Healdsburg Tribune March 21 2024

Windsor Roundabout Wins National Design Award

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF CONTRACTORS

TAKES NOTE OF ROUNDABOUT BISECTED

RAIL

BY

Staff Report

Even as Healdsburg was deciding that the SMART station would be located on the south side of the city’s roundabout, the town of Windsor was declared a winner in a national engineering awards competition for its own roundabout bisected by the SMART rail.

The American Council of Engineering Contractors (ACEC) Awards are “an annual celebration of engineering excellence, honoring projects worldwide that demonstrate innovation, creative problemsolving, and engineering’s

unique ability to improve our world,” according to their own messaging.

“The project showcases the successful integration of efficient planning, advanced technology, modern roundabout design, and environmental consciousness in infrastructure development,” according to the ACEC citation that named the Windsor roundabout the competition’s award winner.

The awards will be presented at a black-tie event in Washington, D.C., on May 15. It brings national attention for the Windsor/ Windsor River Road Intersection Improvement and Multi-Use Path Connector Project. Public Works Director Shannon Cotulla will be in attendance, representing Windsor.

The town of Windsor is this year’s overall winner, recognized for an innovative intersection improvement and multi-use pathway connector project that created a safer active transportation infrastructure for vehicles and pedestrians alike.

“There was extraordinary collaboration between the Town, contractor (Ghilotti Construction Company), designers (GHD and WRT), construction management firm (Green Valley Consulting), SMART, and utility companies to complete the project and resolve unexpected issues that arose during construction,” said Jon Davis, the town manager.

(Unlike Healdsburg, which is chartered as a city, Windsor was incorporated as a town in 1992.

AVFILM FEST CHANGES ITS NAME, NOT ITS FOCUS

By Christian Kallen With the annual AV Film Festival preparing for a 10-day cinematic circus, the news that the festival, school and projected Healdsburg cinema would be changing its name was a bit of a shocker.

“We needed a name that better reflected the driving energy behind the organization, and something that

Other towns include Corte Madera, Danville, Fairfax, Los Gatos, San Anselmo and Yountville.) This intersection is a gateway to downtown Windsor and adjacent to the SMART station, which is expected to open for service in spring 2025. It is one of only seven roundabouts in the U.S. with a railroad track running through it—a number that may someday include Healdsburg, once the SMART rail gets the green light to continue north to Cloverdale.

The continuation of the SMART service to Healdsburg is not expected until 2027, if then. The location of the SMART station was confirmed as the old depot on Harmon Street just last month; had a downtown location been selected, the

represented everybody we serve,” said Kathryn Hecht, executive director of what until next month will be known as AVFilm—itself a short form of Alexander Valley Film Festival, its original tag (and still its legal name).

“Alexander Valley wasn’t the name anymore, it was AVFilm,” Hecht said. “But people weren’t able to really connect with that. We heard from stakeholders; they didn’t know what it meant and who it represented. Was it geographic? Was it audio visual?”

True West is not, perhaps surprisingly, the name of a Western movie. It is the title of a Sam Shepard play about sibling rivalry, a play that, however successful it’s been on stage, has never been made into a movie for theatrical release.

“We knew we needed something that was distinct

trains would have begun passing through the roundabout when service begins.

“The installation of roundabouts is intended to reduce and calm traffic while improving traffic flow by encouraging lower vehicle speeds,” Davis said. “This in turn lowers the risk of collisions and makes it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Research shows a reduction of 72%-80% of injury crashes at intersections converted to roundabouts. Figures for traffic incidents at Healdsburg’s roundabout, both prior to and following its construction, are being compiled by Healdsburg Police Chief Matt Jenkins. If available, that information will be included in this article online, at healdsburgtribune.com.

and unifying and geographically representative, but also energetic and representative of our drive,” Hecht said.

The divorce from its Alexander Valley roots, however, cannot be discounted. When the Clover Theater shut down last year, the building was left in poor condition, and many locals were disgruntled. Hecht denied association with the theater, however, saying, “I don't have anything to say about my personal relationship because it is not relevant to the name change for AVFilm or the film festival.”

Moving On In addition to the annual festival, AVFilm also runs an education program with after-school programs and a summer film camp, in both Healdsburg and Cloverdale. Moreover,

Photo by Israel Valencia

Photo courtesy of Town of Windsor

in Windsor at the Windsor/Windsor River Road Intersection won a national award from the American Council of

GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT

Barrel Room Music

Live music continues at Hudson Street Wineries on Friday afternoons, from 5-8pm. $5 cover for a danceable way to end the work week at 428 Hudson St. March 22 is Rock on a Roll; for more see the season’s schedule at hudsonstreetwineries.com/ upcoming-events.

