Healdsburg Tribune
Healdsburg Tribune
The arrest in the San Jose area earlier this month of a suspect in a Healdsburg attempted-murder incident was the result of over a year’s investigation by Healdsburg police with the cooperation of another city’s law enforcement organization.
The incident was the April 30, 2024, knife attack in the parking lot of the Healdsburg Community Center (now known as the Abel De Luna Community Center). Healdsburg police received a call that evening from a man who said he had been attacked after trying to intervene with a man slashing tires in the parking lot.
The caller said he had been sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Community Center when he noticed the suspect in the parking lot slashing vehicle tires. When the caller got out of his vehicle, he was confronted by the suspect who attempted to stab the victim with a knife. A struggle ensued, during which the caller’s hand was cut by the knife. He attempted to get away but was chased by the suspect, who then fled into the creek bed along Foss Creek pathway.
Despite a nearly threeour search with the assistance of the CHP helicopter and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect escaped. But the potential severity of the incident prompted Healdsburg Police to launch an investigation that identified the suspect as Damian Martines-Osorio, 29, who had been living in Healdsburg under the name Gael Leon.
“This case involved a
➝ Suspect Arrested, 3
DOUGLAS KEANE SETS AND MEETS HIGH STANDARDS AT CYRUS 2.0
By Christian Kallen
The Healdsburg Bar & Grill was overflowing that September night in 2013 as the crowd watched the finale of the final season of Top Chef Masters , the popular Bravo Network cooking show. In the running for the title was Douglas Keane, chef at the recently closed Cyrus restaurant at the Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg, and at the time a co-owner of the HBG.
After the judges, in their usual teasing fashion, finally announced the winner, the room erupted in
cheers and waiters passed champagne to celebrate: Doug Keane was the new Top Chef Master. It felt like a vindication of the popular local chef, and a validation of Healdsburg as a true capital of cuisine on the national stage. And in winning the competition, Keane earned $120,000 for his preferred charity, Cloverdale’s Green Dog Rescue.
Following that success, Keane attempted to find another location for Cyrus though it wasn’t until 2022 he finally succeeded in opening “Cyrus 2.0” in Geyserville.
But in the intervening decade he suffered a brain tumor and other professional setbacks leading to depression, even going so
far as to see what the barrel of a gun tasted like.
(Sadly, Colleen Combs, the founder and director of Green Dog Rescue, took her own life in 2021.)
Keane has now written a revealing and insightful memoir, Culinary Leverage Last week we spoke with the 56-year-old chef about the book, his interest in dog rescue, his opinion of social media, trendy restaurants and even induction cooking. He will read from the book and demonstrate stovetop induction cooking at Sonoma Clean Power in Santa Rosa on Saturday.
Tribune: Why are you going to be at the Sonoma Clean Power event?
Keane: They approached me about a year ago and
HISTORIC WOHLER BRIDGE TO GET SEISMIC RETROFIT
$18 MILLION PROJECT CLOSES BRIDGE TO TRAFFIC FOR 7 MONTHS
Staff Report
The county’s Department of Public Infrastructure has announced a schedule for rebuilding the Wohler Bridge, a historic steeltruss span over the Russian River less than six miles from Healdsburg. The bridge is located on
asked me how I felt about induction cooking. I said, “Oh, we use it a lot. I’m a big fan of it. I’m not saying you should only use induction, but I love it.” They said, “Would you like to come do a cooking demo with us?” I said, “I’d be happy to. But I have a book coming out. I think it’d be better to time it together.”
… So we’re going to do an interview about the book, and I’m going to show how to cook on an induction unit. It kind of seemed like it melded really well, my priorities and theirs, and it’s kind of a fun idea.
What is it you like about cooking with induction?
How is it different?
It’s efficient. You can do something quick. It’s not
Wohler Road, between Westside Road and Eastside Road, downstream from Riverfront Regional Park and upstream from Steelhead Beach.
Construction will begin on April 1, and the bridge will be closed throughout the summer. The expected completion date is Oct. 15, depending on weather and other factors.
Public Infrastructure (formerly Transportation and Public Works) has produced maps and videos to explain appropriate detours during this period.
The Wohler Bridge was built in 1922, which makes the span over 100 years old and overdue for improvement. It’s a stately historic structure that is too narrow for two lanes of traffic, and signs are posted at either end telling drivers to yield right-of-way to westbound traffic.
Drivers and pedestrians readily acknowledge
messy, it’s a really clean style of cooking and there’s [enough] power to it that you can get something to boil a lot faster on induction than you can with gas … . So if you want to do something really quick, man, just pop it on the induction. It’s a different style of cooking.
I really enjoyed your book, Culinary Advantage. I thought it was honest about the business you’re in and your chosen career. And especially since it was so Healdsburg-centric, at least the second half. What motivated you or who encouraged you to write it?
I motivated myself. The honest answer to this is I thought I had a lot of weird, interesting stories that had
that the bridge needs an upgrade, as it shudders and sways when a heavy vehicle crosses.
