The Healdsburg Tribune
JEFF KAY PICKS APRIL MITTS TO FILL ANDREW STURMFELS’ SHOES
Staff Report
The selection process to hire a new assistant city manager has reached its conclusion: April Mitts was selected as the next assistant city manager for the City of Healdsburg, following a nationwide recruitment. Mitts brings over 15 years of experience in local government to the table, most recently as assistant city manager in St. Helena, Napa County. She will fill the role formerly held by Andrew Sturmfels, who left in January.
Healdsburg City Manager Jeff Kay made the selection, saying she was picked from among 70 qualified candidates. “April brings an outstanding combination of experience, technical expertise, and leadership to this position,” he said in the press release announcing the appointment. “I have been particularly impressed with her community-focused approach to public service, and I look forward to her making a very positive impact on the city and our organization.”
Kay said a professional recruitment agency assisted and vetted the candidates “based on the criteria I provided for this position.” From there, a limited number of applicants were interviewed “before a panel of current and former City Managers from other cities. After that, I interviewed the finalists.” Mitts is scheduled to start her new position on April 28.
“I am honored and excited to join the City of Healdsburg as Assistant City Manager and to work alongside city leadership, staff and the community
➝ April Mitts, 3
Local Food Banks Running Out of Funds, Groceries
HALF-BILLION IN DELIVERIES CANCELED BY USDA WITH NATIONAL IMPACT
By Christian Kallen
Proposed cuts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of $500 million to funding for regional hunger relief organizations will stop deliveries to local food banks nationwide, including the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB). That could mean the suspension of $750,000 in food shipments to REFB alone, and their availability for redistribution
to local families. Crews from the REFB come to Healdsburg almost every day of the week to distribute groceries and other essential goods to those in need, at a rotation of locations— including the Healdsburg Senior Center, City Hall, Healdsburg Elementary, Trinity Baptist Church, Alliance Medical Center, the Healdsburg Food Pantry and Corazón Healdsburg.
A number of distribution points also exist in Windsor, Geyserville and Cloverdale, in addition to many more across Sonoma County. A full schedule of distribution times and locations is on the REFB website at
tinyurl.com/getfoodrefb.
“The federal cuts are indeed a significant challenge, as we were anticipating $700,000 worth of food over the next few months that will no longer be available to us,” said Rachelle Mesheau, the REFB’s head of communications.
“Despite this setback, we remain committed to providing food to our community in Healdsburg and the surrounding areas.”
Characterizing the cuts as “a barbaric move,” Sen. Mike McGuire, a Democrat from Healdsburg and the president pro tempore of the California State Senate, listed some of the impacts: “330 truckloads of food for California food banks
PARK OPEN HOUSES ANNOUNCED, BUT THEN CANCELED
SAGGIO HILLS PROJECT DESIGN PROPOSAL GETS A CLOSER LOOK
By Christian Kallen
On Friday, March 28, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department announced two open houses—one virtual, one in person, both on April 3—for the community to review and discuss a design spec for Laura Fish Somersal Park.
— gone… That’s milk, eggs, vegetables, and meat pulled out from under families and seniors who need it most.”
Larger than Local Other communities nationwide are also “reeling” from the cuts, according to CNN reporting. These include the Fresno-based Central California Food Bank, which learned of the cancellation of $850,000 worth of groceries, and the Capital Area Food Bank of Washington, D.C., described as “scrambling to replace $1.3 million in food deliveries that have been canceled.”
According to McGuire’s March 23 statement on the cuts, the shipments come
The proposed park on the north side of town, part of a 38-acre land trade in exchange for development of the Montage Resort, was named for the noted PomoMiwok basket weaver whose work has been displayed in national museums.
The open houses were scheduled when the city received the schematic design documents from Fletcher Studio, a landscape architecture firm involved with the project since 2019. It delivered its initial schematic design for Phase 1, and planned to share a presentation with the public both in the virtual meeting, scheduled for 10am, and again at 6pm during a live session.
Then on Monday, March 31, the city’s project manager, Tom Campbell, announced both meetings had been canceled. “After reviewing preliminary schematic design cost estimates that we received on March 31, the project team determined
through the USDA’s emergency food assistance program, under which food banks can order items they need, such as canned vegetables, milk, dried fruit, frozen meats, eggs and more. The USDA covers the cost of the food orders.
“California had been receiving about $50 million worth of food annually from the discretionary fund, typically in quarterly shipments,” McGuire posted on Facebook. “These latest quarterly shipments are what was cancelled. We’re still working to determine if this is a one-time cancellation or if this move will be made permanent.”
that more time is needed to review the proposed project component costs to ensure the project aligns with the available funding,” stated an update from the City of Healdsburg.
“The City has $8,086,249 for Phase 1 of the park development. The project team is currently reviewing costs to ensure that the Phase 1 project aligns with the available funding,” Campbell said. Said Community Services Director Mark Themig, “Basically the preliminary cost estimates are high and not everything is grouped by project component, so the project team needs time to go through the estimate in more detail.”
Background
According to the city’s web page on the project, at healdsburg.gov/1167, the first phase of park development includes a multipurpose trail, creek restoration,
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS
GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
Community Showcase
The Santa Rosa Young People’s Chamber Orchestra, sponsored by the Santa Rosa Symphony, performs under the musical direction of Grammynominated violinist Aaron Westman. It will be onstage at The 222 on Thursday at 7:30pm, $20 or free for students. The next night, April 4, one can appreciate the classical music talent of the Telegraph Quartet, $35-85. 222 Healdsburg Ave., the222.org.
Itasca Musician and visual artist
Cohen has performed and written music under the name Itasca for over a decade, and has released three LPs. Her intricate medieval folk guitar and vocals explore themes of myth, ecology and place. Upstairs at Little Saint, April 3; next Thursday will be Matthew Logan Vasquez. Free, 6-9pm, 25 North St.