Celebrating Nowruz

Persian New Year is celebrated on Friday, March 22, at Baci Café and Wine Bar. Chef Shari prepares a traditional feast around Ghormeh Sabzi, a fragrant stew widely popular across Iran. Price $125 without beverages, tax or gratuity. Baci is located at 336 Healdsburg Ave., call (707) 433-8111 for information or reservations.

Young Orchestra

The Young People’s Chamber Orchestra, featuring a dozen talented youth from the Santa Rosa Symphony Institute for Music Education, in performance on Friday, March 22, 7:30pm at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd. www.cloverdaleperformingarts.com.

Mama Said This Napa-based, femalefronted classic rock band revitalizes the classics at Coyote Sonoma, 44f Mill St., on Friday, March 22.

Showtime 8pm, tickets $15

HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS

advance, $20 at the door.

Emerald City Blues

Dorothy rides a tornado into Oz, where she joins forces with the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion to rid the Emerald City of its tyrant. This Raven Players production of the musical The Wizard of Oz features two casts to maximize the fun for actors and audience alike. Begins Friday, March 22, and continues weekends through Sunday, April 7. Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North St.; raventheater.org.

Space Racism

In conjunction with Sonoma County NAACP, AVFilm Studios presents two films on Saturday, March 23, pertinent to Black History Month. At 1pm, The Space Race explores the little-known stories of the first Black pilots and engineers who were pioneers of NASA’s space program. At 4pm, Origin dramatizes Isabel Wilkerson’s journey to write the book Caste about the roots of racism. Each show is free, but donations are encouraged. Screenings are at 375 Healdsburg Ave, Ste. 200.

City Goals Setting

A six-hour session of the City Council to discuss their goals for the coming year, July 2024-June 2025, will be held at the Villa Chanticleer Annex, on Monday March 25, from 9am to 3pm. This is an open public meeting, but it will not be available on Zoom.

AV Film Festival

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other movies are occasionally screened, including two this coming Saturday, March 23: The Space Race, about Black astronauts (at 1pm); and Origin, about the writing of the book Caste (at 4pm). Both films are free, with donations to the local NAACP encouraged.

The announcement of the new name comes as the organization commemorates its 10th anniversary, its first-ever grant from the National Endowment for the Arts earlier this year and the groundbreaking for its new cinema center in Healdsburg this year.

That three-screen theater, which had been announced and promoted

as Plaza Cinema Center, will now become the True West Cinema Center. It is to be located at 371 Healdsburg Ave., set back from the street in a small courtyard. Hecht said she hopes that the theater opens within a year.

Festival Plans

Sooner than that, however, the 10th Annual AV Film Festival, a.k.a. AVFest, will launch in Cloverdale on April 26, at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center. The majority of subsequent screenings will be held at Longboard Vineyards (5 Fitch St., at the intersection of Hudson), and “popup” screenings are planned throughout the county though May 5, including in

Dad Country Plus

Jonny Fritz, Mr. Dad Country himself, shows up at Second Story on Monday night, opening for the Lone Bellow, a Nashville-based trio (Zach Williams, Brian Elmquist, Kanene Pipkin) known for their transcendent harmonies, serious musicianship and raucous live performance. Show is March 25, 6-10pm, at 25 North St. Tickets $45 if available, at tinyurl.com/ mr4dyc8f.

ScipTease

An evening of 10-minute readings of plays being considered for production by the Raven Players—six playwrights, six stories, six wildly different theater

Petaluma, Alexander Valley and Healdsburg.

Although plans for the opening night are still shrouded in secrecy, the festival centerpiece will be a tribute to sound designer and 12-time Oscar nominee Ben Burtt, who will discuss his storied career from the original Star Wars trilogy to Lincoln His 2008 film, WALL-E, will be screened as part of the program.

Two other animated features are also planned: the Oscar-nominated Robot Dreams, about the unlikely friendship between a dog and a robot; and Blue Giant, a Japanese anime about a young man’s journey to becoming a jazz great.

The 75-year-old Polish auteur, Agnieszka Holland, has made nearly 50 films over the past half-century,

experiences. Free, 7pm on Monday March 25, at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, 334 Center St.

Planning Commission

The city’s Planning Commission returns to its consideration of the city’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance at 6pm on Tuesday, March 26, at 401 Grove St.

Sonoma All-Stars

Local musicians KC Mosso, Spike Sikes, Steve Pile and Levi Miller play together as Crowbot on Tuesday, March 26, at Mosso’s Elephant in the Room, 177a Healdsburg Ave. $10 cover, show starts at 8pm.

and her 2023 Green Border will also be featured. The film follows a group of Syrian refugees seeking asylum at the border between

Crafted Conversation

Learn about the Pepperwood

Preserve from Lisa Micheli, CEO of the ecology institute on 3,200 acres just east of Santa Rosa. With beverage and food partners, at Craftwork on Thursday at 5:30pm, at 425 Center St. Learn more and purchase tickets at craftworkhbg.com.

