Healdsburg Tribune May 9 2024

The Healdsburg Tribune

The Healdsburg Tribune

Date, 2020

Date, 2020

CITY’S ‘WATER SECURITY’ AN ISSUE IN UTILITY RATE INCREASES

By Christian Kallen

The Healdsburg City Council was faced with several challenging issues at their Monday, May 6 meeting, yet their votes did little to quash the controversies they addressed.

A public hearing on a series of proposed water and wastewater rate hikes was expected to produce outrage and objections from residents and ratepayers, but a groundswell of opposition did not materialize. Only about half a dozen people offered their public comments. And while most were opposed to the rate hikes, there were no viable alternatives presented.

But a discussion on a proposed November ballot initiative to revise the Growth Management Ordinance (GMO) also generated much debate, both from public comment and on the council itself. The council’s decision to back a Geographic Area plan over a Multifamily Rental option was not unanimous, and several area housing advocates were left dissatisfied. (See Letters in this issue.)

The water and wastewater rate hikes, which had been discussed several times previously, have become necessary to fund several crucial deferred maintenance projects, according to Utilities Director Terry Crowley. These include the 50-yearold pipe system beneath most of the city’s streets, improved filtration systems to bring water quality up to current legal requirements and rehabilitation of “lift stations” in the wastewater system.

May Rainstorm Can’t Dampen

Fitch Mountain Celebration

MCGUIRE, GORE, OTHERS MAKE THE BEST OF STORMY

SATURDAY

By Christian Kallen

The term “rain or shine” took on its absolutist meaning on Saturday, when the official opening of the Fitch Mountain Trail and Villa Dog Park took place on schedule—regardless of the steady drizzle.

and, no pun intended, soak in this moment… you can smell the rain and everything else. The sounds, the rain dropping on our neighbors that we’re here with today. Take a deep breath and take it all in: This moment now is what Sen. Mike McGuire has worked hard on, from the time he was on the Healdsburg City Council.”

The financial analysis was provided by Raftelis

➝ Water Security, 6

let up, but it didn’t dampen his spirits. “The good news is this late season storm is going to be bringing May flowers and golden poppies to the top of the mountain, am I right?” he said, coaxing another cheer out of the multitudes huddling beneath umbrellas and dripping hats.

Public Trail While Fitch Mountain has long been a visual and emotional center of Healdsburg, it was only with this May 4 ceremony that its trail to the top was officially opened to the public. People have long walked the fire trail that followed an unnamed seasonal creek toward the hill’s summit (technically, at a little over 990 feet, Fitch does not warrant the sobriquet “mountain”), but it was always private property with foot travel tolerated, not welcomed. PROBLEMATIC

Long in planning as a way to mark the fulfillment of a decadesold dream to turn Fitch Mountain, the anchor and axle of Healdsburg, into a public park with open trail access to the summit, the date May 4 was picked weeks ago, and a little rain wasn’t going to delay the occasion.

Solo Rio played live music with a grateful theme, notables came from as near as City Hall and as far as the State House, and everyone gamely put their best foot forward to slog ahead with the ceremony. Taking the Barkand-Ride shuttle from the high school parking lot, the witnesses came, some with dogs, to explore the newly-remodeled Villa Chanticleer Dog Park, hear the speeches, share in the moment and witness the all-star ribbon cutting.

Speeches and Thanks Healdsburg’s Mayor David Hagele took the podium right on schedule at 10:45 to avoid any unnecessary delays. “I want us to pause

The introduction of McGuire himself took much longer, as it included his many accomplishments in public service, from the time he won election to the Healdsburg school board, at the age of 19, to his current position, at 40, as president pro tempore of the California State Senate.

When McGuire bounded to the stage, the rain hadn’t

EMPOWERING LOCAL GIRLS THROUGH TECH

TREK

EIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOLERS TO ATTEND AAUW’S STEM CAMP

By Anna-Laura Jansma and Carol Clurman

Eight Northern Sonoma County seventh-grade girls will soon be off to college. No, they’re not highly precocious teenagers skipping out on their secondary school education. They are academically curious kids headed to Sonoma State University for Tech Trek, a unique, weeklong summer camp for girls eager

“I’m going to be quick because all of us are drenched to our toes,” continued McGuire. “But my bottom line is this: Today we’re here to be able to celebrate a town, we’re here to celebrate its people and its love of a mountain. And let’s be honest, we couldn’t do one without the other.”

A Healdsburg native, he spoke with firsthand knowledge of Fitch Mountain. “It’s a scenic

to learn more about their favorite subjects—science, engineering, math and technology, known as STEM.

Best of all, with the help of Healdsburg sponsors and donors, the camps are totally free for these local girls.

The 12 and 13 year olds, all from area public middle schools, were selected by the Healdsburg branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), which sponsors the program along with its sister organization, the Tech Trek Alumnae Group (TTAG).

Part of a nationwide program, Tech Trek has been inspiring young girls who often feel marginalized in subjects historically dominated by boys. This year, nearly 1,000 girls from across California will live on nine college campuses for the weeklong camp.

backdrop of our daily lives in Healdsburg. It welcomes a community home each night after a hard day’s work. And it’s where the mighty Russian River turns to the Pacific.”