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
Tribute Week
For the next week Coyote Sonoma goes full tributeband, booking the Rolling Stones, the Traveling Wilburys and Fleetwood Mac, or bands that look and sound like them. First up is Rudy Colombini and the Unauthorized Rolling Stones on Saturday, April 5. $15 general, doors at 7pm, show starts at 8:30pm. Coyote Sonoma, 44-F Mill
Street, coyotesonoma.com/ upcoming-events.
Elephant Blues Meanwhile the small pub across the parking lot is colored blue this weekend, with R&B vocalist Johnny Rawls playing Friday (8pm, $15), Spanish blues harpist Quique Gomez on Saturday (8pm, $10), and Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes on Sunday (6pm, $10). 77 Healdsburg Ave.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
Banda de Cenoura
The Ruth Ahlers Quartet offers a vibrant selection of music from the great composers of Brazil, plus original music inspired by the combination of North and South American influences. Weekly Saturday jazz 6-9pm at the Spirit Bar, the lounge off the
lobby at Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St. No cover, select food menu.
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Authors Talk Copperfield’s Books will host an author event with Katy Hays, author of The Cloisters, in conversation with friend and bestselling author Meredith Jaeger, about her “electrifying” new thriller, Saltwater Tickets $6 general, $35 includes signed book and cocktail. At Hotel Healdsburg, 25 North St., 3pm in the Green Room. copperfieldsbooks.com
Music and Wine
It’s a regular thing at Furthermore: “Vinyl Sunday” record-spinning sessions from 4-7pm with guest DJs. This Sunday, guitarist Carlos Pereira explores the music of his native
Brazil. The tasting room also features live music from about 5-8pm (exact times vary), Thursdays through Saturdays. 328-A Healdsburg Ave. For details see furthermorewines.com/events.
MONDAY, APRIL 7
City Council
Big night for Healdsburg and the City Council: the final public hearing on the Transition to District Elections and a review of the city’s Parklets Policy on converting downtown parking lots to service areas. Starts at 6pm at 401 Grove St., also online at facebook.com/ cityofhealdsburg.
Dance Lessons
Join Lily Thrailkill, a dancer with roots in East Coast Swing and blues fusion, in dance lessons from
SAGGIO HILLS
parking and support infrastructure such as a restroom and drinking fountain, parking, utilities and stormwater treatment facilities for Phase 1 as well coming phases of development.
As funding allows, other park amenities including a modest sports component will be added.
The city received approximately 38 acres of land as part of the Montage Healdsburg resort project for the new public park, with about 12 acres of developable area.
6:30-7pm, then dance to big band music and more until 9:30pm. $15 (under 18 free), monthly on first Mondays at The 222, 222 Healdsburg Ave., the222.org.
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
Planning Commission
See the projects before they’re approved in these often educational, sometimes revealing meetings. Agenda packet should be available by April 2 at the city’s Agenda page; meeting details same as City Council.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
Intercambio
Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Beginners welcome. Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm, at Room 4, Abel De Luna Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Ave.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
‘Accidentals’
Author
Susan M. Gaines, author of Carbon Dreams, introduces her new novel, Accidentals, a love story that mixes science and fiction, endangered species and political repression. Event will be held on Thursday, April 10 (rescheduled from April 5), 7pm, $15 at 222 Healdsburg Ave., the222.org.
UPCOMING
Farmers’ Market
The 2025 season for the Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market begins on Saturday, April 12, at the West Plaza Parking lot, from 8:30am to noon. Shop local and keep small businesses and farms thriving. Details at healdsburgfarmersmarket.org.
Jendala Day Sunday, April 13, celebrate the life, art and positivity of Jennifer Utsch, long an energy force in Healdsburg. Noon to 3:30pm at Villa Chanticleer, details to be announced.
For additional events, visit healdsburgtribune. com/calendar.
The approved master plan includes restoration of the Foss Creek riparian habitat, sports f3000ields and courts, play areas, a large picnic pavilion, open lawn areas, a dog play area, a community garden, a pump track, a picnic grove and special-use gardens including native plantings, pollinator gardens, and habitats for insects and reptiles. There will also be an extension of the paved Foss Creek Pathway through the park and an improved softsurface trail network. The City of Healdsburg has a web page devoted to the project, at healdsburg. gov/1167, where updates and a new schedule for the open houses will be announced.
An updated version of this story is online at healdsburgtribune.com. ➝ Design Proposal, 1
The site consists of rolling grasslands with scattered oak trees, seasonal wetlands, a flood-retention basin for Foss Creek and a stormwater basin for a nearby future housing site.
Kayla
Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco
MARCHING MUSICIANS Members of the Telegraph Quartet head for Healdsburg to play their classical music repertoire on Friday, April 4, at The 222.
Parklets Get Another Look from Council
TASTING ROOMS AND RESTAURANTS
OFFER STREETSIDE SERVICE, BUT AT WHAT EXPENSE?
By Christian Kallen
Those streetside dining areas and tasting rooms that everyone has an opinion about will be given another look by the Healdsburg City Council at the April 7 meeting. The council will evaluate the plan last formalized in January 2023, with an eye toward potential modifications before the end of 2025.
There are currently 16 such “parklets” in the downtown area; a 17th location was removed just after the new year. The parklets program allows businesses to use the parking spaces in front of their retail shops for added customer-service space. The opportunity to extend operations outside for tasting rooms, restaurants and other downtown businesses grew out of the Covid pandemic, when health concerns limited face-to-face contact in closed areas.
CITY MANAGER
to enhance the quality of life for residents,” Mitts said. “I look forward to contributing to the city’s progress, innovation and dedication to outstanding public service.”