Women’s History Concert

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

Poland and Belarus. Details of the openingand closing-night programs, and ticket availability, are expected on March 31, at

Blue Notes

Stella Heath & Friends channel the jazz greats on Thursday, March 28, at Furthermore Wines, 328A Healdsburg Ave. Starts at 5pm.

City Offices Closed On Friday, March 29, as happens every two weeks, the city of Healdsburg closes its offices at City Hall, but work continues for Public Works and Building inspections. To schedule a Public Works inspection call (707) 547-0556, for Building inspections call (707) 431-3346.

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

avfilmpresents.org/film-festival. The name change to True West won’t become official until after this year’s festival.

Photo Courtesy of Roaring Fork Sessions

THE LONE BELLOW Brooklyn alt-folk trio plays Second Story at Little Saint on Monday, March 25, with Jonny ‘Dad Country’ Fritz.

Photo by Israel Valencia

SWEET RELIEF Board Chair Jenny Gomez (left) celebrates the closing night of AVFest 2023 with Board Member Jeanne Kears and her husband, Stephen.

THREE-WEEK RUN OF CHILDREN’S TALE FEATURES

DUAL CAST

By Christian Kallen

There’s something downright weird about L. Frank Baum stories. There are scarecrows and robots that come to life, flying monkeys, and both terrifying and comforting witches, to say nothing of interdimensional travel and a small dog named Toto.

“They’re a bit darker than the mainstream movie version,” said Director Steven David Martin of the books, which he discovered as a young boy. “They’re filled with a little bit more peril than we get a taste of in the movie. I feel like it’s a little bit more angsty.”

That angst, peril and 21 songs should make for terrific entertainment for children and their parents over three weekends of The Wizard of Oz, from March 22 to April 7, at the Raven Performing Arts Theater.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was the first in a series of Oz books, written between 1900 and 1919, but it was the 1939 film version that put Oz on the map and solidified Judy Garland’s stardom, making a modern standard of its Academy Award-winning song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

But don’t forget that’s only one of more than 20 songs by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg that will have audiences singing along and skipping back

home on the memory of Dorothy’s adventures.

More Than One Wizard

There are several stage versions of the Wizard tales, some of which predate the movie and some of which are adapted for younger audiences. These include the version presented last year at St. John’s School in Healdsburg, also directed by Steven David Martin.

“They hadn’t done a musical in a few years because of the pandemic and other reasons,” said Martin. He said the principal, Joe Felice, had only one request: Make it something that all the kids who audition can be involved in.

“So I said, ‘Okay, well, I can have a hundred Munchkins if I want.’ So we decided to do Wizard of Oz.” That was Martin’s first pass at directing the stage classic, and he has followed it up with “the full-length version with all the bells and whistles” that opens this weekend on the Raven stage.

This version is a production by the Royal Shakespeare Company, which includes not only the familiar “Rainbow,” “Off to See the Wizard” and “If I Only Had a …” songs, but a tune that was edited out of the 1939 film version prior to its release, “The Jitterbug.”

The collapse of Dorothy and her three fantastical companions in a poppy field has always seemed a big abrupt— what kind of flowers are those, anyway? It turns

out they had been danced into exhaustion by the arrival of some enchanted insects, the Jitterbugs. The jazzy song-and-dance number has been restored to this stage version.

While, as Martin said, there could be 100 Munchkins (and presumably as many Jitterbugs), the total cast number is closer to 28, including several members of the Young at Heart program. These include William Young, who plays a consistently charming Toto throughout. “He’s a really, really talented kid,” Watts said.

More Than One Cast

To make the most of the capable Raven Players, Watts and Martin agreed to double-cast all the main players, creating two

separate ways of experiencing the play. Consider the part of the Scarecrow, whose gracefully uncoordinated dances can be the highlight of the show (as in the movie, with Ray Bolger in the part). The Raven production features two very different performers on alternate nights, Elliot Davis (of Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat) and Bohn Connor (of Evil Dead) in the role.

Similar dualities occur throughout the cast: Dan Murray and Joe Caruselle as the Tin Man, Nicholas Augusta and Evan Espinoza as the Cowardly Lion, and Craig Peoples and Matt Farrell as the Wizard (or Uncle Henry) in alternate performances.

And then there are two Dorothys, Joanna Burrill and Eily Carniglia—all talented, both Martin and Watts hasten to add.

“It seemed like such a good idea at the time,” Martin said, laughing. But he’s glad he took the risk. “I think the cool thing about it that evolved, and I was hoping it would go this way, is that we’re not changing the story, changing the lines or changing the music. But there’s a different feeling to each cast—each set of actors brings their own kind of unique energy to the show.”