➝ Celebration, 4

Locally, eight girls from Cali Calmécac, Geyserville Middle School, Healdsburg Junior High, Washington School and Windsor Middle School will attend Tech Trek at SSU in June. The community will have an opportunity to meet this year’s class of selected girls, and previous “Trekkies” and advisors, on Tuesday, May 14, at Healdsburg Regional Library, from 6:15 to 7:30pm.

Established in 1999, AAUW’s Tech Trek boasts a rich legacy of nurturing talent, breaking barriers and cultivating a supportive community for young women with an interest in and aptitude for STEM pursuits. Settled in campus dorms, the girls embark on an immersive seven-day, dawn-to-dusk journey. They delve into handson workshops and activities, from coding their own ➝ Stem Camp, 4

Photo by Chiristian Kallen

RAINY CEREMONY State Sen. Mike McGuire speaks as State Parks director Armando Quintero, City Councilmember Chris Herrod and Supervisor James Gore (with umbrellas at right) listen at the opening of the new Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space and Villa Dog Park, on a rainy Saturday, May 4.

Photo by Carol Clurman

PIEZOELECTRICITY Tech Trek student Rebecca Palubicki explains how to create electricity at the 2024 Climate Fest in the Healdsburg Plaza.

HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS

GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT

True Folkie

SoCal rocker Sam Blasucci climbs the stairs to Second Story Thursday night, May 9, for a shimmering set of sonic waves. Next week, May 16, Steve Poltz takes the stage, also at Second Story, for Dad Country music. Doors at 6pm, music at 7pm; tickets or registration requested. Upstairs at Little Saint, 25 North St. ‘Death Valley’ Melissa Broder comes to town for the paperback release of her novel, Death Valley, named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times. It’s a Copperfield’s Books event at Thumbprint Cellars, at 7pm on Thursday, May 9. Free but registration requested at copperfieldsbooks.com/event/ melissa-broder.

Run for Funds

Annual run from Healdsburg Junior High to the Plaza, and back, ending with a color powder celebration, music, snacks and a party for participants. It’s Friday, May 10, starting at 2:30pm. This year’s fundraising goal is $20,000, which will be directed towards enriching student life at Healdsburg. To donate, visit: app.99pledges.com/fund/ runforfunds24.

Barrel Room

The band Third Rail plays the barrel room at Hudson St. Wineries on Friday, May 10. This is the last month of music in the barrel room at this wine collective. Next week: Junk in the Trunk. From 5-8pm, $5 cover; food from Fogbelt available. 428 Hudson St., at Front.

Opening Night

The play Dead Man’s Cell Phone opens a three-week run at the Raven Performing Arts Theater on Friday, May 10; performances

through Sunday, May 26.

It’s a new comedy from MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Sarah Ruhl about how we memorialize the dead. Curtain 7:30pm, 115 North St., tickets at raventheater.org.

Reed Removal

Gather at Veterans Memorial Beach to join the third Arundo donax removal workday this Saturday, May 11 from 9am to noon. Local residents on the river will be donating snacks and refreshments. Sign up at givingtime.org/sonoma or at the event.

Native Arts

The Progressive Tribal Alliance presents a day of Native American culture, art and food at the Windsor Town Green on Saturday, May 11, from 10am to 3pm. Information at nafestival.org.

Songstress

Stella Heath & Friends deliver vocal jazz at Furthermore Wines on Saturday, 5-8pm. Heath will

be performing her Billie Holiday tribute show at Luther Burbank in March 2025; catch her locally at Furthermore this week.

5-8pm, no cover, 328A Healdsburg Ave.

Spirit Jazz Regular Saturday night jazz at the Spirit Bar, in the lobby of the Hotel Healdsburg. Saturday, May 11, the Laura Klein Trio plays sparkling jazz standards, swinging bebop, deep Latin grooves and soulful ballads. With Doug Miller, bass, and Bryan Bowman, drums.

6-9pm, 25 Matheson St. Folk with Horns

Mr. December, a local folk group with a horn section, leaps into action at Elephant in the Room on Saturday night, May 11, at 8. Music all month long at the pub, 177 Healdsburg Ave., usually $10. Elephantintheroompub.com.

Mother’s Day

Don’t forget or neglect Mum on her special day. Check out a

craft-your-own threecourse prix fixe brunch at Dry Creek Kitchen ($110, 317 Healdsburg Ave.), a Breathless Mother’s Day Brunch at Breathless Sparkling Wines (499 Moore La., 10am-2pm) or the Sonoma County Fire District’s Pancake Breakfast and Safety Fair (8am-noon, Keiser Park in Windsor).

Special Budget

Meeting

Healdsburg’s City Council meets on Monday, May 13, to hear public comment and discussion on the 2024-25 budget. Meeting begins at 5pm, at City Council Chambers at 401 Grove St.

Tuesday Market

Season opener for the Tuesday Healdsburg Farmers’ Market is on Tuesday, May 14. Held in the Healdsburg Plaza with produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods, packaged and prepared on-site foods and handmade crafts. 9am to 12:30pm, Tuesdays until Aug. 13.

