The Healdsburg Tribune
RENTAL DEPOSITS, GUN TAXES, FAST TRACK FOR HOUSING PROJECTS AMONG THEM
Weeklys Media Group
Below is a list of new state laws that affect the workplace, firearms, rental security deposits and more, that took effect last week.
Security Deposit Cap (AB 12)
On July 1, a law took effect that prohibits landlords from charging more than one month rent for security deposits.
Assemblymember Matt Haney, who authored the bill, said the practice of charging two or three times the monthly rental cost can create “insurmountable barriers” to housing affordability. California joins 11 other states in the country to limit security deposits to only one month’s rent.
AB 12 does not impact small landlords who own only two properties with a total of no more than four units.
Landlords can still seek damages from tenants who are responsible for harm to the property that exceeds the amount of the security deposit.
Ammo and Gun Tax (AB 28)
Otherwise known as the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act, the new law imposes an 11% tax on guns, gun parts and ammunition.
It is expected to raise $160 million annually to fund school safety and violence prevention programs, including initiatives to prevent mass shootings, bolster firearm investigations and remove guns from domestic abusers.
➝ New Laws, 2
WHY HEALDSBURG CANCELED THE FIREWORKS AND WHAT COULD BE NEXT
By Christian Kallen
As more than 2,000 people crowded the Healdsburg Plaza on Thursday morning, July 4, to celebrate the holiday with a Kids Parade and an allcomers Duck Dash, a record-breaking celebration seemed in the works.
Then the news broke over Healdsburg that afternoon like a nonincendiary bombshell, but it wasn’t a dud: The City had canceled the fireworks show scheduled to begin that evening shortly after the sun went down.
“Due to current fire weather conditions in the region, we have made the difficult decision not to move forward with the fireworks show scheduled for the evening of the 4th,” read the message the City posted about 1:30pm.
“With a red flag warning in place for parts of Sonoma County and multiple active fire incidents in the region, we have concluded that we can’t proceed with sufficient confidence that the safety of the community will be protected,” the message from City Clerk Raina Allen continued. Needless to say, the decision was not greeted with universal enthusiasm. Comments on Facebook were split, with very little middle ground. They varied from “Wrong decision. Adding to the list of reasons to move” (Janell O’Connor) to “Very necessary! We don’t need another fire!” (Jazn Jaimee).
Tenaya Fleckenstein wrote, “Many of the local resources were sent to other fires in our neighboring counties and regardless of what you might think we had less available exhausted firefighters than usual. Healdsburg CAL FIRE had to contract with a local engine to staff
behind an engine that day, which meant another station was short as well.”
Robert Herrick succinctly termed the decision “BS,” then elaborated, “Simple, other towns, such as Windsor, had no issues with their fireworks shows. It was merely a fear based decision.”
It’s true that other towns did move forward with their plans for city fireworks last week— including Cloverdale, although its city manager suspended the sale of so-called “safe and sane” fireworks for personal use last week. In Napa County, however, both Yountville and St. Helena canceled their scheduled pyrotechnic displays this year, again citing concerns about wildfires.
Healdsburg city staff were unapologetic. “Ultimately, the decision was mine, but it was made in consultation with our executive team and the Fire and Police Chiefs in particular,” said City Manager Jeff Kay.
RETURN OF THE COVID PANDEMIC?
STAGE
SHOWS DELAYED, PLANS CANCELED BY PERSISTENT VIRUS
By Christian Kallen Samuel J. Gleason,
the young actor who heads the cast of the Raven Players’ Company this month, started feeling poorly just after Father’s Day.
“I had a cough, a scratchy throat, a headache,” he said later. “I had minor aches in certain parts of my upper and lower back. And also, just a sort of general fatigue, tiredness, not feeling great.”
“When looking at the totality of the conditions— a Red Flag Warning in significant portions of the county, an excessive heat warning, reports of extremely low fuel moisture and the prevalence of significant fire incidents in the region that were drawing firefighting resources out of Sonoma County— we did not have sufficient confidence that we could respond effectively if an incident were to take place locally during the show,” Kay continued.
Breaking with Tradition
It was the first time in memory that a Healdsburg Fourth of July fireworks show was canceled, though they did not take place during the Covid pandemic due to prohibitions against crowds. The traditional fireworks show, sponsored and organized by American Legion Post 111, is launched from the high school playing fields, with
Having had Covid previously, Gleason took a test on June 18 and the results came in positive. He called in sick for further rehearsals of the play, and found out he wasn’t the only one. His story was a common one in June throughout the area—fatigue, scratchy throat and a positive Covid test result, despite being fully vaccinated. So prevalent if under-reported is this latest Covid surge that CVS Pharmacy ran out of Covid test kits, as did other drug stores. Rite Aid in Healdsburg did manage to keep tests on hand, but the fact that some places did not is pretty clear evidence something’s going around. Most of the Company cast gamely continued rehearsals, but the play— originally scheduled to open June 28—was delayed a week. According to Harry Duke, the Weeklys’ theater critic, it wasn’t
several streets in the area blocked to traffic so people can gather to watch the show. As Kay explained, this was a major factor in the cancellation.