Two main characters are constant, though: the Wicked Witch, played by Kate Edery, and the Good Witch, from choreographer Watts herself. And of

course the dog, Toto.

“I think that The Wizard of Oz is such a universal story, of wanting adventure and sometimes not, of desiring a new adventure and not quite understanding and appreciating the things that are right in front of you,” Watts said. “It’s a magical story, and I think it’s one that everyone can relate to in one way or another.”

Shows are Fridays and Saturdays from March 29 to April 6, at 7:30pm; Thursday March 28, at 7:30pm; and matinees on March 24, March 30 and April 7, at 2pm. Matinees offer post-performance opportunities for photos with the costumed cast. For tickets, go to raventheater. org/event/the-wizard-ofoz-march-22-april-7.

Photo by Christian Kallen

SILHOUETTES Cast members of the Raven Players’ production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ learn their lines and blocking during a Saturday morning rehearsal on the Raven stage, March 9. From left, Emmaleigh Conachy (the Crow), Elliot Davis (the Scarecrow) and Eily Carniglia (Dorothy).

This side. He had just turned 73. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, who all loved him for his “Okie” charm. Known to some friends as “Kooter,” Terry had a great, quick, witty and sometimes “gotcha” sense of humor. He was full of jokes and funny sayings.

Born in Alva, OK, raised in Laverne, OK, he graduated from Laverne High School, attended N.W. Oklahoma State University. He then changed course, attending trade school and became a diesel mechanic. After various jobs in the oil field, he went to work for Haliburton. He loved telling stories of his adventures in Libya, Egypt, Colorado and Rock Springs. In 1979 he was transferred to Healdsburg, as Shop Foreman. Eleven years later, while residing in Geyserville, he left Haliburton to work for Healdsburg and Geyserville School Districts mechanically maintaining buses. In 1992, he landed his dream job with the California Highway Patrol. He worked 26+ years as motor carrier specialist, along with a short stint on the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).

Terry’s passions in life, besides family, were all about outdoor activities: tank and free diving, fishing, hunting fowl, small and big game, water and snow skiing, camping, chopping wood, dirt bike and motorcycle riding, and of course his blue trucks, all of which were replaced in later life by his beloved red “JEEP.” Wrenching, welding and building things were also favorite pastimes. He was so blessed to have had many friends to share these passions and adventures with. It was so heart wrenching to watch his passions fade away due to dementia.

Terry is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Janelle Kilmer; parents Earl and Edith Kilmer; sister Erlene Meier; mother-inlaw Rosalie Mahoney and his sister-in-law Trish (Mary) Mahoney.

He is survived by his wife and friend of 39 years, Mary Kilmer; granddaughter, Cassidy (Oziel) Calfinkilmer; brother Stan Kilmer; niece Tamara Brunk; nephew Michael Meier. His brothers-in-law: Terry Mahoney, Mike Mahoney, and Tom Meier; sisters-in-law: Christine (Jim) Helton and Linda Mahoney; son-in-law Chris Calfin; and many cherished and close relatives.

Donations to Council on Aging-Day Respite Program, Santa Rosa or Providence Home Hospice, Santa Rosa, in the name of Terry Kilmer would be greatly appreciated.

Friends of Terry and Janelle are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on April 21, 2024, at Charlie’s at Windsor Golf Club from 4 p.m–8 p.m. For details and to RSVP by April 13th, please reach out to the family at: kilmermtj@gmail.com

toward the west end of the three-acre lot.

The LLC appealed to the Planning Commission, but in October 2022, the commission backed Duiven and again denied the permit. Ten days after that denial, the LLC appealed to the city council, which was scheduled to hear its appeal on Feb. 21, 2023.

But a week before that hearing the LLC mysteriously withdrew its appeal, for reasons that weren’t clear at the time. And for the next six months the issue quieted down—until on Oct. 4, 2023, a citation or Notice of Violation (NOV) was issued by the Healdsburg Police.

It asserted that The Ruse was in violation of Healdsburg Municipal Code section 1.12.030 (Public Nuisance) and Healdsburg Land Use Code (HLUC) section 20.28.190 (Existing Conditional Uses).

The citation was signed by the city’s police chief, Matt Jenkins. When asked why the code enforcement NOV was filed, Jenkins told the Tribune , “The Notice of Violation was prompted by multiple factors including anonymous complaints and social media posts by The Ruse promoting selling memberships for a club component for non-registered guests.”

Among the offenses: Hosting lunch and dinner

events at the Pavilion, an area only permitted for breakfast and afternoon snacks to registered guests only. Other violations enumerated in the NOV included hosting pickleball tournaments with nonregistered guests; hosting loud parties that lasted past 11pm, again with non-registered guests; and serving alcoholic beverages without the required ABC permit.