Planning Commission

Meeting Tuesday, May 14, 6pm at 401 Grove St. Among other topics, they will consider a design review application for 444 Healdsburg Ave. Agendas for all city meetings are published in advance at healdsburg. gov/543/Agendas-Minutes. The Experience Begins The Healdsburg Food & Wine Experience begins on Thursday, May 16, with the Welcome Celebration at Montage Healdsburg, 6-8pm. Other events include special lunches, a blues concert with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on Friday at Rodney Strong Vineyards, the popular Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting on Saturday and more. Details at healdsburgwineandfood.com.

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

MAY 6 COUNCIL MEETING GENERATES INSTANT FEEDBACK

Numbers Don’t Add Up

This is not a tiny error. One number is less than half of the other; in fact, it is 42% of the other. In school, that would be called an “F.”

But beyond that, how many total meters are there in Healdsburg?

One part of the report says there are 6,112 meters in Healdsburg, but later in the report, that number is shown as 4,796 (pages 24 versus 51). That number differs by over 1,200.

Why does this matter?

Using the different numbers of meters means in one part of the financial calculations, the revenue generated by the connection charge is either way high or way low. The total revenue for water and sewer is guaranteed to be wrong. If the 6,112 number is correct then when the 4,796 number is used, revenue will be low by over 20%. And the opposite is also true: If the 4,796 number is

Yesterday (Monday, May 6) I presented for 180 seconds at the City Council meeting. It is impossible to relay all the consistency and calculation errors in the Raftelis Water Rate Study in that time, so I had to dramatically reduce everything I wish I could have said. Water revenue depends on two things: consumption and the number of meters. In terms of consumption, it is mentioned first on page 19, where the report says in 2023, our water consumption was 506 acre-feet, which when converted to HCF (Hundred Cubic Feet), is only 220,413. But elsewhere in the report (page 25), it references our water consumption as 519,346 HCF.

correct, then when the 6,112 number is used, the revenue will be high by at least 20%.

None of this means we don’t need a rate increase.

I too want greater water security, and I don’t want to go back to the days of hauling recycled water.

What this means is the rates adopted by the City Council last night are based on flawed information, that is guaranteed to be wrong.

At this point, all I can hope for is that the City Council will use this first year as a test to see how accurately they have predicted the revenue during this first summer’s actual use. And that they would use that to correct future year’s rate increases.

Stanley Crane Healdsburg

Wrong Kind of Housing Growth

The City Council signaled their support on Monday night (May 6) for unrestricted, “for sale” free

market housing growth under the “Geographic Area” plan that would amend the GMO (Growth Management Ordinance).

I am extremely disappointed, and I wonder if they considered any lessons learned from the 2016 Measure R defeat (60% to 40%).

That measure would have also allowed for unrestricted housing growth at market rates. Residents voted and showed their preference for keeping Healdsburg a “small town” with slow, measured growth.

The loser Monday night for the community was option 2, Multifamily Rental Units from Measure P that would encourage middle income rental housing that is badly needed.

Numerous public polls and Healdsburg’s own Housing Element showed strong support for the “missing middle” and affordable housing for our work force and residents.

Only 15% of Healdsburg's workforce lives in Healdsburg. These

initial Council actions show missing support for our workforce and middle class. Developers are likely to direct new market rate housing towards high end/luxury housing.

Data shows Healdsburg’s housing growth to be 15% from 2023-31 (801 units)—2% average per year. Almost 63% of this growth will come from above moderate-income levels.

This is a pretty fast growth rate that will have impacts on our infrastructure (roads, traffic, congestion, water etc.).

The free-market, no-limits housing approach supported by the council could likely end up with luxury “Mill District” type housing in the downtown. If the council chooses the downtown area, it will be susceptible to luxury housing. Why? For sale Mill District units range from $2MM to $8MM approximately. These prices could be emulated downtown, and the charm and character of “small town” Healdsburg would

disappear even more. I am no fan of “Mill District” type developments anywhere in Healdsburg. Its 210 units (size, style, prices) go against the nature of “small town Healdsburg” that the General Plan supports. As an example: Would one like to see a site, such as Sanderson Ford on Healdsburg Avenue, become a “Mill District” type of luxury development? In the end, you may ask if you can trust the council to protect the charm and character and growth of our small town. That was the issue in 2016. Are you concerned about the downtown area and its future? There is still time to influence the process. You can urge the council to protect the downtown area, keep growth modest and support its residents. Bruce Abramson Healdsburg

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

Photo by Rick Tang

ARUNDO ARMY Volunteers at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Bridge in March show off their work pulling the invasive reed Arundo donax.

Another removal effort will take place Saturday, 9am at the same location.

Interest Rates Climb but Sales Keep Rising

By David Hargreaves

Today, interest rates are over 7% for a 30-year mortgage, even higher than one year ago. And yet homes in Healdsburg city limits are selling 20% faster than they were a year ago, with a third of all homes getting multiple offers.

In any normal housing market when interest rates are so high, one would expect the market to be strongly in favor of buyers with properties struggling to sell, but that is not the case. For example, 104 Marion La., 1016 Sunnyside Dr. and 213 Chiquita Rd. all sold this year and all got five offers. Inventory levels, still hovering around three months, also point to a sellers’ market.

affordability of homes, the limited supply and the increasing popularity of Healdsburg as a purchase destination, especially for an older demographic.

Let’s first tackle the thorny question of affordability. In any housing market, affordability is driven by three things: interest rates, median prices and median incomes. By any normal measure, Healdsburg is in no way affordable for someone who lives and works in Sonoma County, where median incomes are 35% lower than the Bay Area.