“Our concern wasn’t necessarily that the fireworks from the official show would cause a significant fire—this is very unlikely—but that the presence of the crowds and all of the necessary logistical support would inhibit our ability to respond to any type of emergency situation,” he said. Since Healdsburg prohibits personal use of fireworks by law, any fireworks heard or seen that night were illegal. Police Chief Matt Jenkins reported that while there were local complaints of illegal fireworks July 4, the number was not out of the ordinary.
“We had four reports of illegal fireworks on the Fourth,” he told the Tribune . “In each instance, the fireworks had ceased prior to officers arriving.”
the only show affected by the virus: Kinky Boots at 6th Street Playhouse and Lend Me a Tenor at Sonoma Arts Live both delayed their June openings, and the opera The Passion of Joan of Arc to be staged in Sonoma was canceled outright. While not making the headlines it did in the early days of the pandemic, four years ago, Covid is clearly not a thing of the past. Insofar as the Healdsburg Tribune has a staff, we’ve both got it, or have had it recently. The difficulty in finding test kits adds to the challenge of finding the exact number of cases—and even if a home test shows positive, there’s no requirement to report the results. Healdsburg District Hospital says it doesn’t have tests for the public, although if someone shows up at the Emergency Room as a patient, they can be tested.
➝ Fireworks, 4
Photo by Rick Tang
BEST CUPCAKE Daisy Atterbury, seen here with her parents Kit and Kala Atterbury, was a winner at last week’s Kids Fourth of July Parade, in the Best Costume (cupcake) category. The Kids Parade and Duck Dash went on as scheduled, but the fireworks show that evening was canceled.
GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT
Raven in Windsor
The Raven Players stage Stephen Sondheim’s breakthrough musical, Company , weekends through Sunday afternoon, July 21, at the Windsor High School Auditorium. The newer, smaller theater promises a more intimate audience experience. Reviewed this issue. Tickets $10 students, $40 general. 8695 Windsor Rd., Windsor. www.raventheater.org.
Return to the Green Latin-rock dance band Maya performs for the folks at Summer Night on the Green in Windsor, Thursday, July 11, after a week off. Farmers’ Market 5pm, music 6-8pm.
Friday Night Live
Cajun and Zydeco rockers Tom Rigney & Flambeau will get the party going in Cloverdale for Friday Night Live, July 12. Street fair 6pm, live music 7-9:30pm.
Mojo Courage
A strong weekend of performers at The Elephant, from Placervile’s finest Johnny Mojo on Friday, vintage rock from John Courage on Saturday and some summertime green from Sonomacana on Sunday. Most shows are just $10. The Elephant in the Room is at 177 Healdsburg Ave., elephantintheroompub.com.
Back-to-Back
The hard-working Adam Lieb plays two nights in a row at Furthermore Wines, bringing his eclectic song list to the tasting room stage. Shows both Friday and Saturday, 5-8pm, no cover. 328-A Healdsburg Ave.
Beach Party Wonder Bread 5 specializes in danceable oldies, this
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS
time featuring the “sounds of summer” for a Friday night special at the Coyote Den, July 12. Tickets $30, showtime is 9pm. Coyote Sonoma, 44F Mill St., coyotesonoma.com.
Farmers’ Market
The weekly Saturday Healdsburg Farmers’ Market gets underway in the West Plaza parking lot on July 13, from 8:30am to noon.
Healdsburg History Before Healdsburg was a destination, it was so much more—Pomo village, trading post, agricultural hub. Healdsburg Museum holds free weekly tours on Saturdays, starting from the Plaza stage. On July 13 local realtor-historian Eric Drew remembers the old City Hall, high school and much more in an hourlong ramble, starting at 10:30am.
Summer
Wine Road
One-day tasting event at 40 wineries in Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valley from Wine Road Sonoma County. Saturday, July 13, from 11am to 4pm. $40 per person, available at cellarpass.com/events/ summer-wine-trail-11131.
Artist Reception Saturday, July 13, from noon to 5pm, meet Cindy Wilson and experience her solo showcase of paintings and ceramics at Rena Charles Gallery, 439 Healdsburg Ave.
Cloverdale
Bluegrass
The Cloverdale Performing Arts Center presents Jackalope recording artists 3 Acre Holler, in a special local performance, 7:30pm on Saturday, July 13. $20 online, $25 at the door, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd.
Chuck Sher Quartet
Playing straight-ahead tunes, standards, bebop as well as original compositions, with bassist Chuck Sher, Jeff Oster on piano, Randy Vicent guitars and David Rokeach, drums. At Healdsburg Hotel’s Spirit Bar on Saturday, July 13. No cover, partial Dry Creek Kitchen menu available. 25 Matheson St. Tour de Healdsburg Community Move! Healdsburg bike ride on Bastille Day, Sunday, July 14, from the City Hall to Enso Village via Parkland Farms. Meet at 8:45am for the 6-mile ride, helmets required. Refreshments at Enso; return by 11am.
Motown Get-Down Dry Creek Vineyards opens the big lawn for the music of the Lucky Devils, with
wine, food and good times. Noon to 4pm Sunday afternoon, July 14. Tickets $50 for wine club members, $65 general, at 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd. Family friendly, no pets, drycreekvineyard.com/events.