In addition, the NOV says that “The Ruse is actively marketing memberships for a club component to be added to The Ruse for non-registered guests,” harkening back to the reason Duiven, and the Planning Commission, had rejected the use permit.

A Ruse By

Another Name

The ownership of The Ruse is held by 891 Grove Street LLC, whose registered address is 1240 Mayacama Club Drive, the headquarters of the privately owned luxury golf resort near Mark West Springs. Owners include Jonathan Wilhem, Patrick Wilhelm and Craig Ramsey, who is also affiliated with the restaurant on the Plaza, The Matheson.

Following the NOV, The Ruse LLC went to court. It filed a Verified Petition for Writ of Mandate, which holds that the city failed to fully comply with several requests for documents under the Public Records

Act (PRA), and should be ordered to conduct a thorough search and turn over all records to the LLC.

The suit holds that the LLC first requested the PRA documents in December 2022—a date that follows the Planning Commission’s denial of the use permit, but precedes the scheduled date of the city council review, Feb. 21.

The city began fulfilling that request with the first delivery of records on Feb. 3, 2023, after which (on Feb. 14) The Ruse dropped its appeal to the city council. Subsequent records were turned over in February, March and April.

The fact that the lawsuit requests a prompt search and delivery of all non-exempt documents— and that the city pays for the court fees and costs associated with the lawsuit—does not necessarily suggest the LLC is attempting to overturn the Planning Department’s denial of the permit.

Instead, the suit appears to be looking for something—something not found in the initial delivery of documents between February and April of 2023, and which will shed light on why the use permits were denied. After outlining the steps the property owners took to work with the city, and their investment of “many millions of dollars to convert a historical building located on the Property into a boutique

hotel and establish a separate swim and recreational club,” the process evidently took a sudden turn.

“But then something changed,” it reads. “For more than a year Respondent—or certain local officials—have taken steps to frustrate operations at the Property.”

It’s unclear who these “certain local officials” are, which may be the needle in the haystack of documents that The Ruse is looking for. “Respondent cannot hide records from the public,” the suit avers. It is unclear what records are suspected of being “hidden.”

The suit could be resolved only when the court decides that there are no more documents that can or should be turned over—or when the documents are produced, and The Ruse either discovers that smoking gun, whatever it is, or fails to do so.

The court filing continues through the civil judicial system with a Case Management Conference scheduled for early April, at which time the trial judge will likely set a discovery schedule and a tentative trial date.

Lawyers for the 691 Grove St. LLC have not yet responded to questions from the Tribune.

When and if they do respond, this article will be updated online at healdsburgtribune.com.

Photo by Christian Kallen

THE RUSE Behind these gates at 691 Grove St., a former bread-and-breakfast has been converted to an in-town luxury resort, possibly in violation of city zoning regulations.

SPORTS Tennis Boys Serving Up Wins

STRONG SINGLES, DOMINANT DOUBLES PLAYERS MAKE A STATEMENT

By Caleb Knudsen

Healdsburg’s tennis-playing boys are more than holding their own in court competition this spring.

In their most recent competition, at Windsor

High on March 14, the Greyhound squad under coach Joshua Cavanagh won 5-2, including a sweep of the doubles matches and a split in the singles.

Doubles scoring was all

Healdsburg: Niles Cobb/ Brandon Hausman (H) v. Andrew Kurczeski/Colby Mounts (W) 6-1, 6-3; Andrew Ambrosi/Declan Whitlock (H) v. Gabe McCarthy/Josh Rose (W) 7-6(5), 6-2; and Henry Herrod/Talan Duffy (H)

v. Hunter Sales/Braden Sales(W) 6-1,6-0.

The singles matches were more of a struggle for the Greyhounds. No. 1 player Austin Boaz lost a very competitive match against Windsor’s Drew Peterson after winning the first set, 7-5. But Peterson fought back to win the next two, 6-3 and a grinding 10-3.

No. 2 singles also found Windsor taking the match as Brandon Cabalo more easily downed Eamonn Scott 6-1, 6-2.

But in the other two singles matches, Healdsburg came out ahead, with Lincoln Rueter over Ben Olsen 6-0, 6-4, and Cooper Conrad winning by forfeit. The match left Healdsburg with a 2-0 league record and Windsor with a 0-2 record. Other teams in

the North Bay–Oak league schedule this spring include Analy, Cardinal Newman, Maria Carrillo, Montgomery, Santa Rosa, St. Vincent de Paul and Ukiah. Earlier this month, on March 7, Healdsburg defeated Ukiah by a narrow 4-3 meet score. A few days later, on March 12, Healdsburg scored another win over Rancho Cotate by a commanding 6-1 match score. The only loss came in No. 1 singles as Austin Boaz fell to Rancho’s James Phan 6-1, 6-0.

