in both English and Spanish languages) in their mailboxes last week were alerted to the increases as part of a process mandated by state Proposition 218. That switches on a 120day notification and review clock, which will require a public hearing at the city council meeting of Monday, May 6.

The increases will not be uniform hikes over current rates, but a staggered schedule of increases for residential customers, agricultural and landscape users, and tiered rates based on usage. The schedule and leveling of charges across the customer base should mean the rate increase will have less impact on the residential household with relatively low water usage, compared to large water users.

Additionally, over time the single-family residential water service charge will also increase from $46.67 currently, to $51.33 in July 2024, to $60.57 in July 2025 and to $69.66 in July 2026.

The sum of all these increases mean higher monthly water and wastewater bills coming from the city starting this summer. The proposed increases would make Healdsburg utilities the priciest in Sonoma County, a position now held by Cloverdale. Only Calistoga and St. Helena, both in Napa County, would have higher utility rates in the area.

Since such utility rate increases are governed by State Proposition 218, they have to go before a 120-day public review process. That process was kicked off by the release of the notice to residents last week. The city has scheduled a public hearing on the new water and wastewater utility fees for Monday, May 6, during the regular city council meeting scheduled to begin at 6pm. Written protests or testimony about those rate adjustments are being received currently, addressed to the Healdsburg City Clerk at City Hall, 401 Grove St., Healdsburg, CA 95448. Those communications as well as public comment at the May 6 meeting will constitute public review of the new rate structure. The city council is scheduled to pass the new rates at its May 20 meeting, to be incorporated into the FY 2024-25 budget. ➝

The basis for charging water use will be stabilized at a cost based on one hundred cubic feet (HCF) for all users. Currently all

A Place on the Ballot

I know the North Coast will continue to be well represented in the State Assembly and I look forward to the opportunity to work with him to deliver for the North Coast.”

Several days before Hicks himself conceded, the other Sonoma County Democratic candidate, Healdsburg’s Ariel Kelley, called Rogers to congratulate him. “He ran a great campaign, and I have no doubt that he’ll fight toothand-nail for the North Coast in the Assembly,” Kelley said.

The vote reflected a significant split between the northern counties in the five-county district and those in the south,

specifically Sonoma County. In Trinity and Del Norte counties, Greer won more than 50% of the vote, with Hicks invariably the most favored Democrat. Only in Sonoma County did Rogers’ percentage jump to 30.9%, roughly that of Hicks and Kelley combined.

The Campaign Hicks characterized the race as “hotly contested,” not least because the party chair managed to amass double the amount of Political Action Committee (PAC) resources than any of the other candidates.

However Kelley’s sister, Shoshana Ungerleider, underwrote a massive direct mail campaign that tarnished Hicks with

By 2027, residential rates across the board will have increased to $8.80 for Tier 1, $11.41 for Tier 2 and $14.65 for Tier 3, above 10 HCF a month. Non-residential rates will be higher still, from $10.33 up to $15.01.

Wastewater fees, i.e. sewage charges, must also increase for similar reasons of maintenance and

the “carpetbagger” label among other charges.

That campaign may have succeeded in denting Hicks’ armor, but it did little to elevate Kelley, who finished in fourth place (14%) behind Greer, Rogers and Hicks. Yurok leader Frankie Myers came in fifth (12.7%), with Ted Williams (6.9%) of Mendocino County rounding out the list of active candidates.

Helene Rouvier, the vice-chair of the Progressive Caucus for the state Democratic Party and a critic of Hicks’ decision to run for the seat while simultaneously serving as the state’s party chair, said of the result, “We are very relieved that we have a progressive candidate born and raised in this district, that knows our interests, and has a record of working for us, being

Public Input

our representative in the legislature.” She was disappointed however that, once again, a Sonoma County politician won the right to represent the entire North Coast. With all the news about negative campaigning and what turned out to be a razor-thin margin between making the general election ballot and falling short, Rogers was convinced it was personal contact that made the difference.

“We ran the most extensive field campaign,” Rogers said. “We knocked on over 10,000 doors. We did phone banks, we did text banks. When you’re knocking on the door, obviously you’re trying to convince somebody to vote for your candidate.

“But if somebody’s particularly enthusiastic,” he continued, “you make sure

that they’re going to be on your get-out-the-vote efforts. You are going to make sure that that person actually did in fact vote.”

As the race came down to the wire in early March, said Rogers, “We had identified 1,600 people who were not every-time voters, but were likely to vote, that we knew were supportive. And then when you’ve got a winning margin that’s around 1,500 votes, and you had 1,600 people that you were targeting to make sure voted, it looks pretty effective.”

Now What?

But with seven long months between the primary and the general election, Rogers knows that the real campaign has just begun. Those recent months in the field from Santa Rosa to the Oregon border helped broaden

the former Santa Rosa mayor’s perspective of the issues that are important to a broader constituency.

“I do want to work on universal healthcare, and I’m starting to talk with folks over in Sacramento about what that might look like,” he said. “I do want to work on energy and utility issues and make sure that, particularly right now where we’re seeing yet another PG&E increase coming through, that the CPUC is held accountable to do their job and act as a rate payer advocate.”

Rogers, who with his wife Sarah Bellak is expecting their first child in late May, will return to campaign mode soon, this time presenting a unified message with his fellow Democratic candidates to retain the party’s hold on Assembly District 2.

Photo courtesy of City of Healdsburg

RIGHT ANGLE Chris Worlow, utility maintenance foreman for the City of Healdsburg, on the job repairing the city’s aging underground infrastructure.