Mitts’ resignation from the City of St. Helena was announced on March 27, the same day as her hiring by Healdsburg. “Her leadership in financial management, administrative services, and City operations has been exemplary, earning her the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike,” read the announcement from St.
The parklets presently take up 40 parking spaces downtown, making those spaces unavailable for public use. They range in size from 262 square feet, in front of Angela’s Ice Cream/Iggy’s Burgers at 109 Plaza St., to 1,051 square feet, on North Street next to Valette restaurant at 344 Center St.
The city charges a fee for annual use of the public parking areas, which started at $1.50 per square foot but is now $1.62, plus a monthly administration fee of $216. The least expensive is the smallest, of course—$7,416 for the 109 Plaza St. burger and ice cream walk-in. The most is the largest, more than $22,200 for Valette.
However, according to Public Works Director Larry Zimmer, “There is no study valuing a parking space in this context.”
So even if annual fees collected by the city exceed an estimated $150,000, that can’t be compared to “lost” sales tax revenue the city would receive from any business which might accrue by having more
Helena’s program manager, Andrew Bradley.
“Dr. Mitts’ strategic thinking, can-do attitude and unmatched work ethic have greatly benefited our community,” said St. Helena Mayor Paul Dohring. “She has been a key player in many of our initiatives, and her departure is a significant loss for St. Helena.”
Mitts holds a doctorate in public administration from the University of La Verne, a master’s in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s in political science from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. She is a member of the International City/ County Management Association, Women Leading
parking spaces available.
Not all of the parklets are food- or wine-related.
One of the most visible is that on Center Street at North, next to Healdsburg Running Company. It serves as an open shopping area for shoes and other sportswear, allowing shoppers to spill out onto the street from the confined quarters of HRC itself at 333 Center St. Pandemic Dining
The parklet program under review is not the first that the City of Healdsburg implemented. The idea of using parking areas for business operations took hold during the first year of the Covid pandemic, in 2020, when the city and others developed and implemented several downtown business support programs in response.
For almost two years Healdsburg, like many other cities in the area and country, attempted to help local businesses affected by the pandemic with outdoor dining, pedestrianonly streets and other
Government and the California City Management Foundation.
Andrew Sturmfels served in the assistant city manager role for almost
measures. Healdsburg’s original parklet program operated until Jan. 17, 2023, when the city implemented the current program.
The city’s first steps in creating business-friendly parklets came in September 2020, to extend temporary outdoor activities permits. Two months later, Temporary Parklet Program Design Guidelines and Standards were released, containing construction requirements on parklet design, safety, ADA access, alcohol service, heating, lighting and more, according to Zimmer.
They were expanded and further codified in April 2021 to include sidewalks, parking stalls, park space and other right-of-way areas for outdoor commercial use until Jan. 17, 2023. That evolved to include establishing a permit fee and parklet activation criteria— the “first” parklet program, which is being reviewed for possible additions or termi nation this year.
One recurrent concern about the parklet programs is federal ADA (Americans
three years, assuming the job in June 2022. He departed in January to join the County of Sonoma staff as an assistant county administrator.
for Disabilities Act) compliance. “We did our best to make the parklets ADA compliant from the very beginning,” Zimmer said. “A few parklets were simply tables and chairs placed on the pavement, but … we had the owner construct or purchase ramps to provide access from the curb down to the parking area.”
Withdrawn Parklet
Aside from several temporary areas staged in private parking lots that have been removed, only one licensed parklet walked away from the opportunity: the threecar parklet in front of KINSmoke, at 304 Center St. “I was very much on board when they proposed the parklet program,” said Brad Barmore, co-owner of the barbecue restaurant. However the configuration of the parklet KINSmoke ended up with, after the Flying Goat moved in next door, only allowed for about 15 seats. Because of wind, direct sun or rain, it was only usable for “a few hours a day for five or six months that people wanted to stay out there.”
He questioned whether there ever really was added business, or if some of his customers just moved outside. “I think over the course of a whole year, it probably pays for itself just in terms
tough to be able to run that parklet and then also, you know, have a server in the restaurant. It’s a big footprint to have to cover.”
Transition
The City Council meeting that includes the parklet discussion is also the last of five “public hearings” in the Transition to District Elections. Last month, on March 17, the council narrowed down more than 80 maps— most of them 5-district maps that would require the mayor to be a rotating position—to a single recommended map, now known as Draft Map A. In the intervening three weeks public comment on that map or continued suggested alternatives have been expected by the city, but the clock is ticking: A decision is expected from the council on Monday, April 7, on the shape of the five districts.
Since it is a public hearing mandated by law, a “time certain” of 6:30pm is anticipated for this agenda item. The City Council meeting begins at 6pm, at 401 Grove St. The city’s website and Facebook will carry it live, but public comments are still only allowed by in-person attendees. The council is considering that policy at
Photo by Christian Kallen
STREET EATING Diners enjoy their meal in the parklet in front of the former Farolitos on Plaza St., now Gallina D’Oro.
NEW FACE April Mitts, selected to become Healdsburg’s new assistant city manager. She begins work on April 28.
➝ April Mitts, 1
FOR SERVICE A fully set table inside Valette’s comfortable parklet on North Street, the largest in Healdsburg.
Photo by Rick Tang
SPORTS
‘Tour of the Vineyards’ Gets Pumped
SUNRISE ROTARY’S ANNUAL GIRO VIGNETI COMING UP
Staff Report
The annual Giro Vigneti, started in 1986 and formerly known as the Healdsburg Century, will return to Sonoma County’s Wine Country on Saturday, May 17. Registration
is still open for this historic bicycle tour.