Upcoming matches all follow the spring break, with the first one on the schedule being against St. Vincent de Paul on March 26 in Petaluma, followed by a home court matchup against Analy on Thursday, March 28, at Healdsburg High.

Greyhounds Take the Field

EARLY-SEASON MIXED RECORD, BUT TEAM LEADERS CATCHING FIRE

By Caleb Knudsen

As spring cracks wide open throughout the North Bay, baseball season swings into action beneath sunnier skies and drier grass. For Healdsburg, the first few weeks of the schedule have produced mixed results—a couple of tournament wins last week following five straight losses, adding up to a 3-5 record overall.

The season began on a high note as the Greyhounds produced 12 runs against zero for Middleton, at a game played on Feb. 20 in Lake County. All starters reached base on hits at least once as the team amassed nine hits and six walks.

Seven runs scored in the top of the fifth put an early end to the game, as Middleton failed to score in the bottom of the inning.

But the five-game skid began a few days later, and successive losses to Justin-Siena (18-0), St. Helena (7-4), Napa (7-3) and

Montgomery (1-0) were followed by a tournament loss in Fort Bragg to Arcata (4-3).

The rest of the tournament, however, found the Greyhounds back on track, as they came from behind to defeat St. Bernard’s 7-5 on March 15 and the next day gained another comeback victory over Point Arena, scoring twice in the seventh inning to win 4-3.

As of March 18, team leaders include Tyler Swanson with a .316 batting average and a .526 slugging percentage; Nova Perrill with six hits, five runs scored and four stolen bases; and leading ERAs from pitchers Anthony Espinoza (0.84) and Alex Mauro-Manos (1.21).

Mark Domenicelli returns as head coach after a 6-6 league record last year.

On Tuesday evening, the Greyhounds took the field at 5pm against league rival St. Vincent de Paul (results too late for press time). There follows an extended series of games at Rec Park against many of these teams, between March 22 and April 2.

Healdsburg Hunts for New Football Coach, Principal

RANDY PARMETER

DEPARTS AFTER SINGLE SEASON

By Christian Kallen Healdsburg High School is once again searching for a new football coach, following an off-season disagreement between Randy Parmeter and the school’s athletic director, Joshua Cavanagh.

Parmeter, who had coaching roles for several Sonoma County teams including El Molino, Cardinal Newman and Windsor, took over the varsity program last fall. The Healdsburg Greyhounds team had not won a league game since 2017, and went 0-11 in the 2022 season.

But the new coach was only able to steer the Greyhounds to an 0-9-1 record, with only a 42-42 tie against Berean Christian

in a non-league game. His firing by Cavanagh, however, was not related to his record as a coach, for which he drew generally high marks from parents and players despite the team’s record. Parmeter claimed it was over some off-season fundraising activities. Since his claims could not be independently verified, they are not being repeated here.

While Parmeter allowed the wide distribution of his side of the story on social media, Cavanagh would only say, “I will not comment on Randy’s letter, but can confirm he is no longer our football coach. The search has begun.”

The news reminded locals of the 2012 firing of HHS Athletic Director and track coach Jenean Bingham, who had been the head track coach for 13 years. Her dismissal came

after the removal of the four other coaches at the school, two in the tennis program and another track coach, and the departure of the baseball coach, Mark Domenichelli (who has since returned to HHS as varsity baseball coach).

The principal of Healdsburg High School at the time was Chris Vanden Heuvel, who is now the superintendent of Healdsburg Unified School District.

Last week, in the wake of Parmeter’s dismissal, Vanden Heuvel said, “High school sports are a hugely important element at HHS and the lives of our students. Nearly half our kids participate in these programs. Lessons in character that will not be forgotten—integrity, discipline, teamwork and resilience are taught on the court, track and pitch. My own children have benefitted

from these programs so I know firsthand as a parent and educator the value they provide.”

The superintendent went on to say, “Most importantly, I want to be clear that while there may be turnover, every staffing decision we make puts our students and the integrity of our athletics program first.”

Parmeter’s public complaints also implicated Principal Francisco Manriquez, who announced he would be leaving the post after only one year. That means that as well as looking for a football coach, HHS is also searching to fill the more important post of principal. Said Vanden Heuvel, “While unfortunate, Mr. Manriquez resigned due to time away from family, and we are on the search for a new leader of the school. Nevertheless, the school

continues to provide excellent opportunities for kids and remains the top in

Photos by Michael Lucid

NUMBER ONE Healdsburg’s No. 1 tennis player is Austin Boaz, seen here in action against Ukiah on March 7.

Sonoma County for college and career preparedness as measured by the state.”