I recently took a look at the housing market data for the Healdsburg area from January to April 2024 and compared it to the same time last year. Also, I analyzed the data for properties within the city limits versus more

So what is happening in the Healdsburg market? Have prices softened? If one is looking to sell, is now the right time? If one is looking to buy, should they wait to see what happens?

rural properties to see if there was a difference. There is no question that it is tough for anyone looking to finance the purchase of a property right now, with a $1 million loan likely to cost around $6,000 per month. Despite the high costs of home ownership,

the number of sales still increased nearly 10% year on year in January to April. It is probably no great surprise that the number of cash purchases also increased dramatically, from 28% last year to 50% of all transactions so far this year. This balance is even more pronounced for

more expensive rural properties where 60% were purchased for cash.

Big Factors

So what are the big factors that are influencing the Healdsburg housing market? There are three main factors: the relative

However, for Bay Area buyers, homes are still 20% lower than what they are used to. So far this year, 36% of purchases are for either investment purchases or purchased as second homes.

One of the great things about the city of Healdsburg is the limits put on the growth of the city. In recent years, much of the allocation has been taken up by the developments at Montage and Mill District, which has created a limited supply in

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Fitch Mountain Celebration

But for many Healdsburg locals, the goal of bringing Fitch Mountain into the public sphere has been a top priority. “We are here today because of your persistence and your tenacity,” said McGuire to the audience. “And this mountain is yours forever. And we need to say thank you, thank you to the community of Healdsburg, thank you to the people of Northern Sonoma County.

Because of your hard work, this mountain will be open for generations to enjoy.”

He recounted working with the neighborhood associations, with Land Paths—which for a long time has held an easement to the mountain, but one which did not include public access—and with the county and state agencies that eventually made the dedication possible.

“And after 20 long years, we shook hands with representatives from the ownership group at Flakey Cream over donuts. And it is in true Healdsburg style that this deal got done.”

Though it is indisputable that thanks to the tireless

work of McGuire (“tireless” is the man’s signature adjective) that the day arrived, but as he was quick to remind everyone, it was a group effort. Other speakers included many from just those groups: Dillon and Trenton Williams from the Pomo, Amy Hutzel from the Coastal Conservancy and Armando Quintero, currently the director of California State Parks. All spoke eloquently and sincerely of the importance of adding Fitch Mountain to the city’s collection of public parks.

Partners in Preservation Supervisor James Gore, who like McGuire is a life-long local, at once discounted the impact of the rain by shedding his jacket, then embraced it by saying, “I told myself during those days, and all of us did, that we would not complain when the rain came.”

Then he extrapolated on the greater importance of a wider region than just Healdsburg, pointing out that its location at the meeting place of two different climate zones

“creates edge conditions here in Sonoma County. Microclimates for grapes, microcultures for people.”

Like McGuire before him, Gore was generous with praise for the agencies and individuals who worked on the project, from Land Paths, AG + Open Space,

applications, constructing robots and launching rockets, to building massive supported structures out of newspaper. And they gain inspiration and insights from distinguished female industry leaders like astrophysicist Mary Barsony, while forging invaluable bonds with friends and mentors.

Rebecca Palubicki, 16, a former Washington Middle School student

in Cloverdale who now attends California Connections and is a Tech Trek camp counselor, summed up what many girls discover when they attend Tech Trek, and meet successful women role models like physicists and astronomers, by saying, “That could be me!”

The impact of the program extends far beyond girls’ week as campers. The TTAG alumnae group serves as an ongoing conduit for girls’ engagement

Interest Rates Climb

➝ Housing, 3

a market where there are already fewer people willing to sell than there are buyers willing to buy.

If we look at the number of homes for sale this year, it is half the number of homes that were for sale five years ago, further exacerbating the problem. Whether we like it or not, Healdsburg is getting to be more popular, not less popular, driven by its status as a food and wine destination and

the lifestyle it affords. Its attraction as a destination among people who are either work optional or retired further drives a housing market where cash is king.

When looking at housing market trends, we also need to make a distinction between rural properties and properties in the city limits because they do represent very different buyers. The demand for rural properties continues, with sales of rural homes doubling

in STEM subjects throughout their school years. The girls aim to pass the torch to their successors through special events and activities that run the gamut.

Piezoelectricity

Recent examples include showcasing piezoelectricity as a clean, renewable energy source at last month’s Climate Fest in Healdsburg, a field trip to Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood and an ice cream social.

compared to this time last year. However it will likely take someone twice as long to sell a rural property compared to one in the city.

What About the Future?

I think we all thought that interest rates would be significantly lower at the end of this year than they were at the start. But that is not going to happen because of the stubborn inflation numbers and strong employment data. Current estimates

“working with City Council, with tribes, with county, with everybody, delivering, delivering Coastal Conservancy dollars through McGuire’s office…”

Summarized the supervisor, “It’s amazing how the details really are the magic, and how easy it is

Guided by AAUW advisors, TTAG helps cultivate leadership and teamwork skills, nurture academic prowess, instill a commitment to community service—and create lasting friendships.