Sundays at the Plaza
Guitarist Mark Abdillah plays Latin and flamenco on the Gazebo stage on Sunday, July 14, from 1-3pm. No cover, no crowds. Bring a picnic.
Thinking About Wine
Michael Sinowitz will discuss topics from his new book, Finding Meaning in Wine , at the Sonoma County Wine Library Association, 139 Piper St., from 3-4:30pm on Sunday, July 14. Program is free, wine from Peterson Winery will be available for a small donation.
List of New State Laws
Building Homeownership (SB 684)
Requires jurisdictions to approve housing projects with 10 or less units, on lots less than five acres, without public hearings and votes. Applies in areas that are zoned for multifamily housing.
Sen. Anna Caballero, who authored the bill, says it expedites the permitting process to encourage construction of small homeownership development projects.
Date-Rape Drug Testing Kits In Bars (AB 1013)
Requires bars and nightclubs to offer testing kits that detect the presence of drugs used to spike or lace drinks that are often used as a means to facilitate sexual assault.
Authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal. Eliminating Hidden/ Junk
Fees (SB
478)
Bars businesses from adding undisclosed fees at the end of transactions. Includes online event tickets, lodging and other transactions.
Sen. Bill Dodd said the new law will “level the playing field” for consumers.
“Restaurant customers shouldn’t be surprised when
they get their checks by a slew of extra charges they were not expecting,” Sen. Dodd said. “Many restaurants are up-front with their business practices but too many aren’t, necessitating action,” Dodd stated in a press release.
A companion bill, SB 1524, mandates that all fees are clearly posted and visible at businesses.
Keep Kids In School (SB 274)
Prohibits schools from suspending Transitional Kindergarten-12th-grade students for “willful defiance” such as wearing a hat backward, falling asleep in class or “talking back to a teacher,” author Sen. Nancy Skinner said.
In a press release, Skinner said that these suspensions have been disproportionately directed at students of color, LGBTQ students, students who are homeless or in foster care, and those with disabilities.
“Suspending students, no matter the age, doesn’t improve student behavior, and it greatly increases the likelihood that the student will fail or drop out,” she stated in a press release.
Menstrual Products In Schools (AB 230)
Extends existing law to
Healdsburg
Tuesday Tuesday, July 9, the tribute band Fleetwood Macramé plays the hits of the 1970s and ’80s, from 6-8pm. Food vendors offer locally sourced food for sale starting at 5pm; complimentary bike valet services available.
Second Story Thursday, July 18, Cali-Tex musician Matthew Logan Vasquez, singer/songwriter/guitarist of group Delta Spirit, is joined by British pedal steel musician Spencer Cullum’s Coin Collection on the Second Story stage. No cover, 7pm show, get there early or listen from downstairs at Little Saint, 25 North St. Post events on the Tribune’s online calendar at healdsburgtribune.com/ calendar and send special announcements to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.
require schools with any combination of classes from grades 3 to 12 to offer free menstrual products in the school’s restrooms. Authored by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes.
Right To Repair Act (SB 244)
Requires companies that make consumer electronics to provide replacement parts, diagnostic information, and service literature to consumers and repair businesses.
Author Susan Eggman says the bill gives consumers the ability to repair their devices, and also helps reduce the number of electronics that are thrown out every year.
Workplace Violence Prevention (SB 553)
This new law requires most California employers to create a workplace violence prevention plan, and to train their employees on the plan.
Sen. Dave Cortese said that SB 553 was inspired by the mass shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority rail yard in San Jose, in which a gunman killed nine people.
“On that horrible day, we quickly realized how safety protocols can and must be enhanced. In the following days and months, more solutions for preventing workplace violence emerged,” Cortese said.
Photo courtesy of Fleetwood Macramé
GO YOUR OWN WAY Tribute band Fleetwood Macramé strums, shows off and struts their stuff at 6pm on Tuesday at the Healdsburg Plaza.
Photo courtesy of Bill Dodd
MARKET RATE State Sen. Bill Dodd (left), who introduced a bill that bars adding undisclosed fees at the end of transactions, with Napa County Planning Commissioner Dave Whitmer (center) at a farmers’ market in Dodd’s District 3.
STAGE
Classic Sondheim on New Stage
RAVEN PLAYERS MOVE THEIR ‘COMPANY’ TO WINDSOR
By Harry Duke
After a Covid-related postponement, the Raven Players production of Company is now open for business.
The classic Stephen Sondheim and George Furth musical runs in the Playhouse at Windsor High School through July 21.
A smash hit in 1970, the show features a series of musical vignettes in no particular order on the subject of human relationships and marriage. The central character, Robert/Bobby (Samuel J. Gleason), is turning 35 and begins to question his bachelorhood. All of his friends are married or in committed relationships and are anxious for him to “settle down.” They all invite him to spend some time with them.
Robert visits Harry (Anthony Martin) and Sarah (Skylar Salz), who spend the evening playfully
battling each other. Or are they? When Robert asks Harry if he has any regrets about being married, Harry responds with the song “Sorry/Grateful.”
Robert then visits Peter (Bohn Connor) and Susan (Crystal Wilson), a seemingly happy couple who, to Robert’s surprise, announce they are getting divorced.