WATCHFUL EYE Healdsburg varsity football coach

Randy Parmeter analyzed a Greyhounds practice before their season opener on Sept. 1, 2023. He was fired by the school’s Athletic Director in March 2024.

Photo by Christian Kallen

PLAY BALL The Healdsburg Greyhounds take the field on Tuesday, March 19, ready to play St. Vincent at Rec Park. From left, Nova Perrill (2), John Wallace (7), Tyler Swanson (5) and Wyatt Peavler (12).

Photo by Christian Kallen

CURATED NEWS FROM BACK ISSUES OF THE HEALDSBURG TRIBUNE

100 years ago:

March 20, 1924

Redwood Highway Advertising Plan is Taken Up Here

Participation by Healdsburg in a $36,000 Redwood Highway advertising campaign was under consideration by directors and prominent members of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, following a luncheon at the Hotel Plaza Thursday, where the proposition was explained to those present.

The plan calls for the placing of at least 50 large art billboards advertising the Redwood Highway on every important highway intersection in the state of California and Oregon. On each of these billboards, which are to be of metal construction and good finish, will be a Redwood Highway scene and appropriate wording. At one side will be a 10 foot map of the highway. Each board will cost $20 a month for 36 months.

Chambers of Commerce from Grants Pass south to the Sonoma county line

have already made appropriations for boards, and many individuals, hotels and garages have contributed for the erection of signs. After hearing the details of the advertising plan, the directors of the chamber decided to take the matter under consideration. They were very favorable

to Healdsburg participation in the scheme.

75 years ago:

March 25, 1949

Self-Service Gas Station Being Built Here

The first “Serve yourself” gasoline station in this area is in the process of construction at a site approximately

one-half mile north of Healdsburg in front of the Haugsten Farm Supply Company. George Haugsten, owner and promoter of the enterprise, said he expected to have the station in operation in “about a week.”

Plans call for an operation capable of handling 12 cars and two trucks at one time. One attendant

will be on call to handle oil sales and make change for customers, Haugsten revealed. The customer will serve himself gasoline, attend to his own windshield, water for radiators, and tires. A saving to the consumer of four cents per gallon is expected.

Two innovations in the new system will be safety nozzles on the gasoline hoses and “pump rows” running at right angles to the highway instead of parallel to the street fronting the service station. Cars will turn off the highway and immediately will be in a position for service, and then circle around the pumps and drive back onto the highway.

50 years ago

March 21, 1974

Streaker Jaunts

Through Safeway

A 17-year-old Healdsburg High School student was arrested early Friday night after leading police on a streaking jaunt through the Healdsburg Safeway store. Police were tipped off about the streak and were waiting for the young man, who entered the store through the south door at 8:25 pm and ran out the north exit. He was caught on Grant Street trying to barefoot it to safety. Police booked him for indecent exposure and being beyond parental control. He was released to his mother.

Photos courtesy of the Healdsburg Museum

OVERHEAD Railroad crossing on Old Redwood Highway at Eastside Road, about 1915.

FULL SERVICE Myron Chipman’s gas station at what was then 515 West St., in 1952. This location is now fenced off, at the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and Piper Street.

location

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Monday, March 4

12:20pm

1:45pm

took her to county jail.

Tuesday, March 5

10:19am A 36-YO man was contacted by police for walking in the roadway on Grove Street. He was cited and released on outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding contempt of court.

2:33pm A 47-YO man went to the lobby of the Healdsburg Police Department on Center Street to surrender on three warrants regarding possession of methamphetamine.

4:04pm The RP, a landlord on West Grant Street, indicated one of her tenants may have threatened to kill another tenant and that tenant’s dog if that tenant did not stop calling the police. An officer responded and spoke with the targeted subject about her concerns about multiple neighbors. No crime was evident, and she was advised to call the police back with any further issues.

Wednesday, March 6

7:50am Graffiti reported on Grove Street.

7:53am Graffiti reported on Grant Street at Larkspur Drive.

12:53pm Trespassing occurred at Ceja Quality Tires on Healdsburg Avenue. The RP stated the subject was a recent customer and has been driving by and yelling at the employees. She said things such as “You’re going to hell,” “I’m going to beat you guys,” “I’m going to send somebody over here” and “You guys are gang members.” Dispatch sent the RP a trespass letter to file against the subject.

1:01pm A probation search was conducted at Safeway on Vine Street. A 46-YO man was cited and released for violating probation.

• 1:14pm Petty theft occurred at Goodwill Industries on Healdsburg Avenue. The subject left the store with a huge bag of clothes and wearing clothing from the

POLICE LOG

store. The subject was pushing a shopping cart. Officers located the suspect and arrested a 41-YO woman for possession of drug paraphernalia, shoplifting and theft of a shopping cart. She was taken to county jail and the shopping cart was returned to CVS.