The bridge is described by the county’s inventory as “a three-span Parker through-truss bridge [that] features pedestrian concrete window rails and ornamental brackets.” It is eligible for listing on the National Register under Criterion A as a locally important crossing, and under Criterion C as “a distinctive example of a long (233 feet) pinconnected Parker throughtruss bridge built by master bridge builder American Bridge Company.” HistoricBridges.org, a volunteer group based in the Midwest, notes that it is “an uncommon example of a pin-connected Parker truss.” It is 768 feet long overall, with the main span 230 feet. Its roadway is listed at 16.7 feet wide.
➝ Wohler Bridge, 4
Staff Report
Photo by Cyntia Glassell
IN HIS ELEMENT Chef
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS
GOINGS ON AROUND
TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT
CLOSING
Radioactive Recovery
The Half-Life of Marie Curie by prolific playwright Lauren Gunderson ( The Book of Will ) opened a two-weekend run at The 222 on Friday, March 21, and continues weekends until March 30. The twoperson drama focuses on the Nobel Prize-winning Curie and fellow scientist Hertha Ayrton at a seaside resort. Reviewed this issue. Tickets $45-$105 plus fees, 222 Healdsburg Ave., the222.org.
‘Bridges of Madison County’
The musical version of the popular book and movie from the 1990s, produced in the North Bay for the first time by the Raven
Players. See review this issue. Special pay-what-youcan show on Thursday, March 20, plus Fridays and Saturdays (7:30pm) and Sundays (2pm) through March 30. Tickets $40 raventheater.org or at the door, 115 North St.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
Softball
The spring sports season is well underway. The HHS softball team plays their first league game at home on Thursday against Montgomery High; first pitch at 5:30pm. The softball field is located at the corner of University and Monte Vista.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
Baseball
The Healdsburg High Greyhounds take on St. Vincent de Paul on Friday in a Redwood league game, 7pm at Rec Park’s Art McCaffrey Field. The following day, Montgomery comes to town to make up for the rain-canceled March 14 game. Last
league home game until April 11. Turn up, show support and enjoy the game.
Dog Day
The Humane Society of Sonoma County and Thomas George Estates Winery will hold a special Dog Day event on Saturday from 1-4pm at the winery’s scenic overlook (8075 Westside Rd.). Dog and human treats, humane society trainers and staff, Single Block wines and raffle. Tickets at tinyurl.com/2wc98a9y.
Line Dancing Monthly lessons in country line dancing with live music begin Friday, March 28, at Coyote Sonoma. Lessons from Grapevine Dance, music from Dustin Saylor & the Stowaways. $20, doors at 6:30pm, lessons from 7-8pm and music into the night. 44-F Mill St.
Music and Wine
It’s a regular thing at Furthermore; live music from about 5-8pm (exact times vary), Thursdays through
Saturdays. Plus the Vinyl Sunday record-spinning sessions from 4-7pm with guest DJs. For details see furthermorewines.com/events.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
Wilson’s Wine World
Join Wilson Artisan Wineries to celebrate the Gold Medals won at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Gala will feature award-winning wines paired with international small bites from each of our 11 wineries, with music by singer and guitarist Carlos Herrera. Saturday, 5-8pm. Tickets $100, at 44F Mill St., coyotesonoma.com.
Brazilian Jazz Originals, jazz standards and Brazilian classics from guitarist Carlos Henrique Pereira, with Gabriel Alexander Pereira (cello and piano), Leif Deiring (acoustic bass) and Joe Campbell (drums). No cover, at the Spirit Bar off
the lobby of the Healdsburg Hotel, 25 Matheson St., no cover, 6-9pm.
Billie Holiday Project
Stella Heath, a Healdsburg-area vocalist who frequently performs in local venues, takes to the big stage at LBC on Saturday to channel Lady Day with the Billie Holiday Project, at 8pm. Her vocal skills will be backed by a 10-piece band of some of the Bay Area’s finest swing musicians, and professional swing dancers to show how it’s done. Tickets $40 and up, worth every eagle. lutherburbankcenter.org/ event/stella-heath25.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
Hand Jive Blues and rock from the Nick Otis Orchestra, 6-9pm, at The Elephant in the Room. Cozy and groovy venue with good brews on tap usually has live music three or four nights a week. See the calendar online at
elephantintheroompub. com/music-calendar.html or just drop by 177 Healdsburg Ave., across from the Mill District.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
Intercambio
Exercise developing language skills in English and Spanish, and get to know your neighbors at the monthly Intercambio gathering in Room 4 at the Abel De Luna Community Center. From 4:30-5:3pm, 1557 Healdsburg Ave.
Swim Meets
April 2 is the first of four high school’s home swim meets in a row, the first against Analy, then Rancho Cotate (April 8), Windsor (April 10) and Piner (April 15). It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon as the weather warms up. Meets take place at the high school pool, 360 Monte Vista Ave., starting at 4pm.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
Community Showcase
The Santa Rosa Young People’s Chamber Orchestra, sponsored by the Santa Rosa Symphony, performs without a conductor but is under the musical direction of Grammy-nominated violinist Aaron Westman. They perform at the 222 stage 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.
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. For additional events, visit healdsburgtribune. com/calendar.
happened to me, and I have a really great memory— detail always lived very vividly in me. Like, the smell of something or the way someone looked at me. I’ve always been able to recall things. When I just started writing all these stories I said I want to do a memoir. A couple people said, “You’re too young for a memoir.”