Starting and finishing at Bacchus Landing, participating cyclists can choose from four scenic routes ranging from a leisurely 22-mile ride to a challenging 100-mile journey through Healdsburg’s rolling vineyards and breathtaking countryside above Lake Sonoma. The construction closure of Wohler Bridge, however, has put a “wrinkle” in the organizers’ maps. “We are
COME-BACKER Pitcher Mia Halvorson
a short grounder to throw to first to get the runner. The freshman hurler has had plenty of practice, having pitched every inning so far this season for the Greyhounds softball team.
currently working on the routes, and the closing of the Wohler bridge is a slight pain point,” said Diane Bucher of Bucher Wines. “But we have new routes that the riders have not ridden with us before. The longer routes do cross over the Russian River but this year not on ‘Big Wohler,’ but just as scenic and historic.”
The cycling event, organized by Sunrise Rotary, has already attracted more than 100 registered cyclists with several weeks remaining
before the event. The Giro consists of four well-marked routes ranging from 22 to 100 miles, with rest stops featuring local treats and hosted by local nonprofits. All routes will begin and end at Bacchus Landing, with a post-ride celebration showcasing Healdsburg’s renowned hospitality and featuring live classic rock from Eddie and the Fog. The event was created by local cycling enthusiasts who wanted to showcase the region’s attractive
scenery while supporting community causes. The name was changed to Giro Vigneti (“Tour of the Vineyards” in Italian) in 2018, reflecting Healdsburg’s Wine Country heritage.
“The Giro Vigneti isn’t just about cycling—it’s about giving back to our community,” said Chris L’Orange, co-chair of the event and a Sunrise Rotary member. Funds raised by the tour are allotted to scholarships for local students as well as
community and environmental projects. “This year we awarded deserving students $50,000 in scholarships,” L’Orange said.
“It’s not a race,” the Giro Vigneti home page announces, ironically. “Anyone can make a difference.”
Registration fees start at $105 and climb to $145 for the full century ride. Further information and registration at girovignetihealdsburg.com.
Karmic Kickback Hits Hounds
SOFTBALL SCORES TEND TO RUN HIGH, NOT ALWAYS FAVORABLY
By Caleb Knudsen
The Healdsburg softball team had a series of blowout wins against opponents earlier in the season, until it went to Sonoma Valley and encountered a fired-up Lady Dragons team. Often
a league contender themselves, the Dragons had been on an unlucky streak until Healdsburg came to town. Sonoma Valley was ahead at the end of every inning, but the game only reached the 10-run margin when the host team put an additional two runs on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth. The 16-6 final result put Healdsburg on the other side of a “laugher”
score—they themselves had downed Justin-Siena 17-4 on March 3 and Credo 19-4 on March 6. So perhaps the game was just a karmic “evening of the score.” And it left no lasting mark on the Greyhound girls: They rebounded from the loss, and the spring break layoff, to return to form with a close game against St. Vincent de Paul and a bigger win over
Kelseyville last Saturday.
Coach Brian Osborn pointed out the good news in the 5-3 loss to St. Vincent. “It was a good game and we had bases loaded in the 7th but just couldn’t get the big hit we needed,” he told the Tribune A few days later they were back on track. “We beat Kelseyville with a solid mix of good hitting, good baserunning, good defense
and good pitching—the perfect recipe for victories,” Osborn said. He noted that a couple of the players had multiple-hit games, including Izzy Osborn and Celia Vallotton, and a lot of players stepped up to contribute, including Sammy White, Ashley Jenkins and Hannah Sellards.
“We did not strike out once at the plate on Saturday,” he added.
Notable, too, is that despite the shellacking in Sonoma, it’s always been freshman Mia Halvorsen on the mound. Against Kelseyville she scattered four hits to give up only a single earned run, while striking out eight. The final score was 10-2. The Lady Greys have a cumulative record of 5-2, and a 0-1 league record marred by the 5-3 loss to St. Vincent. From here on it’s largely Redwood league competition, including April 1 at Piner and April 2 at home against Santa Rosa.
Photos by Michael Lucid
TWO-BAGGER Healdsburg senior Celia Vallotton slides into second with a double as Kelseyville’s Aubrey Sperber awaits the throw from right. Healdsburg won the March 29 game, 10-2.
plays
Photos by Caitlin McCaffrey
CURVES OF SONOMA Two cyclists spin down the asphalt of Westside Road during the 2024 Giro Vigneti, also known as the ‘Tour of the Vineyards.’ Rotary Sunrise holds the 39th annual ride on May 17, raising scholarship funds.
ROUTEFINDING Two senior cyclists contemplate the routes of the Giro Vigneti at the 2024 event. The 39th annual cycling fundraiser will be held on May 17.
SPORTS
Pool Hounds Do Double Time
CATCH THE SWIM TEAM ON A SPREE OF HOME MEETS NEXT WEEK
By Simone Wilson
The swim meet schedule for the five-team Redwood Division of the 12-team North Bay League has been an exercise in controlled chaos this season.
The division includes Healdsburg, Windsor, Analy, Piner and Rancho Cotate high schools. Coaches from these teams agreed after the 2024 season that one matchup per school, or four meets per season, didn’t feel like enough. So this year they’re trying a “double round robin” schedule: All schools swim against each other twice, for eight total meets per team.
“Even though it was a good idea, it’s been kind of a nightmare as far as the scheduling goes,” said Dean Clark, head swim coach for the Healdsburg Hounds. He said recent closures and other issues at swimming pools across the division have only made the situation more chaotic.
One upside: Fans have far more chances to watch young local swimmers in action. The promising boys and girls swim teams from Healdsburg High School are now midway through their 2025 season, each with a handful of wins and only one loss on their records (both against Windsor), as of press time.