A visit with David (Tyler Marques) and Jenny (Alexis Walker) brings a marijuanainduced interrogation as to why Robert isn’t married. Robert isn’t opposed to the idea; he just hasn’t found the right “one” yet.
We meet three women who Robert has dated: April (Ashley Talbot), a charmingly dim-witted stewardess; Kathy (Kelly Devoto), who may actually be the one that got away; and Marta (Sky Hernandez-Simard), a free spirit.
We’re then transported to friends Amy (Molly Larsen-Shine) and Paul’s (Troy Thomas Evans) wedding day. They’ve been living together for some time, but are finally “Getting Married Today.” Or are they?
The second act brings us a deeper look into Robert’s relationship with April, a surprising conversation with Peter, and an evening with Larry (Nicholas J. Augusta) and Joanne (Katie Watts-Whitaker) that leads Robert to really confront himself about his situation.
Director Steven David Martin’s decision to mount
Company at the Windsor High Playhouse pays off in terms of the intimacy the space provides and the upgrade in most technical elements. Sound levels were a real issue though, with music director Kelly Considine’s three-piece band drowning out many of Sondheim’s lyrics. Thankfully, Shine’s energetic
delivery of “Getting Married Today” and WattsWhitaker’s powerhouse presentation of “Ladies Who Lunch” were highlights of the evening.
There’s nice work done by the ensemble, especially in the larger musical numbers and with Michella Moerbeek’s choreography.
There’s a lot to like about this Company The Raven Players present ‘Company’ through July
MUSIC
Taj Mahal Coming to LBC
‘SWINGIN’ LIVE AT THE CHURCH IN TULSA’ LATEST PROJECT FROM BLUES LEGEND
By Dave Gil de Rubio
Taj Mahal’s anecdotes can go on for days. Given the extraordinary musical life he’s lived, that’s no surprise. He got his start in 1964 as a 22-year-old joining forces with a then-17-yearold Ry Cooder to form the cult group, the Rising Sons. This quartet was the only American act invited to be part of the 1968 concert film, The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus . He also landed a role acting in and composing the score for the 1972 drama, Sounder . And that’s only
within the first decade of his 60-year career. Along the way, Mahal (born Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr.) used his studies in ethnomusicology at the University of Massachusetts as a springboard toward infusing his blues, jazz and gospel influences with myriad musical nuances drawn from reggae, zydeco, country blues, R&B, and Caribbean and African music sources. They led him to create what later became known as “world music.”
Mahal’s latest outing, “Swingin’ Live at The Church in Tulsa,” found the 81-year-old multi-instrumentalist releasing a set recorded at the Oklahoma studio founded by an old friend and influence, the
late Leon Russell. Planning the tour came next, with Mahal taking his longtime quartet— bassist Bill Rich, drummer Kester Smith and guitarist/Hawaiian lap steel player Bobby Ingano— and upgrading it to a sextet with dobro player Rob Ickes and guitarist/vocalist Trey Hensley (Mahal’s upcoming Luther Burbank Center show will be a quintet, however).
“On this tour, what’s going to happen is that it’s going to be the connection and collaboration of the parent music from all the finger picking and all the early American guitar music,” Mahal said with a smile.
The son of an AfroCaribbean jazz arranger and piano player (his folks
Why Healdsburg Canceled Its Fireworks
➝ Fireworks, 1
He added, “In looking over the logs for the weekend, it appears that the calls [were] similar to a typical summer weekend.”
Cost of Change
The fireworks show cost an estimated $40,000, much of which came from the City’s Community Services Fund. The last-minute cancellation did come at a cost, albeit a relatively small one.
“We have an option to reschedule the show for a 15% additional fee. We would also incur some additional costs for fencing and traffic control,” Kay said. “Looking at dates deeper into fire season obviously brings some risk that the same thing might happen again.”
Said Councilmember Chris Herrod, “I assumed we would have received more negative response, but I received a very large number of emails (and comments on social media) expressing support for the decision, for putting safety first and relief
that there would not be fireworks during such an extreme weather event.”
Herrod lives a block from Healdsburg High School and thus enjoys an enviable view of Fourth of July pyrotechnics when they happen.
Like others, Herrod floated the idea of a nonincendiary drone show for future Independence Day celebrations. The city of Napa took that course this year, with 400 drones creating various threedimensional formations over the Oxbow Commons area near the city’s center. Napa’s city manager’s office estimated 24,000 people saw the 15-minute program. Other Bay Area communities with drone shows for the Fourth of July include Alameda, Brentwood, Pleasanton and San Pablo. Based on feedback he received, Herrod suggested moving the traditional fireworks show from mid-summer to midwinter, with a New Year’s Eve celebration. A year-end show taking place after sundown
would begin much earlier in the evening—sundown on Dec. 31 occurs just after 5pm. On the other hand, a midnight fireworks show on New Year’s Eve could create its own controversy.
The idea of moving to
were from St. Kitts-Nevis) and a Southern educator, the young Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr. benefited from parents who grew up during the Harlem Renaissance and proudly educated their son about the family’s Caribbean and African ancestry. Much of this education was accomplished by exposing their progeny to the music being played on the radio, along with encouraging him to pursue music.