A PARTIAL LIST OF INCIDENTS REPORTED TO HEALDSBURG POLICE

•

Monday, March 11

12:02pm

12:54pm

11:15pm A

Tuesday, March 12

8:14am The

indicated that a woman was smoking out of a glass pipe in front of Starbucks Coffee on Vine Street. Officers responded and cited a 41-YO

woman for possession of drug paraphernalia.

10:41am Fraud reported on Presidential Circle. The RP indicated that she logged onto her computer when requested by a caller claiming he was with Microsoft. The RP was then transferred to another person claiming to be with the FCC. That person directed her to withdraw money from her bank, but she disconnected from the call and changed her passwords with her bank. No money was exchanged. The information was logged and the RP was provided an incident number.

11:08am Petty theft reported at Big John’s Market on Healdsburg Avenue. The RP indicated that on March 11 a woman stole a pastry and sandwich valued at $29.99. She returned in the evening and stole hot food valued at $13.08. The RP wanted to press charges. An officer responded and took a report.

• 11:34am Wire fraud reported on West North Street against the RP’s wine business. Two fraudulent transactions occurred. One transaction occurred on Sept. 8, 2023 for $1, and the second transaction occurred on Sept. 12, 2023 for $45,243.28. The unknown suspect impersonated an employee in France and hacked that employee’s email. An officer responded and took a report to be given to the RP’s bank.

• 2:58pm A 58-YO man was cited and released on Brown Street on outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of an open container.

• 4:50pm Threats reported on Foss Creek Court at West Grant Street. The RP indicated a woman yelled at her 5-year-old son and

stated she was going to “blow [the RP’s] head off.” Officers responded. A 57-YO woman was arrested and transported to county jail for violation of probation, child abuse and criminal threats.

4:57pm Reckless driving reported on Paul Wittke Drive at Rosewood Drive. The RP indicated a vehicle did donuts and peeled out heading southbound on Rosewood Drive. The driver was male and there was at least one passenger in the vehicle. An officer checked the area for the vehicle, but it was gone on arrival and unable to be located.

Wednesday, March 13

12:00am A vehicle was stopped for making unsafe lane changes on Healdsburg Avenue at Parkland Farms Boulevard. A 47-YO man was cited for driving with a license suspended for DUI and violating probation.

12:58am A vehicle was stopped on the northbound off-ramp on Redwood Highway at Dry Creek Road for making unsafe lane changes and having an altered license plate. A 45-YO man was arrested for DUI and violation of the ignition interlock device.

Thursday, March 14

1:32am A vehicle was stopped near Jerry’s Valero on Dry Creek Road for speeding, making unsafe lane changes and weaving. A 28-YO woman was arrested and transported to county jail for sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine and violating probation.

• 3:46am The RP on University Street reported his vehicle was taken without consent. Officers responded. OnStar relayed information regarding the vehicle’s possible location, which was shared with Sonoma County’s Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.

3:59pm The RP on West Grant Street indicated that as she entered the apartment complex, a woman blocked the RP from entering the parking lot, almost hitting the RP’s vehicle with her vehicle. The RP honked her horn, then the other woman honked her horn and after about five minutes the other woman drove off.

Friday, March 15

9:46pm Reckless driving was reported on Redwood Highway at Dry Creek Road. An officer responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.

Saturday, March 16

10:53am A burglary occurred either March 15 or March 16 at Giorgio’s Restaurant on Grant Avenue. An office window and side window were shattered and the basement broken into. It appeared nothing was taken. Items were on the floor and possibly a bottle of tequila was consumed. The RP did not want a report, but wanted the police to be aware of the situation.

11:01am A hit-and-run accident occurred on Healdsburg Avenue. The RP called instead of her parents because they speak minimal English. The parents believed the neighbor hit their vehicle during the previous night and did not leave a note. The RP was unsure of the extent of the damage, but stated there was paint transfer. One of the foster children of the parents saw the neighbor hit the vehicle. Officers responded and contacted the neighbor. The RP was advised to contact the neighbor and attempt to deal with the accident civilly, and if that is not successful the RP was advised to call back to follow up.

• 3:20pm A disturbance occurred at Safeway on Vine St. A man in the parking lot harassed employees and passersby screaming obscenities. The man threw a shoe at the building. Officers located the man in front of Live Oak Preschool and advised him he was not allowed to return to Safeway due to a trespassing filing against him.

• 5:43pm A disturbance occurred on East Street. A man yelled at the RP. Officers responded and advised the man of the complaint and he left the area.

• 6:54pm An officer contacted a 49-YO man near Dollar Tree on Vine Street. The man was arrested and transported to county jail for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of credit card information, and on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding violation of probation and shoplifting.

Sunday, March 17

• 12:12am An officer stopped a vehicle on Piper Street at Center Street for a broken tail light. A 76-YO woman was cited and released to a responsible party for drunk driving and violating tail light requirements.

8:53am A burglary attempt was reported on Piper Street. The RP indicated that a subject kicked in his door. When the RP told him to get out, the subject hesitated and then left. The subject did not take anything and did not harm the RP. Officers responded and arrested a 28-YO man for burglary and violation of probation. He was transported to county jail.

12:44pm Drug activity occurred in the West Plaza Parking Lot on Healdsburg Avenue. A large group

1:36pm Reckless driving and speeding was reported near Giorgi Park on University Street. Officers responded and located the vehicle. The driver was not driving while intoxicated, but was given a verbal warning regarding speed.

of people were smoking marijuana in the area. An officer responded and the people were told of the complaint. They put away the marijuana.

2:15pm Graffiti was reported on Healdsburg Avenue.

• 2:23pm Drug activity was reported on Larkspur Drive. The RP indicated that three juveniles appeared to be smoking out of a green bong. Officers responded and seized drug paraphernalia. The juveniles were released to a responsible adult, and a report was taken.

• 3:23pm An accident involving two vehicles occurred on Grove