I’m like, OK, I want to do my book. You know, I do two of ’em. I don’t know. But I just had to start writing. And the interesting thing is, the [original] purpose of it was to tell the story of Cyrus in the end. Maybe halfway through it, it kind of became clear what the true purpose of
the book was. It was to tell the story about how to fix an industry. And how I was broken and got a little bit fixed, and how the industry is broken and hopefully can be fixed. And that’s what it became. And I think it was helpful to tell the story about all of my struggles because I think it kind of made it more real for everyone.
A significant part of your book is not about people at all, but dogs … We all have our own oddities and kinks and stuff like that. Mine is the animals, the four-legged ones. They just kind of tend to be more honest and unconditionally loving. And it’s just always been a connection for me, it’s always been like a happy place. Dogs are not capable of lying. So you kind of have to take them at their word. They don’t know how to lie.
The elitists can take a million selfies and still not see themselves.
Another thing that jumps out is how important employee relations are in the kitchen, or how you’d like to see the restaurant business operate, with things like controlled hours, paid vacations and other perks not usually associated with the line cooks.
I’ve been talking about this concept for 10 years, since we closed the first Cyrus. It took us a lot longer to get this open just ’cause of circumstances and Covid and all that stuff, but I’ve been preaching this kind of thing to a bunch of people. So, there’s people that I have
spoken with who have actually opened, like Hollis Silverman in Washington, D.C., she has three restaurants. The people in Minneapolis who do dinner at Bûcheron, they do something similar as well. The Harvard Business School did a case study on us. I don’t know if you read James Heskett’s foreword in the book, but he came out here and studied us because the model was so intriguing to him as a professor in service management.
Photo Courtesy of Stella Heath
HOLIDAY Jazz vocalist Stella Heath, seen here with a quartet, plays the big stage at Luther Burbank Center on March 29 with a big-band approach to the works of Billie Holiday.
TASTING Chef Douglas Keane endures the attention of his thencurrent chocolate lab, Roxie, with a smile. He has had several dogs, and has been involved in dog rescue for many years.
Photo by Cynthia Glassell
LENDING
period
on The 222 stage.
A Refuge from Scandal
FRIENDSHIP
PROVIDES RENEWAL FOR ‘MARIE CURIE’
By Beulah F. Vega
The year is 1911, and the scandal rocking Paris is the “Curie affair.” It has come to light that famed physicist Marie Curie (Leontyne Mbele-Mbong) has been sleeping with a married man for years! This revelation has taken her from being beloved to being reviled
INVESTIGATION
➝ Suspect Arrested, 1
significant amount of investigation in the weeks following the incident, which led to the identification of the suspect,” said Healdsburg
in the press. Enter electrical engineering trailblazer Hertha Ayrton (Julie EcclesBenson), whose indomitable spirit is enough to shake Marie out of her despondency long enough to make a trip to England. What happens in England is the subject of Lauren Gunderson’s The Half-Life of Marie Curie, now playing at The 222 in Healdsburg through March 30. Both actresses are excellent. Benson is a powerhouse. From the moment she opens her mouth, there
Police Chief Matt Jenkins. “Over the course of the investigation, the police department executed multiple search warrants, including for electronic records.”
Recently, police received information of a possible location for the suspect,
Iis no doubt she could be leading an unruly suffragette march. Her strength and forcefulness can sometimes be overwhelming, but she makes smart choices and is mindful of finding the levels within her character.
Mbele–Mbong has a tougher character to deal with. Curie is written amid a fit of melancholy for most of the play, requiring MbeleMbong to try and keep an audience interested in a character that has given up. This is a huge acting challenge which Mbele-Mbong
which led officers to confirm that the suspect was living in the East Bay and working in Los Gatos.
Early in the morning of March 12, three Healdsburg Police officers went to Los Gatos to arrest the suspect, who was now living
LORRAINE SHIRLEY HAM
October 2, 1926 – March 14, 2025
t is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine Shirley Ham, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, who passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at the age of 98.
Lorraine was born on October 2, 1926, and moved to Healdsburg in 1961. She was known in the community for her warm heart and hardworking spirit. She owned and operated a snack bar and restaurant called Ham’s Coffee Pot in the downtown Healdsburg Bowl for several years, followed by a successful venture in ceramics. Lorraine ran Lorraine’s Ceramics from her home for many years, sharing her creativity and talent with others.
An avid gardener and baker, Lorraine found great joy in tending to her plants and sharing her delicious homemade baked goods with friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a sweet treat. She was a proud member of the Healdsburg Garden Club and dedicated many years to volunteering at the Healdsburg Senior Center, where her kindness and generosity touched the lives of countless people.
Lorraine is survived by her daughter Barbara, son Robert, and grandchildren Teresa, Debbie, Trevor, and Amber. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Blake and Brandon, who brought her so much joy in her later years. Lorraine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A graveside burial will be held at 11:00 AM on March 31, 2025, at Oak Mound Cemetery. Following the burial, a Celebration of Life will take place from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the Villa Chanticleer Annex (Veteran’s Hall) in Healdsburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Lorraine’s name to the Healdsburg Garden Club or the Healdsburg Senior Center, organizations that were dear to her heart.