As a young musician he sated his musical thirst by starting to sing when he was four or five, followed by piano lessons and then “messing with the clarinet, the trombone and harmonica for a little bit,” Mahal recalled. His natural childhood
a drone show seemed welcome by some. Indeed, Kay pointed out that in March, “the Council added an item to their adopted FY24-25 goals to discuss options for alternatives to a traditional fireworks show. That discussion could include drones.”
For now, the City and the contractor, Pyro
interest in music evolved into his becoming a sort of Johnny Appleseed of music that found him not only learning at the feet of such giants as Muddy Waters, Elizabeth Cotton, Buddy Guy, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Howlin’ Wolf, but becoming a mentor for another generation of younger Black guitarists, including Keb’ Mo,’ Alvin Youngblood Hart, Corey Harris and Guy Davis. The tradition, which Mahal gladly embraces, comes naturally to him.
“Now, I’m looking back at [my path], and it all started with the natural interest of a kid,” he said.
“If I had been in a village somewhere in Africa, it wouldn’t have been weird. In this paradigm, you’re
Spectaculars, plan a meeting this week to discuss ways to move forward with a fireworks show under the current contract. Otherwise, the full $40,000 will be lost, in addition to the $6,000 cancellation fee.
supposed to do this or that. There, the old men that are playing the music see the young kid coming up. He’s not close, but he’s standing right there. But they’re not going to go to him. He has to come to the music. You know what I’m saying? I just really enjoyed the music, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to hear so many different kinds of music.”
The Taj Mahal Quintet tops the bill with the Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite Duo, 7pm, Saturday, July 20, at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets start at $76.70 and are available at lutherburbankcenter.org/ event/taj-mahal24.
The City Council won’t meet again until August, and any council discussion of “alternatives to the traditional fireworks show” might not happen until September or later. And any discussion would necessarily include public comment. Given the loud reaction to the cancellation of this year’s show, that public comment is sure to include its own fireworks.
GOING STRONG The 81-year-old multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal will perform at the Luther Burbank Center on Saturday, July 20.
Photo by Phil Clarkin
Photo by Christian Kallen
fireworks display over Healdsburg in 2019, seen from Badger Street.
Packers Keep Up Momentum
DRUMBEAT OF RUNS SETS THE RHYTHM OF THE SEASON
By Caleb Knudsen
The Healdsburg Prune Packers continue to reward their fans, delivering yet another compelling reason for them to visit Rec Park on a hot summer’s day or night.
The Pack finished out the month of June with a streak against Pacific Empire League (PEL) opponents that carried them to successive wins over the Solano Mudcats (June 29, 7-2), West Coast Kings (July 2, 8-1) and Lincoln Potters (July 3—an 8-7 squeaker, won in the bottom of the ninth on a leadoff home run from Connor Charpiot).
As the temperature dipped into the 90s, the Stars and Stripes soared over grandstands. Branson School’s CC Brenner sang the National Anthem, and the Healdsburg team trotted onto the field in red, white and blue knee socks.
The game received added momentum by the announcement, just hours
before, that the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show had been canceled, which meant that going to a baseball game was the best way to celebrate Independence Day.
The visiting team didn’t have that far to come: The Athletic Edge Express is based in Petaluma, and while not a PEL team—it’s only two years old—it draws from the same reservoir of college-age baseball talent to fill its roster. The sponsor Athletic Edge runs summer baseball and softball programs for younger players, so opening up to the college-eligible “elders” makes sense.
Since it’s a Petaluma team, Healdsburg coach Joey Gomes readily admits he “knows all of them.” With the Express riding a losing season record, and the game on home turf, the odds favored the Pack. But baseball is a game of surprises.
Healdsburg jumped out to a three-run lead in the first two innings, then the Express began picking away at starting pitcher Wyatt Tucker. They piled up five runs in the inning, two on Brad Boyd’s home run, and while Healdsburg got
three of them back in the bottom, the game proved to be hard fought.
The Express scored three more times to take the 8-6 win. Four Healdsburg fielding errors didn’t help the home team, and the Express’ Luke Dillon pitched three scoreless innings for the win.
The long holiday weekend continued for the Packers, but once they saw the familiar PEL opponents they got back on track. After giving up two runs in the top of the first to the West Coast Kings on July 5, starter Robert Aivazian got in the zone and kept the Kings off-balance for the win. The offense backed him up with a drumbeat of runs, including two hits and three RBIs from Camden Hayslip, for a comfortable 9-2 victory.
Saturday night found a rematch with the Kings to close out Healdsburg’s five-game homestand. The results were strikingly similar—a 9-1 win this time, powered by 14 hits from the Pack, three of them from Logan Sutter and a pair each for Robbie Hamchuk, Maddox Molony and Joey Kramer.
Sunday morning found the Packers loading
up into the team bus and making the two-hour drive to Solano, to face off against the Mudcats. Though coming off an exhausting threehour, 16-14 win over the Alameda Anchors the day before, they kept up the momentum, leading 7-2 at the end of only four innings.
In the fifth inning Hayslip homered with Charpiot and Karmer on base, and four more came across the next inning on a pair of home runs, by Charpiot and Hayslip again. That gave the Packers the lead for good, for an 11-7 final score.