2:34pm Drunk driving occurred on South Fitch Mountain Road at Greens Drive. A 20-YO man was cited for driving under the influence of drugs and misdemeanor hit-andrun. He was admitted to Healdsburg General Hospital.

• 6:24pm A hit-and-run occurred on Center Street.

The RP stated that on March 5th or 6th his driver door and back panel of the vehicle were damaged. An officer responded and took a report.

Thursday, March 7

8:40am Fraud occurred at Circle K on Healdsburg Avenue. The RP indicated an employee cleared out the register and left the business. While an officer investigated, the employee returned to the store and it was determined she was a victim of a fraudulent phone call. The employee believed someone requested money for the business. The money was sent to an unknown suspect. A report was taken.

10:06am Drunk driving occurred near Hardwear on Healdsburg Avenue. The RP indicated a driver of a vehicle with three male occupants appeared to be drinking whiskey out of a bottle. An officer responded and located the vehicle at Rotten Robbie. One subject fled on foot. A 35-YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for drunk driving and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

• 10:33am The RP on Grove Street indicated that while corresponding with a colleague via email, someone intercepted the

email. A wire of $83,000 was sent to the person who hacked the email. An officer responded and took a report.

12:37pm Petty theft occurred at Big John’s Market on Healdsburg Avenue. A woman took $57.64 worth of items, including hot food, pepper jelly and cake slices from Costeaux. A 55-YO woman was cited for the theft and officially trespassed from the business.

1:43pm A physical fight between two men and one woman occurred near Framing Arts on Vine Street. Officers responded and contacted the parties. The individuals were not willing to press charges, and medical care was declined.

2:33pm Grand theft occurred at Big John’s Market on Healdsburg Avenue. On March 6, three men associated with each other took turns coming into the store and stealing wine, valued at $1,201. Officers responded and took a report.

5:02pm A cyber/computer crime occurred on West Perkins Street. The RP indicated she paid a $1,200 deposit on an apartment in Ukiah. The owner refused to show her the apartment unless she gave him $2,000 more. When she refused, the owner claimed he would refund her money, but he didn’t and blocked her number. The original deposit was made to the owner’s account at Chase Bank in Cloverdale. The RP was instructed to contact the Cloverdale police department.

Friday, March 8

9:19am A homeless couple was in the restroom at Hotel Healdsburg on Matheson Street and refused to leave. They charged their devices. Two officers and a therapist responded and advised them to move along.

10:40am An officer and a therapist served an outstanding warrant

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The RP requested that the police try again later.

• 1:25pm The RP indicated that a person on Vine Street screamed at a homeless man and shoved his property.

The person then went inside Safeway. The RP called back stating he proceeded to the bike path along Vine Street. A second RP reported the man threatened to hit him and threw property. Officers responded and a 27-YO man was transported to Healdsburg General Hospital for medical clearance. He was then taken to county jail for violating probation, resisting arrest and public intoxication.

4:00pm Officers located a suspect vehicle in a stolen property case at Dry Creek Inn on Dry Creek Road. A 54YO man was arrested for receiving stolen property and transported to county jail.

9:33pm An officer served an outstanding juvenile warrant regarding criminal threats and vandalism at Badger Park on Heron Drive. Although the subject is now over 18, he was transported to juvenile hall due to the type of warrant.

Saturday, March 9

• 8:42pm An officer arrested a 39-YO man at Rotten Robbie on Healdsburg Avenue for violation of probation. He was transported to county jail.

• 10:37pm Assault with a deadly weapon occurred on Brown Street. Multiple calls were received. The first RP stated two men were in an argument. One man was walking away and the other was throwing things at him. The second caller was the victim who reported that a man broke into the house and hit him with a baseball bat. The third RP stated a man walking on Brown Street appeared to be injured. A 55YO man was transported to Healdsburg General Hospital for medical clearance for a split hernia. He was then arrested and taken to county.jail for burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism.

Sunday, March 10

12:09am Assault occurred at Rotten Robbie on Healdsburg Avenue. A female was on the ground being rolled by a male. Officers responded and transported a subject to Memorial Hospital. No charges were filed because the mutual combat involved family members who did not want to press charges.

9:33am Graffiti reported on Fitch Street near Alley 1. 11:44am Reckless driving was reported on Redwood Highway at Lytton Springs Road. An officer responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.

2:34pm A vehicle was stopped for violating tail light rules near Rotten Robbie on Healdsburg Avenue. A 64YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for violating probation.

11:18pm The RP indicated she was hit by a man in the West Plaza Parking lot on Healdsburg Avenue. Officers responded and arrested a 24-YO man for domestic violence. He was transported to county jail.

Compiled by Carolyn Brenner