And they still have a final stretch of three highstakes home meets ahead of them this month—one versus Rancho Cotate next Tuesday, April 8; one versus Windsor on Thursday, April 10; and one versus Piner on Tuesday, April 15. All meets “kick off” at 4pm at the Healdsburg pool on the HHS campus.
‘Cats Versus Dogs’ Coach Clark said the previous Windsor meet was “incredibly exciting,” but “unfortunately both teams lost in squeakers.” The boys lost by a single point after their final swimmer in the final relay finished just one foot behind Windsor’s counterpart, according to Clark. The girls lost by four points in their final relay as well. All of which should make the Healdsburg-Windsor
rematch on April 10 even more of a nail-biter.
The kids like to call these meets “cats versus dogs,” seeing as the Windsor Jaguars are playing the Healdsburg Hounds. And the Hounds often hold their own, even though they’re up against a school with more than three times as many students and around twice as many swimmers. Star athletes to look out for at upcoming meets include Healdsburg junior Layla Greaves, a dynamite backstroker and breaststroker who has made it to North Coast Section championships the past couple of years and is approaching a school record that her own mother set in the 100-yard backstroke while swimming for HHS in the ’90s. Also watch sophomore Ela Boardman, who coach Clark calls the “rock” of the girls team, and teammates Gianna Domenichelli and Abby Wetzel, highly versatile senior swimmers from storied Healdsburg families.
On the boys side, keep an eye on Greaves’ little brother Lucas, a freshman with a lot of promise and a major family legacy to fuel him, two pairs of brothers from the local Kluse and Johannsen Giuffre clans, and Yeshua Lemus, an “inspirational, quiet and hardworking” senior who “could barely swim his freshman year” and is now “one of our faster swimmers,” according to Clark.
The Turnover Effect
Last year, the girls team had their best season in Clark’s half-decade as a coach, winning gold in the division and bronze in the league. This year, they’re down a couple of swimmers to 11 team members—just under the ideal threshold of 12—but they’ve been holding their own in a tough field.
The boys team, meanwhile, is trying to claw its way back to former glory. The boys took home gold in their division and silver in the league in 2022 and again in 2023, only to fall to second and sixth place last year, respectively.
Coach Clark attributed this dip mostly to a classic high-school turnover issue: Nearly half the boys team’s members in 2023 were seniors and none
were juniors, leaving the 2024 team slim (at 10 members) and inexperienced. But the pendulum swung back in their favor this year: The team has beefed back up to 13 swimmers, giving them a shot at division gold and the potential for a strong league finish.
Members of both the girls and boys teams have also been learning what a big impact they can have on the final score when they swim more difficult
races that might be out of their comfort zones. Even if they don’t win these races, this strategy is critical for racking up extra points at a meet.
“It’s been one of those teachable moments,” Clark said.
After their three final home meets this month, the Hounds will head to league championships at the state-of-the-art Santa Rosa Junior College pool on April 25 and 26. Looking ahead to next
year, Healdsburg’s swim teams face another big round of turnover in 2026.
“We’ll have to do some recruiting in the off-season,” Clark said, “and get the swimmers involved, because I think it’s more fun coming from them to talk to younger kids.”
Even though Healdsburg High is the smallest school in the North Bay League, students are lucky to have their own on-campus pool, a crew of passionate swim coaches and
an established swimming culture that seems to keep them coming out for the team, year after year.
Having dynamos like Layla Greaves on the team also tends to lift all boats, according to Clark. “What it really does is inspire everybody else to improve,” he said. “To do better. To train harder.” Locals can head to the Healdsburg pool next Thursday afternoon to see if it’s enough to take down the Wildcats.
Photos by Michael Lucid
BREATHWORK Senior swimmer Yeshua Lemus is hitting his stride in 2025. ‘He could barely swim his freshman year and now he is one of our faster swimmers,’ his coach says.
GAME FACE Healdsburg High School sophomore Ela Boardman, seen here at a March 4 home meet versus Rancho Cotate, is the “rock” of the girls swim team, her coach says.
PRESSURE’S ON For Lucas Greaves, a freshman on the Healdsburg High boys swim team, backstroke is a family tradition.
POOL SHARK Julian Johannsen Giuffre, a senior, is one half of two brother pairs on the Healdsburg High School boys swim team this year.