Lorraine’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and community service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
pulls off. However, her articulation could have been cleaner at times to counter the thick French accent.
The two women complement each other well. Their mutual talent and onstage chemistry create a believable, dynamic friendship.
It helps that they are costumed beautifully. Costumer Naomi Arnst’s simplistic yet elegant designs lend themselves to the quirkiness of Gunderson’s storytelling style.
The staging, however, is a little rougher. At one point,
under another alias. With the cooperation of the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, whose officers surrounded the scene, police attempted to arrest Martines-Osorio.
Once again, however, he attempted to flee on foot but
Director Amy Kossow has the two women seated with their backs to the audience, impossibly leaning on a bench to mime an open window. Similarly, there were whole scenes where audience members seated at tables on the margins of the wide stage could only see one woman’s face or the other.
As a director, I understand the desire for dynamic sightlines and interesting stage pictures, but not at the expense of the storytelling.
On the subject of storytelling, like all Gunderson plays
this time he was captured while trying to jump over a fence. The arrest was logged at 8:48am.
the script holds your hand and never asks much of its audience.
That being said, The 222 still deserves kudos. The 222 didn’t have to use an all-female production crew to tell this story as part of Women’s History Month, but it did. It is heartening when a theater’s commitment to its values stretches beyond just the cast and playwright, and that alone is cause for celebration.
‘The Half-Life of Marie Curie’ runs through March 30 at The 222, 222 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. Fri-Sat, 7pm; Sun, 2pm. $45-$105. Students free with ID. the222.org
The suspect was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on a no-bail hold for multiple charges stemming from this case, as well as three other outstanding warrants. “The Healdsburg Police Department is glad to be able to bring closure to this case,” Chief Jenkins said. Martines-Osorio remains in custody with his first court hearing scheduled for April 7.
WANDA MONTICELLI
October 26, 1928 – February 24, 2025
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our mother. Wanda Monticelli was born in Texas, then moved to Oakland when she was 13 years old. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to Healdsburg where she attended Healdsburg High School. Her parents bought a restaurant next door to her brother’s Texaco service station on Healdsburg Avenue. Her family donated land to build Trinity Baptist Church where family and friends met for generations. Wanda married Lloyd Coleman when she was 19 years old. They had a son, Gary Coleman (now deceased) and two daughters, Andrea Sue Giovannoni (Larry) and Brenda Mackey (Tim). Lloyd passed away in 1974 and in 1977 she married Frank Monticelli, who she met working at PG&E. He brought two sons into the family, Ron and John. Wanda was a member of the Empire Doll Club of Santa Rosa for many years. She owned and operated Yesterdays Dolls Today in her home until she was 70 years old. In retirement, Frank and Wanda traveled all over the world with their Shriner friends. Their life was full of love. They were married for 48 years. Wanda was the last surviving sibling of ten children. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Her family cherished her and she adored her grandchildren unconditionally. Wanda had a wonderful life, spoiled by everyone. She passed away peacefully in her own home, surrounded by her loved ones. Life will never be the same without her, but we’ll carry her in our hearts forever, she was our role model. We will continue to cherish her and smile with all of the memories she created for us. Our deepest thanks go to Charlie Coleman and Spencer Foss who worked tirelessly to make their home clean and loving. Also, Sutter Hospice was dedicated to their care and compassion. Any donations can be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 515 Powell Ave. Healdsburg, Ca. 95448 or Shriners Hospital. Grave site services will be at 11am at Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg on April 14, 2025 at 601 Piper St. Immediately following we will meet at Trinity Baptist Church Hall at noon. If you choose, wear a touch of pink since that was her favorite color.
Photos by Paul Mahder
AN EAR Hertha Ayrton (Julie Eccles-Benson) comforts Marie Curie (Leontyne Mbele-Mbong) during a scandalous
of the Nobel Prize-winner’s life, in the play ‘The Half-Life of Marie Curie,’
Photos by Paul Mahder
CURTAIN CALL Julie Eccles-Benson, left, and Leontyne Mbele-Mbong at the conclusion of ‘The Half-Life of Marie Curie,’ on stage at The 222 until March 30.
PIERRE PEREGRINATES FROM AXIAL TILT TO ABBEY ROAD
By Pierre Ratte
Spring officially sprung last Thursday on March 20, the spring equinox.
Right on time, the weather
cooperated. Monday and Tuesday temps pushed into the 80s. Gosh that was welcome! And now, spring showers for the rest of the week. Warmth and water are most always welcome in California. These happy spring flowers, coppery mesemb, Malephora
crocea , cheer up spring gardens with wild pops of color, like so many little suns. They are succulents in the ice plant family. Native to Africa, this plant is considered a noxious weed in some areas and a perfect garden addition in others. Wildfire resistant and drought tolerant, its
perennial bloom is a harbinger of spring throughout Sonoma and much of California. Fun facts: Spring isn’t a fixed cosmic event. Day doesn’t precisely equal night on the equinox. Wait. What? Why?? Wobble. The Earth wobbles. It’s officially called the axial precession.