At this point in the season the Prune Packers continue to sit comfortably in first of the Pacific Empire League with a 16-2 league record, 24-3 overall. The next strongest team is the Lincoln Potters, 8-5 in league play and 26-8 on the year.
This coming week, Tuesday (results too late for press time) through Thursday, a three-game series with those Potters gives them a chance to gain ground. And if they stay as the No. 2 seed in the league, the Potters and the Packers will play in the league
championship series in early August. Three more weeks of league play remain, with five games each. Home games this week include the West Coast Kings
Black squad (a non-PEL team) on Friday, July 12, and the Menlo Legacy on Saturday. Both games start at 6pm; there is no Sunday game this week at Rec Park.
Photos by Christian Kallen
INFIELD HIT Healdsburg’s leading hitter, Joey Kramer (No. 6), gets on base with a Potters error in the July 3 game. Kramer leads the team with a .394 batting average, 25 RBIs and 10 home runs as of July 7.
FOUR-BAGGER Moments after Eamon Lance cleared the bases with a 3-run homer, Camden Hayslip (No. 22) follows it up with his own home run in the fourth inning of the Potters game. Coach Joey Gomes offers congratulations.
BLAST Eammon Lance (No. 23) uncorks a 3-run home run during the 5-run fourth inning against the Lincoln Potters on July 3.
FLASHBACKS
A mixed car of pears and apples moved Monday for the New York market. The shipment Tuesday, however, was the first full car of Gravensteins.
100 years ago:
July 10, 1924
‘FIRST APPLE CAR FROM COUNTY LEAVES HERE’
The first carload of Gravenstein apples from Sonoma county moved out of Healdsburg Tuesday. The fruit was shipped by J. F. Miller & Sons, and was destined for Texas. The pear season is already well under way. Miller & Sons shipped the season’s first car of pears Saturday, the fruit going to Texas.
Miller & Sons report the apple crop in this section to be smaller than last year and the fruit of smaller size. It was estimated that the crop will run 50 per cent small sizes. The pear crop will be fair, but fruit sizes are small, the crop, according to the estimate, running about 35 per cent small fruit. The dry winter season is blamed for the undersized fruit. Good prices are indicated for early stuff from California and the Gravensteins and pears from the Healdsburg section should get the top
MATTHEW SHAWN PARKHURST
February 9, 1967 – June 25, 2024
Matthew Shawn Parkhurst, aged 57, passed away on June 25, 2024, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Matthew is survived by his daughter and sonin-law, Laura and Brendan Wallace, his son, Ryan Thurman; siblings Patty Fitchert, Cheryl Kasper, Steve Parkhurst, Debbie Parkhurst, Vickie Lajoie, Holly Beausoleil, and Charles Parkhurst. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Eddie Connor Jr., his parents, Mary and Charles Parkhurst, and his brother, Mike Parkhurst.
Graveside service will be 12:30, Friday, July 19, 2024, at Fayetteville National Cemetery.
of the market prices, due to the early shipping season.
75 years ago: July 8, 1949
‘CROWD OF 2,500 THRONGS DEL RIO FOR HOLIDAY FEST’
Over 2,500 children and their parents swarmed into the beach at Del Rio Woods Sunday for one of the biggest and most successful Fourth of July celebrations ever held by the Del Rio Woods Home Owners Association. In the crowd were summer residents of Fitch Mountain and a large representation of Healdsburg young people.
Throughout the day swimming races, pie and watermelon eating contests, rowing races, a basketball game and novelty stunts kept the energetic throng on the move and whetted appetites for the stacks of hot dogs served with ice cream and soft drinks late in the afternoon.
Shortly after dusk, fireworks were set off at the river’s edge as the tired and
‘Sewershed’
Absent testing information, the County of Sonoma Health Department relies on other means of charting the prevalence of the virus locally: wastewater monitoring. In this technology, wastewater (e.g. sewage) is tested for micro-organisms to help local health officials track infectious diseases.
happy crowd sat on the beach to watch. The tremendous success of the picnic was made possible by the wholehearted and generous cooperation of the Chamber of Commerce, merchants, businessmen, the Fire Department, and the Police Department of the City of Healdsburg.
50 years ago: July 11, 1974
‘RAIN
IN JULYWHAT WILL WE TELL TOURISTS NOW?’
Unseasonal rains which ended the holiday weekend set new records all over the county, but apparently caused minimal damage to crops. Healdsburg Fire Department recorded 1.71 inches between Sunday and Monday nights. The previous high for the month of July was .18 inches.
The rain soaked picnickers and drove crowds away from Memorial Beach, an unusual sight over the Fourth of July weekend. Sunny skies were generally the rule for the annual St.
POSTER CHILD Displaying a poster of a clown to advertise the St. John’s Fair in the 1950s.
John’s Country Fair, until late Sunday afternoon when the first drops began to fall, putting a damper on some activities. While those on vacation may not have liked the storm, the California Division of Forestry didn’t mind it at all. Activity slowed to a crawl at the Lytton station, giving firemen a chance to catch a breath. They don’t expect the storm to have
Windsor sewershed, but if the numbers are ticking down over the last month the anecdotal evidence is strong that Covid is prevalent in our community.
a beneficial long-range effect, however.