Healdsburg High senior and TTAG co-president Alissa Sommer, 17, credits Tech Trek with her decision to pursue STEM as a career. She plans to study ecology and climate studies at Vanderbilt University this fall.

expect rates to stay the same or maybe fall to the low 6% level, but that isn’t enough to change the dynamics of the market.

However, we do have the small matter of an election coming up, which can do two things. It increases market uncertainty, leading to caution among investors and consumers. Second, elections can impact consumer confidence, which in turn affects the housing market either positively or negatively.

to walk away from things that are complex, but absolutely needed.”

The addition of Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space includes the remodeled Villa Dog Park, one of five in the city limits. A new wooden bridge spans the seasonal creek, just

Interactive activities of Tech Trek and TTAG ensure that STEM remains alive and accessible to campers at an age when social trends show a decline in girls’ interest and participation.

Tech Trek graduates outpace the national average in most advanced math and science coursework, and notably, 77% of Tech Trek alumni completed precalculus during high school compared to 37% nationwide. Some 90% pursue STEM majors in college.

If I were thinking about selling, and I wanted to do so within the next 12 months, I would want to do so now before we get into the election season and while lack of inventory is on my side. But one must make sure the home is dialed in and priced right.

For buyers, the picture is a little less clear. If I were looking to buy a downtown property or a rural property that is popular among Bay Area buyers, I would absolutely want

The Tech Trekker Meet and Greet on May 14 at the Healdsburg Library offers parents and girls the chance to meet the other Tech Trekkers and Tech Trek alumnae. They will answer questions and share their experiences. Light refreshments will be served.

Anna-Laura Jansma is co-coordinator of the AAUW Healdsburg Tech Trek selection committee. Carol Clurman is AAUW publicity coordinator.

to buy now, as I just can’t see prices coming down for premium properties. One can rest assured that if they sit on the sidelines, they almost certainly end up paying more in the long run. Let’s face it, no one ever looks back and thinks, “I wish I had waited before buying my place in Healdsburg.”

David Hargreaves is a partner in BruingtonHargreaves, online at bruingtonhargreaves.com.

Photo by Christian Kallen

SOGGY TUNES Solo Rio played and at least one guest danced a few steps at the Fitch Mountain Park opening ceremony, held at the Villa Dog Park on Saturday, May 4.

Baseball, Softball Teams Slide Into NBL Playoffs

BOTH END SEASONS WITH

LOSING

STREAKS, BUT BOTH HEAD TO LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

By Caleb Knudsen

The spring prep season in area high schools is finishing up this month. Most regularly scheduled games and meets are in the past; a few league playoffs and division tournaments remain, however.

Regular season ended on a down note for both the varsity baseball and girls’ softball teams. Both played their final game against Piner, also a North Bay League (NBL) Redwood division team, and they both came up short.

The Lady Greyhounds softball team’s final game was Monday, here at the Healdsburg school. Healdsburg last faced Piner on April 16, at the Santa Rosa school, and found themselves outhit and outpitched in a 13-3 loss.

They recovered with two strong wins against Elsie Allen, 15-2, and Justin-Siena, 14-1. But as the season came to a close, they lost three straight, finishing up with the disappointing 11-0 showing against Piner on Monday. Laurel Heany went the distance, getting seven strikeouts but walking 10, finishing the season with an 8-6 win/loss record.

Sophomore Claire Berry

ended the season with a team-leading batting average of .357, an on-base percentage of .455, 24 RBIs and three home runs. Her fellow sophomore, Izzy Osborn, followed her in many of these categories, batting .320, with an on-base percentage of .452.

Other leading offensive performers included another sophomore, Ashley Jenkins, freshman Hannah Levine-Smith and junior Hannah Sellards.

The Greyhound girls ended the season with a 4-6 league record, 9-11 overall. They finished in fourth place in the sixteam NBL Redwood. But it’s good enough for the team to make the league playoffs, on Wednesday and Friday of this week at the HHS field.

“There is so much more to our team, our sport and our players than the final score,” said coach Brian Osborn.

Baseball Dreams

The varsity baseball team also enjoyed highs and lows this year, finishing on the downhill side of .500 ball with an 11-14 record overall, 4-8 in the league. Although they hoped to end the year on a strong note against fifth-place Piner, the Prospectors had other ideas in mind, and the pitching to back them up.

Wednesday, May 1st’s game was played in Santa Rosa, and Piner’s pitching squad shut them out

for the 3-0 win. It was a frustrating game for the Greyhounds, as they left 15 runners on base, Hayden Mariani and John Wallace three times each.

Two days later, Friday, May 3, a disappointed hometown crowd saw Piner pitcher Anthony Cordoza and Garrett Drefs combine for a one-hit shutout, with only John Wallace getting on base with a double. The Piner pitchers walked eight, however, but again the Greyhounds could not bring the run -

Like their softball counterparts, the Greyhounds finished fourth in the Redwood division, but a fourgame league playoff that began yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, May 8) saw them playing first-place Montgomery.

Healdsburg handed Montgomery their first loss back on April 5, 7-0, as Alex Mauro-Manos threw a three-hit shutout. Montgomery subsequently lost two more league games, both to St. Vincent in the past week, the tail end of a

The winner of Wednesday afternoon’s game will play the winner of the St. Vincent-Santa Rosa game, which will also be held on Wednesday. Then the championship game will be played on Friday, May 10, in Healdsburg at 4pm.