Imagine the Earth’s axis as a gyroscope’s center pole wobbling. Earth has four movements: 1) spin (days), 2) orbit around the sun (years), 3) wobble, axial precession (26,000 years), and 4) walk, apsidal precession (112,000 years). Why wobble? If round, Earth might not wobble, but its plasticity
(ocean) allows gravity from the sun and moon to pull the equator outward, resulting in the equatorial bulge— think, beach ball with a weight on top. Axial tilt and precession increase hemispheric radiation (global warming and cooling) on a 10,000year cycle that increases variability of temperatures in the north while decreasing variability in the south. In 10 years, the North Pole will point closest to the Sun (perihelion) maximizing solar radiation in the Northern hemisphere in June. Apsidal precession, Earth’s fourth movement, refers to a slight shift in Earth’s elliptical orbit—the walk that goes with the wobble. Spring rains bring petrichor, the earthy, afterrain smell. It comes from geosmin, a volatile organic, bicyclic terpene produced by microbes, including cyanobacteria and actinobacteria to which humans are insanely sensitive, able to detect a few parts per trillion.
“Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles on the Abbey Road album was written and sung by George Harrison, inspired while sitting in Eric Clapton’s garden, reportedly avoiding an Apple Inc. business meeting. Ringo recorded the rhythm track on July 7, his 29th birthday. Mixing for the song marked the last time the Beatles “worked” together—Aug. 20, 1969. Abbey Road was the Beatles last recorded album; Let It Be was their last released album.
week before it is set to be closed for seismic retrofit.
RETROFIT
Wohler Bridge, 1
Construction
In February, the Board of Supervisors awarded an $18 million construction contract for the seismic retrofit of the bridge over the Russian River, located 10 miles northwest of Santa Rosa. The existing seismically deficient one-lane bridge will receive a new lightweight concrete deck, seismic isolation bearings and joints, steel-truss reinforcement and foundation reinforcement designed to meet current seismic design standards for bridges.
The design preserves the bridge’s iconic architectural appeal while also meeting state requirements, said a
spokesman for the department. Since it’s a retrofit and not a widening, it will remain a one-lane passage.
Following project approval by Caltrans in 2023, the Federal Highway Bridge Program committed to funding 100% of the project cost, which is expected to be $17,994,621. Ghilotti Construction Company, Inc. was awarded the contract as the lowest bidder following a competitive bidding process that included bids from four different construction companies.
During construction, vehicles will be diverted on Eastside Road, Hwy 101 and Westside Road to access Wohler Road. The County’s Public Infrastructure press release on the closure includes three maps with
turn-by-turn instructions for navigating around the bridge, and a video on the department’s social media page at facebook.com/ SonomaCoPI follows every turn and straightaway in the route, albeit without sound.
Water Education Center
A small fishing access park is located on the west side of the bridge, with picnic facilities and ramp river access, from Oct. 1 through May 15 with the purchase of a seasonal access key. It shares a parking lot with the Water Education Center. Though not a public visitors center, the building has a classroom, laboratory and garden supporting Sonoma Water’s expansive education program.
Many public schools in the county enjoy programs at the Water Education Center and elsewhere in Sonoma Water’s network, such as site visits during the school year for kindergarteners, third graders and fifth graders. The center is open to the public when Sonoma Water hosts water transmissions tours; anyone interested should register at sonomawater.org/tours. The annual inflatable dam on the Russian River known as the Wohler Dam, usually in place in summer months, is downstream of the bridge location, and neither will affect the other. The inflatable dam assists with drinking water distribution during periods of low water flows on the Russian River.
RECON A Sonoma Water vehicle crosses over the Wohler Bridge on the Russian River a
Photos by Christian Kallen
Photo by Pierre Ratte
SPORTS
T&F Hounds Shows Signs of Strength
SETS OF TWINS TAKE THE FIELD FOR GREYHOUNDS
Staff Report
For the student-athletes of the Healdsburg Track & Field team, the Santa Rosa Field Event Jamboree, March 15, and the Dublin Distance Fiesta, March 21-22, bookend the start and end of spring break. “These meets highlight the two extremes of track and field,” said head coach Kate Guthrie. “On one side,
student-athletes demonstrate their speed, strength and agility in a meet focused on field events. On the other, they showcase their stamina, grit and perseverance in distance races.”
A small group of athletes attended each meet, and coach Guthrie reported on several of them. “Notable upcoming freshmen include twin siblings Teague and Siena Jasper,” Guthrie said. “Teague is already clearing 6’0” in High Jump and is poised to be an NBL contender and
beyond. Siena has shown impressive potential in the shot put and discus, consistently beating her personal records with every opportunity.”
She introduced not one but two more sets of twins as well. “Keep an eye on Domenico and Delainey Cornilsen, another set of twins who are ready to make a big impact,” Guthrie said. “Delainey is a versatile athlete who excels in High Jump, sprints and middledistance events. Domenico, a steady endurance runner,
is showing promise as a future 2-mile standout.
“Lucas Welty, the only twin on the team without his sibling, embodies determination and resilience. His mental toughness will take him far in his track career,” she said. She listed other freshmen to watch including Jane Perrill, Justina Domenichelli and Jack Beckman.