FRAMING ARTS, INC, 1067 VINE STREET, 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 01/01/2025. I declare that all information in this statement
LEGAL NOTICES
is true and correct. Signed: CHRISTINA MOLINA, CEO . This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 10, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500874 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. NORCAL HVAC, 7397 BORIS COURT APT #24, ROHNERT PARK, CA 94928, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: 263 EAST COTATI AVE, COTATI, CA 94931: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MICHAEL ANTHONY DIGIACINTO, 7397 BORIS COURT APT #24, ROHNERT PARK, CA 94928. 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: MICHAEL ANTHONY DIGIACINTO . This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 11, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO:202500734 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. YOUNG AT HEART THEATRE, 115 NORTH STREET, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: PO BOX 870, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): HEALDSBURG PERFORMING ARTS THEATER, INC, PO BOX 870, 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 01/01/2020. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: RICHARD R. NORGROVE, PRESIDENT. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on FEBRUARY 27, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SONOMA CASE NUMBER: 25CV01330 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Petitioner (name of each): PATRICK GIUSEPPE EVERSON, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. PATRICK GIUSEPPE EVERSON to Proposed Name: PATRICK GIUSEPPE HOPPER 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 05/07/2025 at 3:00 PM, in Dept: 16: Sonoma County Superior Court, 3055 CLEVELAND AVENUE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403. Via Zoom. GO ONLINE TO ZOOM.US/JOIN OR PHONE IN AT Meeting ID Dial 1-669-900-6833, MEETING ID 160 460 6380 Passcode 840359. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in The Healdsburg Tribune, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Sonoma. DATED: MARCH 10 2025 Hon. PATRICK M. BRODERICK, Judge of the Superior Court. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SONOMA CASE NUMBER: 25CV01289 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Petitioner (name of each): DENISE GISELE PERRET and EDUARDO DIEGO DE ARKOS YERA, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. NICOLAI JULIAN PERRET to Proposed Name: NICOLAI JULIAN DE ARKOS 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at
the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING 05/07/2025 at 3:00 PM, in Dept: 17: Sonoma County Superior Court, 3055 CLEVELAND AVENUE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403. Via Zoom. GO ONLINE TO ZOOM.US/JOIN OR PHONE IN AT Meeting ID Dial 1-669-900-6833, MEETING ID 161 126 4123 Passcode 062178. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in The Healdsburg Tribune, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Sonoma. DATED: MARCH 5 2025 Hon. JANE GASKELL, Judge of the Superior Court. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500842 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. FLOWERS VINEYARDS AND WINERY, 300 VIA ARCHIMEDES, GEYSERVILLE, CA 95441 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: 12001 S. HIGHWAY 99, MANTECA,CA 95336: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): DELICATO VINEYARDS, LLC, 12001 S. HIGHWAY 99, MANTECA,CA 95336, DE: This business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. 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: MARIE I. MATHEWS, TREASURER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 07, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500902 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. HEALDSBURG PRECISION, 33Q HEALDSBURG AVENUE, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): HEALDSBURG PRECISION LLC, 33Q HEALDSBURG AVENUE, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448. This business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. 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: CASPER LEE MAX, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 13, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500865 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. OUTLANDER, 103 PLAZA STREET, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: 7060 N. MARKS AVENUE, SUITE 117, FRESNO, CA 93711: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): PATRICK JAMES, INC., 7060 N. MARKS AVENUE, SUITE 117, FRESNO, CA 93711. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. 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: CLAY THOMAS, SECRETARY. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 10, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500913 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. MATTER DADDY’S MOBILE PIZZA, 15908 HEALDSBURG, CA 95448, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): DANIEL MCGILLICUDDY, 5908 HEALDSBURG, CA 95448. 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: DANIEL MCGILLICUDDY. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 14, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO:
202500876
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. FREEDOM BUILDERS, 337 POLLARD WAY, WINDSOR, CA 95492, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): BRETT MICHAEL FAIRBANKS, 337 POLLARD WAY, 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 N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: BRETT FAIRBANKS, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 11, 2025. (Publication
Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500871
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. RIDGE CONSTRUCTION CO, 2. STARRIDGE CONSTRUCTION CO, 39770 LEEWARD ROAD, THE SEA RANCH, CA 95497, SONOMA, Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 101, GUALALA, CA 95445: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MICHAEL STARR, P.O. BOX 101, GUALALA, CA 95445. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 10/15/1996. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: MICHAEL STARR, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 11, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SONOMA CASE NUMBER: 25CV01597 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Petitioner (name of each): DONNA PARKS, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. DONNA PARKS, b. DONNA E. PARKS, c. DONNA ELNA PARKS, d. DONNA E. SANKOVICH PARKS, e. DONNA SANKOVICH PARKS, to Proposed Name :DONNA E. SANKOVICH PARKS f. DONNA ELNA SANKOVICH PARKS to Proposed Name DONNA E. SANKOVICH PARKS 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 05/21/2025 at 3:00 PM, in Dept: 19: Sonoma County Superior Court, 3055 CLEVELAND AVENUE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403. Via Zoom. GO ONLINE TO ZOOM.US/JOIN OR PHONE IN AT Meeting ID Dial 1-669-900-6833, MEETING ID 160 421 7577 Passcode 410765. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in The Healdsburg Tribune, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Sonoma. DATED: MARCH 20 2025 Hon.OSCAR A. PARDO, Judge of the Superior Court. (Publication Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500581 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. HAPPY APPLIANCE SERVICE, 2. HAPPY APPLIANCE SERVICES LLC, 709
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500975 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. WILD ROOT, 312 JESSIE COURT, WINDSOR, CA 95492, SONOMA, Mailing Address: 234 GROVE STREET, WINDSOR, CA 95492: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): EAT WILD ROOT, LLC, 2108 NORTH ST. STE N, SACRAMENTO, CA 95816, CALIFORNIA. This business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. 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: MADISON HOLLANDER, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 20, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
business under the fictitious name or names above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: JEFF TUTTLE, CEO, RB WINE ASSOCIATES, LLC. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on MARCH 19, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202501017 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. DAVIS-LEHRMITAGE LLC, 2. DAVIS FAMILY VINEYARDS, 6195 DRY CREEK ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CALIF 95448, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s):
LAURA HELEN GARRETT
August 27, 1950 – February 22, 2025
Laura Helen (née Baxter) Garrett, a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, and passionate gardener, passed away on February 22, 2025, at a rehabilitation center in Eugene, Oregon, after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was 74 years young.
Born in 1950, Laura Helen Baxter was raised on a sheep ranch in western Sonoma County, California, by her parents, Thomas F. Baxter III and Barbara Ann (Lyon) Baxter. Though life eventually took her far from the ranch, its influence never left her. She lived by the words of naturalist John Muir: “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
Alongside her older sister, Carmen, Laura attended elementary school in Geyserville and later Healdsburg High School, where she was twice crowned queen of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Her hardworking spirit led her to Sacramento State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
Laura married Mark Gleason in 1970, and together they had two sons, Tyler and Benjamin. After their divorce in 1981, she later married John Curtis, with whom she shared many years, creating wonderful memories, traveling foreign and domestic and being a part of raising two boys in Healdsburg.