So it’s possible, just possible, that the Greyhound boys can score a come-from-behind league championship pennant, if they put two games together and get those runners across the plate. And there’ll be a home-town NBL Playoffs

Healdsburg ball fans should know that baseball and softball North Bay League championship games, for both the Oak and Redwood divisions, will be played here in town on Friday, May 10. Baseball will be hosted at Rec Park at 4pm (Redwood) and 6:30 (Oak). Softball games are played at the HHS varsity field (University and Monte Vista), Oak at 4:30 and Redwood at 7pm. Why? Because Healds-

Photo by Michael Lucid

GOOD FORM Sophomore Ashley Jenkins (13) comes around on the ball for a hit in the Ukiah softball game earlier this season. Jenkins and most of the Lady Greyhounds’ top players will return to the team next year.

Utility Rate Increases

Financial Consultants, Inc., which produced the updated financial outlook and rate proposals. Early in his presentation, Kevin Kostiuk of Raftelis outlined the average monthly impact for the first year of five annual utility rate increases, which would be $16.59 more for water service, $17.62 for wastewater service. The increases would help fund $13.9 million in needed capital projects, although a significant number of capital projects are left on the table for another time or alternate funding. In general terms, the new rate structure imposes

“tiers” that base pricing on water use, with the idea that most families in the “single family residence” category will pay the lower rates, while commercial, industrial and agricultural users (categorized as “landscape” in the rates) will pay more per water unit (HCF, or hundred cubic feet) than residents do.

Tiered water charges have come under scrutiny in recent years as being in possible violation of Proposition 218, which holds that water rates must reflect the actual cost of service, and not be arbitrarily applied even if its

goal is to incentivize lower water use by charging less. Crowley addressed this issue in correspondence with the Tribune , saying the tiered fees are linked to the costs necessary to serve residential homes with higher water demands. “In providing these larger volumes of water, the City must build and maintain larger underground pipes, storage, and pumping capacities to serve the larger demands,” wrote Crowley.

Water Security

Another factor in the rate studies is a continued

reliable source of water for Healdsburg customers. The current rates are based on water allocated from Russian River flows, in addition to local wells. But the river flows are expected to be reduced when the Potter Valley project is decommissioned or dismantled, as is already underway.

Potter Valley is a water diversion facility that takes water from the Eel River, directs it through a hydroelectric facility and diverts it to Lake Mendocino. The lake serves as a source for the Russian River into Sonoma County; with less water available from Lake

Mendocino, annual flows down the Russian are expected to decrease.

As a consequence, Healdsburg needs to find an alternative water source in the near future. Crowley and Raftelis are proposing accessing water from Lake Sonoma previously unavailable for city use through new wells in the Dry Creek Valley.

There is currently a Dry Creek well field, in addition to two along the Russian River. One of these, the Fitch well field, will be discontinued due to rising costs. According to the Raftelis report, “The plan

further prioritizes the infrastructure rehabilitation and water treatment at the Dry Creek well field while deferring the water treatment of the Fitch well field.”

A significant investment in the Dry Creek well field of almost $1.5 million is itemized in the 2029 fiscal year budget. Long range planning for investments such as this are factored into the rising annual water and wastewater rates presented to the council, which were approved on Monday for the FY 2024-25 budget.

The water and wastewater rates were presented to the council as a “public review” step required by law. Plus the law stipulates that if there are protests to the rate increases filed by half of the rate customers, the increases cannot go into effect.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, however, only 714 protests to the rate increases had been filed, far short of the 50% necessary. The council’s vote to approve was their “approval on first reading,” which means the rate increases will next appear in the Consent Calendar at the May 20 meeting. That should put them on schedule to go into effect with the July 1, 2024 budget. Customers will see the rate increases with their August bill. The topics of water rates and growth management are complex, and residents are encouraged to review the complete documentation on the city’s website, at Healdsburg.gov.

Hetch Hetchy Valley SNAPSHOT

YOSEMITE’S SISTER VALLEY FLOODED FOR POWER, WATER

By Pierre Ratte

Yosemite Valley is known to many. But few know there was, and is, a second valley of extraordinary beauty in Yosemite National Park.

It’s called the Valley of the Hetch Hetchy. The name comes from a native Miwok grass that

grew along the Tuolumne River that feeds this reservoir. Valley of the Hetch Hetchy is virtually a mirror image of Yosemite in a tighter configuration, its smaller “Half-Dome” on the right and its “El Capitan” on the left. After a national debate between John Muir, the famed naturalist, and Gifford Pinchot, head of the U.S. Forest Service, it was

decided that the public good of water supplies to San Francisco outweighed the public good of preserving a second rock canyon with hanging valleys and half domes. Hence, a 450foot high dam was built, the canyon was flooded and the Hetch Hetchy reservoir was created.

Fun facts: An estimated 5 million people visit Yosemite annually, and 50,000 visit

Hetch Hetchy. Yosemite has 5,400 parking spaces, while Hetch Hetchy has 40. Yosemite is seven miles long and one mile wide; Hetch Hetchy is three miles long and a half mile wide. Half Dome and El Cap rise 4,900 feet and 3,100 feet, while similar features of Hetch Hetchy rise 2,100 feet and 2,550 feet.