Two returning middledistance runners have caught the attention of local sports fans as well as the coaching staff. One is
junior Jake McWilliams, who missed the Dublin meet because he was in Costa Rica during spring break. But Guthrie said, “He has capitalized on off-season training and is already running fast times, nearly setting a personal record in his first 800m race of the season.”
The other is senior Kaeden Anderson, whose fast times in his sophomore year raised hopes high, but who had a tough year as a junior dealing with injuries.
“Kaeden Anderson is
returning to form,” said a pleased Guthrie. “He ran a lifetime PR in the 1600m at Dublin (4:32.71) and followed it up with his secondfastest 3200m time since May 2023. This is merely the beginning of Kaeden's development as a promising distance runner with a collegiate future.”
The next track meet that will involve Healdsburg athletes will be in Santa Rosa at Piner High on April 2. Their first home meet isn’t until April 30, against Rancho Cotate.
March 21.
Take a Trip Back in Time …
HISTORIC REC PARK OFFERS NOSTALGIA AND SO MUCH MORE
By Caleb Knudsen
The crickets were chirping in backyards throughout Healdsburg last weekend as spring finally arrived with a burst of warm weather, sunshine and pollen. Not to be overlooked were the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd as baseball returned to Art McCaffrey Field at Rec Park, home of the Greyhounds—and later this
year, the Prune Packers. The town’s independent league was featured in a recent podcast from Michelle Marques of KRCB, whose program “The 707” is heard weekly on the radio station. The Prune Packers episode aired March 14, and in addition to conversation with players and guest home hosts, it included a rhapsodic description of Rec Park by the team’s general manager, Joey Gomes. He described going to a game, or playing in one, as taking a trip back in time, saying: “American baseball stadiums in the 20th century through the 1950s, before they modernized,
were predominantly made of wood. The Sonoma County sky, the twilight cotton candy sky, the pinks and the blues … . When you hear the pop of the glove or the crack of the bat from the wood, it just echoes.”
Home of the Hounds
Those nostalgic sunset games will happen often during the next couple of months for the Greyhounds before the Prune Packers take over Rec Park in June. Until then, baseball fans know they can always find a good game from Healdsburg High’s Greyhounds, both varsity
and JV, who play at Rec Park into May.
Last weekend, the Swett High Warriors from Crockett came to town, and for most of the game held on to a narrow lead. But the Greyhounds came alive in the bottom of the sixth inning to score three runs, just enough to fend off a seventh inning Swett rally. The Hounds got the 5-4 win, on the strength of nine stolen bases but only one RBI single, from Carter Cyphers.
Starting pitcher for the Hounds was Noah Wong, a sophomore. “With all the injuries and players on vacation Noah had to come up and pitch. He did
an outstanding job and he gave us a chance,” said coach Mark Domenichelli. Wong gave up five hits over four innings, and a single earned run.
In relief, Anthony Espinoza and Henry Smith pitched the last three innings, with Espinoza getting the win.
Luck took the day off on Saturday, when the 5-2 Piedmont Highlanders played the Greyhounds. Piedmont picked away at Greyhound starter Alex Mauro-Manos and relievers Henry Smith and Nova Perrill, scoring a single run in four separate innings. The home team could only score
once, when Xander Harms came home on a hit by Perrill. The final score was 4-1. That left the Greyhounds with a respectable 5-2 preseason record as the North Bay - Redwood league season is set to begin on Wednesday this week in a road game against Analy (2-5); results too late for press time. The March 14 game against Montgomery, which was to have launched the season, was delayed until this coming Saturday at Rec Park. In between those two games is the Friday, March 29, match against the Mustangs of St. Vincent, a team that has struggled a bit to reach its current 2-5 record. First pitch is 6pm at Rec Park, where a baseball game is still like a trip back in time.
Photos by Michael Lucid
CLOSE BUT OUT Healdsburg’s Carter Cyphers (5) almost, but not quite, beats the throw to first in the John Swett game on
GUEST STARTER Sophomore Noah Wong was given a chance to pitch on March 21, and he kept the lid on Swett for four innings.
Photos by Michael Lucid
LEADER OF THE PACK Healdburg’s Jake McWilliams leads a group around a turn at Santa Rosa High at the Big Cat Invitational on March 1.
CATCHING AIR Amelia Wickersham floats to a finish in the 400m race at Big Cat Invitational, Santa Rosa, on March 1.
FLASHBACKS
DISPATCH The team of women who worked the dispatch desk in the new police station in 1967.
CURATED FROM BACK ISSUES OF THE HEALDSBURG
TRIBUNE 100, 75 AND 50 YEARS AGO
100 years ago: March 26, 1925
IMPROVEMENTS AT LOCAL GOLF LINKS
Materials have been ordered for the building of a porch on the front and north sides of the temporary club house at the Healdsburg Country Club. This
will give increased space for holding of luncheons, and give a shady place for visitors to enjoy themselves in easy chairs. The new power lawn mower for use on the greens has arrived and this morning was tried out for the first time. The mower is a wonderful improvement over the old hand method of mowing.