In 1990, Laura became the proud owner of Far Horizons travel agency in Healdsburg and served on the board of directors for the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce. It was during a travel industry event in 2002 that she met Kit Garrett, a representative of Happy Vacations. What began as a business connection blossomed into a love story, and in 2007, Laura and Kit were married. Their wedding rings symbolized their shared belief that “life, happiness, and love have no beginning and no end.” Her son Tyler once said he had never seen his mother so happy.
Laura and Kit settled in Eugene, where she worked at Premier Travel until her retirement in 2018. She filled her days tending to her garden and caring for the neighborhood’s sometimes-wandering cats. Laura also loved birds, mostly hummingbirds, of which she shared a beloved bond with her mother’s appreciation and admiration of the constant hovering and ever-moving creature which both truly embodied. Her daily walks with neighbors, friends and anyone who would join her were mostly spent looking for her winged friends in all manners of flight. Her love for all animals, brought on by her rural ranch upbringing, never wavered.
Despite her love for Oregon, her heart remained tied to the family ranch and to her son Tyler and his family in Bozeman, Montana. She once told him, “I didn’t think my heart could have room for two granddaughters, but I had to shove my two sons aside to make room for the girls.” Her love for all her grandchildren was—like her yard and garden and life—bountiful.
Plans were in place to bring Laura to Bozeman for her final days to be with those who loved her so, but ALS progressed too quickly. Instead, Tyler, Ben, and their families traveled to Eugene to say their goodbyes. In May, they will reunite for a private memorial at the ranch that meant so much to her.
Laura is survived by her husband, Kit; her sister, Carmen Bettencourt; her sons, Tyler (Marcie) and Ben (Cassie); and her beloved grandchildren—Payton and Rylee Gleason of Bozeman, Montana, and Leila and Jacksen Gleason of Monroe, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents.
For those who wish to honor Laura’s memory, the family suggests donations to the ALS Association (1400 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209) or your local ALS organization.
Her life was filled with love, adventure, and an unwavering connection to nature—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
FOOD BANKS
➝ Deliveries Canceled, 1
‘Covid-19 era programs’
At about the same time, the USDA defunded two programs that provided money for schools and food banks to purchase food from local and regional farmers and ranchers, which were characterized as “Covid-19 era programs.”
The programs, the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement (LFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA), were both administered through the Emergency Food Assistance Program. They provided money to local support organizations to buy local foods, to provide fresh food and to support local farmers.
While implemented during the Covid era, they were renewed in October by the Biden administration, only to be cut last month by the USDA.
The USDA explained that by the cuts, it is “prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact. The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward.”
Impact REFB’s Mesheau said the impact could be dramatic. “Yes, the cancellation of the two Covid-era programs represents two separate blows to food support networks like ours,” she said.
Singling out the Local Food Purchase Assistance agreement, she added, “Especially the LFPA, which was critical
in allowing us to purchase food directly from local farmers at market prices, which not only helped us provide fresh, nutritious food to our community but also supported farmers in building infrastructure that could eventually make their pricing more competitive.”
That long-range goal may have been lost by the cutbacks. “While local farmers alone cannot currently meet the scale of our need, we were hopeful that these partnerships would grow over time and strengthen regional food systems,” she added. With the program’s cancellation, she said, “we will now need to source food from other suppliers that are more affordable, which may limit our ability to prioritize local purchasing.”
Regarding the USDA’s shift towards “prioritizing stable, proven solutions,” or more traditional food supply channels, Mesheau was cautious. “It’s still too soon to fully understand the implications of this change,” she said. But the challenges come from many directions.
“The loss of these programs means fewer opportunities to access food through federally funded initiatives, which will increase our reliance on independent food sourcing and donor support,” Mesheau said. “This shift will likely place additional pressure on our budget and operations as we work to maintain a balanced mix of nutritious offerings for those in need.”
Donations of food, supplies, labor or money are always welcome at refb.org.
Simone Wilson contributed to this report.
JACK LENHARD NEUREUTER
January 10, 1937 – January 25, 2025
The second of three children of Harry and Emily (née Spellman) Neureuter, Jack was born January 10, 1937, in Buffalo, New York, where he went to Lindbergh Elementary School and Kenmore High School. He attended Hobart College (now Hobart and William Smith Colleges) in Geneva, New York, taking a break in the middle to serve in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Paris, France. Upon returning from Europe, Jack graduated Hobart in 1960, then donned his salesman’s hat and headed west to San Francisco.
There in the fog of the Outer Sunset, Jack met Michele Henderson; they married and had two children, Joffrey and Megan, though in the early 70s they divorced. Later, Jack met Karen Stroh, a divorcée who ran a plant and floral business in the city; the couple married in 1980 in a surprise home ceremony with their friends.
In 1982, Jack and Karen adopted their son Jeremy, and shortly after departed the city, heading north to Sonoma County, where the family settled into a 1920 Craftsman in the heart of Alexander Valley. They adopted their daughter Alexandra, as well as opened their home to three foster children and, later, an exchange student from France, with whom Jack shared a lifelong bond. He continued to commute to Oakland for work until 1997, departing in the early hours, but never missing a soccer game or musical performance, always there cheering on his kids and their accomplishments.
Alexander Valley and the Healdsburg area became an extension of Jack’s family. He served for many years on both the Alexander Valley School Board and the Alexander Valley Association, as well as taking the helm as CEO of the Alliance Medical Center until 2012. In 2014, Jack was appointed to the Board of Directors for the State Compensation Insurance Fund where he thrived, visiting cities throughout California and meeting people from every walk of life.