On April 18, 1906 at 5:12am, San Francisco

experienced an earthquake. It wrecked the city’s water system, leaving standing buildings vulnerable to fires that continued for days. Approximately 250,000 residents (65%) were homeless, many taking refuge in the Potrero and Dogpatch districts. Rebuilding the city stimulated plans to obtain water from the Sierras. The Federal Raker Act of 1913 gave San Francisco rights to build a dam and receive water from the Tuolumne River and Hetch Hetchy Valley. The O’Shaughnessy Dam took eight years to

LEGAL NOTICES

SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MARGARET A CULLEN,1321 GUERNEVILLE ROAD, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on DECEMBER 1, 1988. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: MARGARET A. CULLEN, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 04, 2024. (Publication Dates April 18, 25, May 2, 9 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune). STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME SONOMA COUNTY FILE NO. 202401266 The following person(s) have abandoned the use of the following fictitious business name(s). Fictitious Business name(s) COOPERATIVE TREE CARE, 21485 FORT ROSS RD, CAZADERO, CA 95421 COUNTY SONOMA: The Fictitious Business Name Statement was filed on 11/30/2022, File Number 202203467. Registered Owners(s) BISWELL FORESTRY LLC, 21485 FORT ROSS RD, CAZADERO, CA 95421, COUNTY SONOMA. This business was being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: MARISA EVANS, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 12, 2024. (Publication Dates APRIL 18, 25, MAY 2, 9 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401285 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. BARRETT GROUP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 2. BARRETT GROUP, 1227 ATASCADERO DRIVE, WINDSOR, CA 95492, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 852, WINDSOR, CA 95492: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): VERA BARRETT,P.O. BOX 852, WINDSOR, CA 95492: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 09/01/2012. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: VERA BARRETT, PROPERTY MANAGER/ OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 15, 2024. (Publication Dates April 18, 25, May 2, 9 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

build and was completed in 1923; the 160-mile aqueduct to San Francisco, much of it in tunnels, took 11 years to complete. San Francisco receives about 10% of its power from hydro-electric plants downstream from the dam. Approximately 250 million gallons flow daily by gravity to San Francisco. Land under the dam and reservoir is leased from the National Park Service; rent was set at $30,000 in 1913 and has not been raised. San Francisco earns $450 million a year from the sale of water.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401324 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. NINE DESIGN, 4040 MILL CREEK ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): CHRISTINA NELSON and GREGOR NELSON, 4040 MILL CREEK ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448: This business is being conducted by A MARRIED COUPLE. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 1997. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: CHRISTINA NELSON, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 17, 2024. (Publication Dates April 25, May 2, 9, 16 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401318 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. HARMONY CLEANING SERVICES, 2525 COFFEY LANE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: PO BOX 709, SANTA ROSA, CA 95402: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): FIDELIA ORTIZ, PO BOX 709, SANTA ROSA, CA 95402: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 01/01/2024. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: FIDELIA ORTIZ, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 16, 2024. (Publication Dates April 25, May 2, 9, 16 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO:

202401221 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. GERITAS, 1111 RIPARIAN WAY, CLOVERDALE, CA 95425, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): RENAY W. FANELLI, 1111 RIPARIAN WAY, CLOVERDALE, CA 95425: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: RENAY FANELLIFOUNDER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 09, 2024. (Publication Dates April 25, May 2, 9, 16 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401302 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. NORCAL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY DENTAL GROUP OF HINÉ DDS CORP, 1111 SONOMA AVD #102, SANTA ROSA, CA 95405, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): HINÉ DDS CORP, 1111 SONOMA AVD #102, SANTA ROSA, CA 95405: This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. The registrant commenced to transact business

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202400956 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. ADG SCALES, 2590 SILVER SPUR DR, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): GABRIEL TOMAS CRUZ, 2590 SILVER SPUR DR, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 2021. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: GABRIEL CRUZ OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 15, 2024. (Publication Dates April 18, 25, May 2, 9 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

under the fictitious name or names above on 4-1-2024. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: ADAM HINE DDS, PRESIDENT. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 15, 2024. (Publication Dates April 25, May 2, 9, 16 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME SONOMA COUNTY FILE NO. 202401300 The following person(s) have abandoned the use of the following fictitious business name(s). Fictitious Business name(s) NORCAL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY THE DENTAL OFFICEOF DRS. RAMOS & WILLETTS, 1111 SONOMA AVE #102, SANTA ROSA, CA 95405, COUNTY SONOMA. The Fictitious Business Name Statement was filed on 01/28/2021, File Number 202100432. Registered Owners(s) RAMOS DENTAL, 1111 SONOMA AVE #102, SANTA ROSA, CA 95405. This business was being conducted by A CORPORATION. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: CARLA RAMEY, SEC/ CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 15, 2024. (Publication Dates April 25, May 2, 9, 16 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401384

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. PAPAPIETRO PERRY, 4791 DRY CREEK ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): PAPAPIETRO AND PERRY, INC. 4791 DRY CREEK ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448: This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on JUNE 2, 2005. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: ADAM HINE DDS, PRESIDENT. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 22, 2024. (Publication Dates April 25, May 2, 9, 16 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401415