75 years ago: March 24, 1950 MEMBERS OF KIWANIS CLUB HEAR TALK ON MARIJUANA
Healdsburg Kiwanis club members heard an informative and interesting talk on “Narcotics” at this week’s regular luncheon meeting Tuesday at the American Legion Hall. The speaker was Lt. Alvin Nicolini who is commanding officer of the Bureau of Special Services dealing with Narcotics and Vice of the office of Chief of Police in San Francisco. In elaborating on his topic, Lt. Nicolini discussed marijuana in particular, stating that it differed from most other narcotics in that
its effects were entirely of a destructive nature, and that, therefore, it could not be used as a sedative. Also, he detailed the features of the plant itself, pointing out that it often grows as much as 20 feet in one year, and that this proliferation is not stunted by climatic conditions. Because the effects of marijuana produce criminal tendencies in the user, Lt. Nicolini advised his listeners to contact Chief of Police Al Giorgi if they should see anyone with the identifying marijuana cigarettes of brown paper which are sealed at both ends, or if they should discover any strange and unusual plant. By doing
INTERVIEW
Do you have better retention in your employees, then?
Oh God, yes. It’s been moving fast, but we had our January break, our annual two-week break, and I think 75% of the employees were eligible for all two weeks. After one year, you get one week of vacation paid. It sounds so odd for a restaurant to do that, but no other industry. Isn’t that odd? People get vacation paid in a lot of industries. That is one of the things that made me want to write the book. Why in this industry that’s supposed to be taking care of other people, why is the abuse or the dysfunction acceptable?
Some parts of the book take a pretty critical approach to some sacred ground—like when you
this, stated Lt. Nicolini, every citizen can do his part in stamping out the traffic in this vicious plant.
50 years ago: April 3, 1975
OUTSIDE STUDY OF HPD EXPECTED
A report is expected by the middle of the month on what the city administration believes should be done about a request by a number of downtown businessmen for a probe of the Healdsburg Police Department. City Manager James Stanfield said Monday he may ask State Police Officers Standards and Training to update a report it did
slam St. Helena as “the epitome of privilege,” and say, “The elitists can take a million selfies and still not see themselves.”
It’s my book! Right? I’m going to say what I want to say. I mean, it’s not a publicist writing the book. My book is going to be honest, raw and me. I’m not saying I’m right all the time, but I am from my opinion … I just told it how it is, you know? I’m sure I won’t get a parade down Main Street in St. Helena any day soon.
It’s also clear you don’t appreciate people taking so many cellphone pictures of food. But as an artistic chef, you spend a lot of time on presentation and plating. So can you really blame a customer who, when this is the first time they’ve seen this plate, tries to save that appreciation with a photograph?
I actually appreciate you asking because it’s super valid. Yes. I actually can,
several years ago.
During a special council meeting, Councilman William Lucius suggested that outside police chiefs be asked to look at the department. “This is not a threat to the chief or the policemen,” Mayor Robert Sauers said. A light quorum is expected for next Monday’s meeting so the matter will be held until the April 21 meeting. Last week, The Tribune reported that 36 merchants, mainly in the Plaza area, felt they were receiving inadequate police protection. The Flashbackers are docents for the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society, 221 Matheson St., healdsburgmuseum.org.
and I do make a point to say, whip out your camera and take a picture at the end of the night. And I’m actually not saying don’t take a picture of something … . On a side note, I’ve been noodling in my head about how to actually make that unnecessary by possibly photographing the food, making it available for everyone at the end of the night. But I’m not saying don’t take a picture. What I’m saying is, try to enjoy the meal and enjoy the person you’re eating with, because that’s more important.
Douglas Keane’s book, ‘Culinary Leverage: A Journey through the Heat,’ is published by Koehler Books (2025). ‘From Kitchen Heat to Written Word: An Afternoon with Chef Douglas Keane,’ will be held at the Sonoma Clean Power Customer Center, 741 Fourth St. in Santa Rosa on Saturday, March 29, at noon. There is a wait list.
PORTRAIT Chef Douglas Keane in the Geyserville kitchen that became Cyrus, two years before it opened.
Photos courtesy of the Healdsburg Museum
THE PUNCHBOWL A group of golfers at Hole No. 3, known as the Punchbowl, at Healdsburg Country Club, Tayman Park Golf Course.
CRIMES AND CONCERNS REPORTED TO HEALDSBURG POLICE, MARCH 10-16
Residents and others are encouraged to call Police Dispatch as needed at (707) 431-3377, operational 24/7
Monday, March 10
• 11:16am A warrant service officer contacted a man and woman at Goodwill Industries on Healdsburg Avenue. A 58-Year-Old (YO) man was cited and released on two outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding failure to appear, possession of a switchblade, trespassing, possession of an open container, theft of utility services and possession of drug paraphernalia.
1:06pm A man indecently exposed himself at Badger Park on Heron Drive. The Reporting Party (RP) at the Syar Property wanted him trespassed from the business. Officers responded and contacted the RP. The subject was gone on arrival and unable to be located. The man was later contacted at his residence and was admonished for his actions. He did not need an involuntary hold at a mental health facility.
• 2:00pm The RP stated that her daughter grabbed and pulled her neck and hair. The RP indicated there were no weapons, drugs or alcohol involved, but the RP had mental health concerns regarding her daughter. Officers responded and medical was staged. Her daughter agreed to see a doctor voluntarily and was transported to Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. The information was forwarded to the family therapist at the Healdsburg Police Department.