The Flashbackers are volunteers for the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society. The museum is currently closed, preparing for its next exhibition on the history of Fitch Mountain. It will reopen in early August. For information, visit www. healdsburgmuseum.org.
“We have been observing an overall increasing trend in wastewater detection of Covid-19 that began early May of this year,” said Leslie Kimura, deputy public health officer for the county on June 28. “Detection in the composite of all sewer sheds peaked at 57% of its maximum historical detection on June 14th and since then has plateaued around 52%.”
Three area wastewater treatment facilities are tested—in Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Windsor—with a composite number also recorded. The local baseline number, when the maximum historical detection figure was 100% for the Windsor “sewershed,” was in February 2024. As of June 27, the most recent date published, the Windsor number is only 13%, though the other facilities test high enough to push the composite number to 56%.
Healdsburg is in the
For most people, especially those with immunizations, the symptoms may be relatively mild— relatively being the operative word. A high fever affects some, not others; muscle aches and congestion may be experienced; some experience diarrhea and nearly everyone experiences fatigue. Symptoms can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.
Kimura also notes that while not all hospitals are reporting Covid cases, those that do reported 47 Covid-19 hospitalizations in June. All cases were adults, with 77% of these cases being adults 65 or older. In June, four Covid-19 outbreaks occurred at skilled nursing and residential care facilities for the elderly, with a total number of 20 cases and contacts.
With its familiarity, and the relative mildness of symptoms for many, people should remember that Covid remains potentially serious.
“Covid-19 remains one of the leading causes of premature death in Sonoma County,” Kimura said. This includes six deaths due to Covid-19 reported in June 2024.
Evolution
Part of the challenge Covid poses to health officials is that the virus evolves, with new variants slipping through the defenses human immune systems build up, including vaccination. The original SARS-CoV-2 virus that appeared late in 2019, and an early variant called Delta, have largely been replaced by the Omicron variant that appeared in southern Africa in 2021. The latest “sublineages” are KP.2 and KP.3 which, beginning in early to mid-May, became more prevalent in Sonoma County, “making up over half of the samples tested in early June of this year,” Kimura said. KP.3 and KP.2 are subvariants of FLiRT, named after technical names for the mutations which also stem from the Omicron variant line. Perhaps appropriately, “FLiRT variants are quite transmissible and likely contributing to the overall increasing trend in cases we’ve seen since early May,” Kimura said. The trend is not just local. The latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data shows that nationally, positive Covid-19 results have risen 9%. Common symptoms remain sore throat, cough, fatigue, congestion, runny nose, fever or chills, and headache. While symptoms improve for many after several days with plenty of rest, the CDC still advises seeking medical attention in cases of troubled breathing, confusion, persistent chest pain and the inability to stay awake.
Photos courtesy Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society
SUMMER IDYL A family gathers for summer fun at Del Rio Woods on the Russian River, circa 1928.
LOCAL APPLES Labels from the apple farm Miller & Sons of Sebastopol were affixed to boxes sent around the country 100 years ago.
Photo by Christian Kallen
FIRST STOP For many, the Emergency Room at Healdsburg District Hospital is the only reliable place to get a Covid test, as many drug stores report test kits are running low.
SENIOR HIT-ANDRUN, JUVENILE DRINKING AND DRIVING, IMPERSONATION AND GRAFFITI
Monday, June 24
8:11am A 37-Year-Old (YO) woman was contacted for a probation check on Dry Creek Road at Grove Street. She was arrested and released for violating probation.
9:25am The Reporting Party (RP) indicated that a bicyclist yelled at him and circled him on his bike on Grayson Way at Grove Street. The RP was advised to call back if the subject returned.
9:30am The RP indicated that a person was sleeping in the beer garden near Tisza on Healdsburg Avenue. Officers responded and asked the person to move along.
• 11:49am The RP indicated that two vehicles appeared to try to run each other off the road on Highway 101 at Old Redwood Highway. Officers responded and located a vehicle that was down the embankment. California Highway Patrol responded and took over the investigation.
3:38pm A 49-YO woman was stopped near Great Clips on Vine Street for having outstanding warrants. She was cited and released for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and on out-of-county warrants regarding possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
3:47pm A transient was regularly around the Parish Cafe on Mill Street since June 21. The transient yelled at the RP after the RP allowed the woman to charge her phone. The RP requested extra patrol of the area, but did not want to press charges.
4:21pm A woman at Wells Fargo Bank on Vine Street tried to withdraw $2,500. She is on the be on the lookout (BOLO) list as having been impersonating another client throughout the county. Officers responded. She is described as an adult, 5’-4,” 120-130 pounds in a brown dress. The vehicle, a black Jaguar SUV, that the woman left in was added to the Flock license plate reader system. An officer met with the RP and took a report.
Tuesday, June 25
• 12:27am Graffiti was reported at Badger Park on Heron Drive on the entrance sign.
5:39am The RP indicated that a man and woman were having a verbal argument at Healdsburg Corporation Yard on Westside Road. The call was referred to Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
• 8:43am An officer contacted a suspicious person at the 7-Eleven Store on Healdsburg Avenue. A 35-YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for theft or misappropriation of lost property, carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.