Jack was a pillar of his community, whether it was pouring wine at the annual AVA picnic, doing the dishes at monthly gatherings of his beloved Chip Lyeth Paper Group, or serving as an acolyte in Sunday Church services. Ever the early riser, he could be found most mornings before dawn with a cup of coffee at Starbucks, waiting for the health club to open at 5:30am. He was a regular volunteer at his Church shower ministry, as well as a companion volunteer (and previous board member) with Hospice, about whose mission of end-of-life care he felt a profound and lifelong connection. Though a dedicated and loyal churchgoer, Jack would always say he was not religious, simply spiritual. He lived a life of kindness, spirituality, patience, and humor — lots of humor.
Jack passed peacefully, at his home in Healdsburg, California, surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Karen (d. 2021) and his first wife, Michele (d. 2001). He is survived by his children, Joffrey Neureuter, Megan (Solomon) Neureuter, Jeremy Neureuter, Alexandra (Peter) Brown, and Hillary (John) Chandler; grandchildren Amara, Faven, Sienna, Milen, and Destin; his “French daughter,” Valérie Bernard; and his brother, Gary, and sister, Jill, and their children.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Healdsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Providence Hospice Foundation Sonoma County, and to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Dad would also encourage you to go out and volunteer within your community.
And if you should ever meet the Pope, tell him the Holy Father’s brother sent you.
APPLESAUCE Two children show off the canned applesauce that the regular Redwood Empire Food Bank delivery brought to Healdsburg Elementary School in May 2023.
PITCHING IN Redwood Empire Food Bank volunteers help out in all phases of food delivery—warehousing, market connections, special events and distribution.
CRIMES AND CONCERNS REPORTED TO HEALDSBURG POLICE, MARCH 17-23
Residents and others are encouraged to call Police Dispatch as needed at (707) 431-3377, operational 24/7
Monday, March 17
9:14am The Reporting Party (RP) on Alexandria Court emailed an officer that on March 16, 2025, a car tailgated her to her driveway. The RP waited for the vehicle to leave, but it did not. Subsequently, the RP got out of her vehicle and asked the driver what he wanted. The vehicle turned around in the intersection, rolled down the window and yelled expletives at her. The RP wanted the information logged.
• 1:51pm Someone obtained the church rosters for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Healdsburg Community Church, both on University Avenue, and fraudulently texted the congregations requesting gift cards. Each text was personalized. The RP received a text from someone pretending to be the pastor. The text stated the pastor was visiting a patient in the ICU and needed a gift card, but that the pastor did not have time to get one. A different person was defrauded of $500 after receiving a text stating the money would be sent to “women with cancer in hospice.” Dispatch provided resources to the RP and advised that the people who were defrauded of money should also call the police department.
• 3:36pm The RP saw a person lying on the ground near Tip Top Liquor Warehouse on Dry Creek Road. A woman paced around the person and told the RP there was nothing to
see. An officer responded and offered medical assistance. The person was checked out and refused medical services.
Tuesday, March 18
9:12am An unlicensed driver was cited on Dry Creek Road at Kinley Drive.
• 11:52am A probation officer near Tip Top Liquor Warehouse on Dry Creek Road conducted a traffic stop. A man was cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of probation and trespassing.
• 5:17pm The RP indicated that a hit-and-run accident occurred in the parking lot of Safeway on Vine Street on March 17. An officer provided an incident number for the RP’s insurance. There was no information on the suspect.
Wednesday, March 19
• 11:04am The RP said her husband, who had been drinking, kicked their cat and pushed her. Medical assistance was declined. The RP did not think that the incident would escalate and that her husband was not a violent person. An officer responded and arrested the 64-year-old (YO) man for domestic battery and transported him to county jail. An emergency protection order (EPO) was requested, granted, served and entered. At 2:58pm when an officer provided the victim with a copy of the EPO, the victim told the officer that her husband violated it by calling the RP. An additional charge of violating a restraining order was submitted to the district attorney.
• 2:27pm The RP said he was pickpocketed and his wallet was stolen at John & Zekes on Healdsburg Avenue on March 18, 2025. The wallet contained his driver’s license, ATM card, $160 cash and other items. The RP spoke to the bartender who indicated two other
POLICE LOG
people were pickpocketed as well. The bartender thought the suspects may have been people with whom the RP was playing pool. An officer met with the RP and took a report.
4:41pm The RP’s bike was stolen from West Plaza Park on North Street. Officers located the bike and suspect. The bike was returned to the RP. The suspect, a 44-YO man, was arrested and transported to county jail for grand theft and violation of probation.
Thursday, March 20
• 12:11pm A driver of a vehicle on Bailhache Avenue was stopped for lacking
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registration and for a probation compliance check.
A 64-YO man was arrested and brought to county jail for possession of ammunition as a convicted felon, driving on a suspended license and violating probation.
• 9:31pm The RP on Orangewood Drive said a person who worked for the Santa Rosa RV Service punctured two of her tires due to a disagreement over payment for a service.
The RP did not see the person puncture the tires, but the person was seen leaving the scene when the puncture was heard. An officer responded and took a report.
Materials for Every Interest
Saturday, March 22
3:10pm A vehicle on Haydon Street at University Street was seen doing donuts and failing to stop at the stop sign on University Street. The information was relayed to officers who were asked to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
Sunday, March 23
12:05am Graffiti was reported on Alley 6 at Sunnyvale Avenue.
• 12:43am An unwanted person was at John & Zekes on Healdsburg Avenue. The person requested that people empty their pockets. The person then hid in the
3:57pm A Spanish-speaking person at Chevron South on Healdsburg Avenue indicated that someone hit him on the head. Officers responded and spoke with the victim. The battery took place in the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) jurisdiction. The SCSO responded and a Healdsburg officer assisted with translating for the victim. Compiled by Carolyn Brenner
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SHADOWS Sunlight dapples the exterior sign at the Healdsburg Police Department, 238 Center St.