• 3:20pm A drug activity officer contacted a 45-YO man at the Jon Wright Feed Store on Mill Street. The man was arrested
for possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of probation and on three outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding failure to appear, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He was transported to county jail.
4:27pm The RP at Vineyard Plaza on Vine Street indicated that someone hit the RP’s rear tail panel on the driver’s side of their vehicle and did not leave a note. An officer responded and took a report.
• 11:20pm Two juveniles were stopped for riding motor scooters without proper lighting equipment on Healdsburg Avenue at Ward Street. One of the juveniles was cited and released to their family. The other was transported to juvenile hall.
Tuesday, March 11
• 3:22am A man near The UPS Store on Vine Street went through the trash.
Security wanted him to move along. The RP spoke with the man through the security camera and he would not leave. Officers responded and asked the man to leave.
• 8:33am Two RPs on March Avenue indicated that a disturbed man near apartments was yelling, spitting on a garbage can and throwing things. He appeared to be under the influence of drugs. He had a sharp item in his hand similar to a screwdriver. Officers responded and conducted a probation search. A 40-YO man was arrested and brought to county jail for violation of probation, theft or misappropriation of lost property and public intoxication.
• 9:07am On March 10, 2025, someone broke the camera at Lolas on Healdsburg Avenue. The RP wanted to file trespass paperwork against the man if possible. An officer responded and took a report.
9:49am The RP at the Russian River Trailer Park on Healdsburg Avenue indicated that they had received ongoing phone calls every few minutes from a blocked number
POLICE LOG
from 1:30am to 3:30am.
The RP did not know who the caller was, but thought it may be someone connected with her work.
Two voicemails of breathing sounds were left. Such late night calls had happened for the past month. The RP was provided an incident number.
10:16am An officer advised the owner of Wine Country Chevron on Healdsburg Avenue of graffiti.
11:05am A student vandalized the bathroom at Healdsburg Junior High School on Grant Street and did not cooperate with staff. An officer responded, arrested the student and brought the student to juvenile hall.
12:54pm The RP on Terrace Boulevard told police about a fraudulent charge on her AT&T bill of $903.30. The RP and AT&T requested documentation from the police department. The RP was provided an incident number.
7:28pm A resident near Alley 6 reported that two people who were associated with graffiti were in the area. Officers responded and gave advice and an incident number to the RP. A report was taken.
• 7:57pm Graffiti was reported on Alley 6 at Sunnyvale Avenue.
8:22pm An unlicensed driver was cited on Healdsburg Avenue at Exchange Avenue.
• 8:33pm Information about a possible drunk driver on Hwy 101 at Dry Creek Road was given to the Healdsburg Police Department and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The vehicle was unable to maintain lanes, swerved and traveled at inconsistent speeds.
Wednesday, March 12
12:57pm Officers were asked to respond to an oil spill by the fire department.
A 45-YO man on Brown Street was cited and released for illegal dumping of waste and violating probation.
• 1:19pm An officer responded to an accident on Hwy 101 at Lytton Springs Road. A vehicle with deployed airbags was off the road. The incident was
referred to the CHP.
1:28pm The RP indicated her brother might be having a mental health episode. He yelled while he was downstairs and three family members were separated upstairs. He said he would obliterate the house, saw demons and the devil, and texted the RP and another sister that he would “chop up the forsaken.” Officers responded and provided the family with resources.
• 2:51pm The same RP as above stated that her brother rummaged through stuff in the house and texted her that he would take his neighbors hostage and batter them. Officers responded with the family therapist and provided resources.
• 4:29pm The RP at Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital on Healdsburg Avenue reported a stolen check. The business sent a $4,000 check to a vendor and an unauthorized person cashed it in Seattle, Washington. At 9:26am on March 13 the RP followed up with the Healdsburg police. The RP was advised to report the crime to law enforcement in Seattle.
4:54pm The RP on Sanns Lane was in a dispute with a landscaper. The RP felt she was harassed. An officer provided advice and determined there was no crime.
• 6:11pm The RP’s shop, Skin Gallery Tattoo Studio on Center Street, was entered without her knowledge. A strong-smelling oil was spread around. The RP believed it was intentional by a known person. An officer spoke with the RP and documented the incident. The RP planned to purchase security equipment and would continue to monitor and log the situation.
6:52pm The RP worked at the front desk of Hotel Vinea on Dry Creek Road and needed assistance with an uncooperative guest. The guest was refunded their booking but was aggressive with the RP over the refund. The guest went to use the restroom at Big John’s Market and planned to return. Officers contacted the guest, who agreed to
leave the premises.
• 8:57pm The RP’s passenger front quarter panel of the RP’s vehicle was damaged at Safeway on Vine Street. The other party gave the RP fake information.
The RP planned to speak with an officer in person at the Healdsburg Police Department on Center Street on March 13.
Thursday, March 13
8:19am A vehicle
11:53am
BRIDGE BADGE Historical badge of the Healdsburg Police, with the Redwood Highway bridge crossing over the Russian River in the emblem.