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. “CALM ME”, 1476 PROFESSIONAL DR. AP. 503-B, PETALUMA, CA 94954 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s):PIERA ARBILDO.1476 PROFESSIONAL DR. AP. 503-B, PETALUMA, CA 94954: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 2023. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: PIERA MERCEDES ARBILDO OCAMPO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 23, 2024. (Publication Dates May 2, 9, 16, 23 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune). FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

Dates May 2, 9, 16, 23 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401313 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. PRIME LEVEL CONSTRUCTION, 3135 STONY POINT RD, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s):PRIME LEVEL CONSTRUCTION, LLC., 3135 STONY POINT RD, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403: This business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 03/01/2023. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: ISMAEL PEREZ, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 16, 2024. (Publication Dates May 2, 9, 16, 23 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401329 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. SUNRISE CLEANING, 461 CORONA RD, PETALUMA, CA 94954 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s):KATELYN ELIZABETH ASHBY., 461 CORONA RD, PETALUMA, CA 94954: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: KATELYN ASHBY. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on APRIL 17, 2024. (Publication Dates May 2, 9, 16, 23 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202401320 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. ALEGRIA VINEYARDS, 2. ALEGRIA WINERY, 3. ALEGRIA VINEYARDS & WINERY, 12040 OLD REDWOOD HWY, HEALDSBURG COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 2061, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): ACORN ALEGRIA WINERY, P.O. BOX 2061,

Photo by Pierre Ratte MIRROR LAKE? No, this is the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, in a valley north of Yosemite. The water in the reservoir supplies

High-Speed Pursuit Ties Up 101

POLICE CHASED SUSPECTS FROM WINDSOR WALMART TO HEALDSBURG

Staff Report

At about 4pm on, Friday, May 3, Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Walmart for a robbery investigation.

Two suspects, later identified as 31-year-old Evan Murden of Sonoma and 33-year-old Destiny Turney of Mendocino County, were seen inside the store by loss prevention employees, loading up a shopping cart with merchandise that had a total value of over $1,000.

While being watched, Turney walked out of the store and got into a car. Murden left the store with the shopping cart and was stopped by the loss prevention employee for shoplifting. Murden assaulted the employee and destroyed his cell phone, which prevented the employee from staying on the phone with the Sheriff's Office dispatch center. Murden loaded the merchandise into the car and fled the scene with Turney in the passenger seat. Deputies tried pulling the car over on Hembree Lane, but Murden fled. Murden led two deputies and a sergeant on a pursuit through Windsor at speeds reaching 64 mph.

In central Windsor, Murden entered northbound Highway 101, traveling at a high rate of speed and attempting to evade deputies at speeds reaching 109 mph.

One of the pursuing deputies did a PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver to disable the car at the northbound Highway 101 Dry Creek off-ramp. Murden jumped out of his car and ran into a business, leaving Turney behind. A deputy quickly detained Turney.

The active pursuit led to a NIXLE alert at 4:23pm warning of police activity in the Grove Street/Dry Creek intersection and urging residents to avoid the area. A perimeter was established

around The Lodge at Healdsburg with the assistance of the Healdsburg Police Department. Murden was located hiding in an outside stairwell and was taken into custody.

The NIXLE alert was canceled at 4:47, but the Sheriff’s Office helicopter continued to circle the intersection for a time before heading south back to Santa Rosa.

Murden was later booked into the Sonoma County jail for robbery, felony evading, vandalism, damaging a wireless device and resisting arrest. He remains in custody with his bail set at $50,000.

Turney was booked for conspiracy, shoplifting, possession of a controlled substance and an outstanding arrest warrant from San Mateo County. She was later released on a citation.

Monday, April 22

1:04pm The Reporting Party (RP) indicated that multiple subjects were doing drugs near Hotel Healdsburg by the fountain on Matheson Street. The RP stated one subject had a knife that was four to five inches long and another subject was actively using a needle. Officers responded. A 68-year-old (YO) man was arrested and transported to county jail for violating probation, public intoxication and theft or misappropriation of lost property.

2:29pm Battery occurred at Healdsburg High School on Prince Avenue. The RP, an employee from the school, indicated that a fight took place on April 18 during school hours. Two students entered a bathroom on campus and mutually engaged in a fight. Officers planned to follow up.

2:34pm The RP, an employee at Healdsburg High School on Prince Avenue, stated that after an argument between two male students over a female, the female disclosed that her exboyfriend had been physically aggressive with her during their relationship in the autumn of 2023. An officer spoke with the RP and planned to follow up.

3:36pm The RP indicated that a vehicle on Highway 101 at Old Redwood Highway was weaving in and out of traffic and slamming on the brakes in front of vehicles. Officers checked the area, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.

3:45pm A hostile person was threatening the bus driver at Circle K on Healdsburg Avenue. The person subsequently exited the bus and walked eastbound. Officers checked the area, but the

person was gone on arrival and unable to be located.

4:21pm A vehicle was stopped for a tail light violation on March Avenue at Healdsburg Avenue. A 61 YO man was cited and released for driving with a license suspended for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). 11:49pm A woman went into the Harmon Guest House on Healdsburg Avenue, yelled at the RP and then left. The woman was the same person who the hotel reported on April 21, 2024. The RP was in the process of getting a trespass letter regarding the woman. The RP wanted the incident documented and would call