• 10:18am–2:03pm Multiple graffiti incidents were reported throughout central Healdsburg: at Plaza Park on Healdsburg Avenue, on Center Street at North Street and at the Acorn Café on Matheson.
2:57pm A vehicle was vandalized at Healdsburg City Hall on Grove Street. The RP called on behalf of a Spanishspeaking person who stated something on his vehicle was broken. An officer responded and took a report.
4:04pm A person was stopped near Dollar Tree on Vine Street for violating
POLICE LOG
window-tinting rules. A 40-YO man was cited and released for driving with a license suspended for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and advised of an out-of-county warrant.
7:14pm Petty theft by two men occurred at Big John’s Market on Healdsburg Avenue. Some items were recovered.
The RP wanted to press charges. The suspects fled in a vehicle, running a red light. An officer responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival (GOA) and unable to be located (UTBL). A report was taken and an investigation started.
• 8:00pm A food vendor violated permit rules at Plaza Park on Healdsburg Avenue. The subject was advised of the city ordinance.
9:00pm A verbal argument between two men occurred at Dollar Tree on Vine Street. The RP stated that he was kicked by a male clerk and felt slightly injured, but declined medical help.
The RP wanted to press charges for being kicked. Officers responded, but the RP was GOA. The store clerk and a witness indicated that the RP threw a bottle of water at the clerk and that the clerk never kicked the RP. The RP was escorted out of the building prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Information about the incident was recorded.
• 10:27pm A vehicle was stopped on Philip Drive at Paul Wittke Drive due to a headlight not working. A 19-YO man was arrested for DUI, driving without a license, driving as a minor with detectable blood alcohol levels and possessing an open container of alcohol. He was transported to county jail.
Wednesday, June 26
7:54am Graffiti was reported on Johnson Street on a
construction fence.
2:09pm A person was cited for driving without a license on Highway 101 at Old Redwood Highway.
8:16pm A vehicle on Mill Street was stopped for violating tail-light rules. A 31-YO man was cited and released on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding disobeying a court order and DUI.
Thursday, June 27
3:00pm An RP indicated that a vehicle hit a fire hydrant on Clear Ridge Drive causing water to spew out. The vehicle left the scene and headed southbound on Rosewood Drive. An officer responded. A 66-YO woman was cited and released for misdemeanor hit-and-run.
3:55pm The RP stated that a woman trespassed at CVS Pharmacy on Center Street. Officers responded and cited a 65YO woman for trespassing.
Friday, June 28
12:06am The RP indicated that a person violated protection orders by attempting to get the RP to drop or change the protection orders. An arrest warrant was sent out and a report was taken.
1:20pm Reckless driving was reported at the roundabout on Healdsburg Avenue. The RP indicated that a truck was all over the road, unable to maintain speeds, and almost hit another vehicle. The vehicle headed toward the bridge. An officer located the vehicle and the driver had not been drinking. No further assistance was needed.
• 9:14pm The RP, an employee, stated that a customer at Circle K on Healdsburg Avenue was threatening the RP, walking around the store yelling and attempting to
steal alcohol. While on the phone with dispatch, the man left the store. The RP was advised to call back if the man returned.
Saturday, June 29
10:14am Fraud occurred at Fitch Mountain Terrace I on South Fitch Mountain Road. The RP, who has the power of attorney for her mother, called to indicate her mother wanted to meet “Publisher’s Clearing House” tomorrow at Safeway to claim winnings in exchange for gift cards. The victim was out $2,000 and was not aware she was getting scammed. Officers gave advice to the RP and her mother. The officers also spoke with the suspects, advised them to stop calling and blocked the phone numbers.
1:10pm The RP reported that squatters took items and a camera from a neighbor’s home on Spruce Way. The RP then placed his own Ring camera in his neighbor’s yard, which was also taken. The RP contacted Ring, which requested a police report.
Sunday, June 30
• 10:39am The RP indicated that an e-bike valued at $2,500 was stolen on East Street several days previously. An officer responded and took a report.
12:58pm The RP indicated that neighbors had been pressure washing all day, a Sunday, on Prince Avenue, which violated a city ordinance. An officer responded and advised the neighbors of the complaint; they then shut down for the day.
1:47pm A vehicle was stopped on Highway 101 at Dry Creek Road for unsafe lane changes. A 40-YO man was cited on outstanding warrants regarding violating a restraining order.
2:21pm The RP indicated that a woman was
sleeping at Quail & Condor on Healdsburg Avenue and yelling at the staff. The RP did not want to have a no-trespass letter filed against the woman, but wanted her to be asked to leave. The woman subsequently left, and the RP was advised to call back if the woman returned.
3:47pm Officers arrested a 53-YO man near Dry Creek Inn on Dry Creek Road behind Pepper’s for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. He was transported to county jail, and his vehicle was towed.
• 5:17pm The RP indicated that her child’s father contacted her via a parenting app indicating he would be three hours late for the custody exchange. She also reported a violation of their restraining order. The officer met with the 29-YO man and subsequently arrested him on an existing warrant for violating a restraining order. He was transported to county jail.
8:11pm