The Pacific Legal Foundation, an independent nonprofit law firm generally associated with libertarian causes, has filed suit against the City of Healdsburg on behalf of a client who believes the city’s “inclusionary fees” to support affordable housing are illegal.
“Inclusionary zoning forces developers of residential property to subsidize below-market-rate housing, which counterproductively raises the cost of development and thereby makes housing less affordable,” the foundation said in its Sept. 5 press release on the action.
“The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that permit conditions for new construction must be proportional and directly related to that construction’s negative public impact. In this case, adding to a city’s housing supply does not negatively impact the cost of housing.”
The suit was brought on behalf of Jessica Pilling and her husband, owners of bikehealdsburg.com, who want to build a new family home with an accessory dwelling unit on a portion of their property. Bike Healdsburg has a pedalpowered, open-air trolley that takes tourists around town to bars, tasting rooms and other sites.
After subdividing their property, the Pillings applied for construction permits, only to be hit with
HIGH-TECH UPGRADE FOR DILAPIDATED CAR WASH
By Christian Kallen
Healdsburg residents who have longed for the return of the car wash at 1191 Healdsburg Ave., between Flyers Energy and Big O Tires, have reason to rejoice. As has often been rumored, Splash Express is coming to town, and representatives appeared before the Planning Commission on Sept. 10 to present their design review application for the new business, projected to open in as little as a year. The applicant, Lawrence Amaturo, submitted his plans in January for a new, upgraded and updated car wash, the latest in what was once a network of Splash Express locations. He purchased the Healdsburg location in 2022, following its closure earlier that year, and since that time local car owners have faced limited
opportunities for keeping their machines clean.
The only other car wash in town currently is at the Chevron Station on the corner of Healdsburg and Sunnyvale; the single-car facility was just upgraded with a new single-car “PDQ Laser Wash 360 Plus,” which offers a rainbow-colored cleaning experience. However, many drivers are heading to larger car washes in Windsor or Santa Rosa, or washing their car in a home driveway, since the former seven-stall selfserve operation shut down over two years ago.
Home car washing is not recommended by the city’s Utility Conservation Analyst, Terra Sampson. For one thing, water conservation regulations have prohibited home car washing, “except when utilizing a bucket and hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle.” (The conservation regulations have been lifted with the end of the drought.)
Additionally, water running down a driveway, into
a gutter and down the street into storm drains “can lead to pollution (e.g., soaps, cleaning agents, motor oil, etc.) entering creeks and rivers,” Sampson said.
Conservation On the other hand, “Commercial car washes use less water and are required by code to recycle the water used,” Sampson told the Tribune. “California Water Code states that car washes permitted and constructed after 2014 must use a water recycling system that recycles and reuses at least 60% of the wash and rinse water, or use provided recycled water for at least 60% of the wash and rinse water.”
Those are in fact less stringent requirements than the technologies that will be installed at the new Healdsburg Splash Express, according to Ramos & Associates, the project management and design firm building the new car wash. “The proposed car wash equipment utilizes the latest industry technology, including
DRIVERS ASKED TO TURN OFF IDLING CARS
SCHOOLS POST ANTI-IDLING SIGNS TO REDUCE RISK TO HEALTH, CLIMATE
By Christian Kallen
Late last spring, the Healdsburg Unified School District approved adding signs to student pick-up areas reminding parents to turn off their car engines while waiting. “Students Breathing!” warned the sign. “Estudiantes Respirando!” Now, with a new school
reduced water usage and reclamation,” Ramos told City Planner Ellen McDonald in his application. Ramos added, “The project will utilize a 75% reclaim system for wash water recycling and will be solar-ready per the current CBC. The wastewater from the reverse osmosis filtration system will irrigate all site landscaping needs. Using wastewater from the filtration system eliminates the need for city water for landscape irrigation.”
Ramos also designs the Chevron Laser Wash operations. “The Splash wash is far superior to a Chevron roll-over Laser Wash,” he said. “We will have a car through the tunnel in about 90 seconds as opposed to four minutes. I design Chevron car washes and gas stations, too, and have for over 30 years. There really is no comparison.”
The old, seven-stall self-service car wash will be completely demolished, including concrete, paving and landscaping. In its place on the 1.32acre lot will stand a new,
year underway, Climate Action Healdsburg’s small but growing subcommittee on anti-idling is once again, and more forcefully, reminding students and their parents that idling cars pose a health risk— and, moreover, it’s illegal in Healdsburg.
“A vehicle engine which emits exhaust fumes into the air shall be turned off while the vehicle is stopped or standing or parked on a public street or public parking area, unless the vehicle is in the moving traffic lane waiting to move with the normal flow of traffic,” reads the city’s Municipal Code, pertaining to traffic and parking (Section 10.28.10).
4,366-square-foot car wash, with two queuing lanes leading to a pay station. Vehicles will then merge into a single lane to enter the 140-foot-long “tunnel” that can hold two cars for service at once. A number of self-serve vacuum stations are found after the washing tunnel, for free use by customers whose cars or trucks have just been showered and dried.
Though it’s possible the Planning Commission or members of the public may apply additional conditions to the design application, neither Scott Duiven, the city’s planning director, nor senior planner Ellen McDowell anticipate an outright refusal. “At this time, we are not aware of any opposition or controversy related to the project,” McDowell said.
Applicant
Applicant Amaturo built the county’s four other Splash Express locations— three in Santa Rosa and a full-service location in
“Every time I go to Vineyard Plaza in Healdsburg I notice multiple parked vehicles with engines idling. I see people eating lunch, waiting for a pizza order, talking on the phone, listening to the radio while their car pollutes the air and makes noise,” wrote Steve Davy.
It’s also not uncommon to spot an idling vehicle with no one inside, not even a pet, leading to speculation that the driver just
It goes on, “Vehicle engines shall be turned off when loading and unloading passengers or merchandise, except when the engine is needed to operate equipment used to load or unload merchandise.” In other words, idling a vehicle not in traffic or actively loading or unloading passengers or merchandise is a violation of the city code. Yet it seems an often overlooked if not ignored ordinance, especially in the more popular shopping lots in town—at Big John’s, Vineyard Plaza and the Mitchell Center. A recent posting in Nextdoor articulated the problem.
Drivers, 4 ➝ Car Wash, 4
Dispute, 7
TUNNEL A designer’s
Photo by Stephanie Callimanis
GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT
Upstairs
Downstairs
Francine Schartz’s The Germans Upstairs, inspired by true events, concludes this weekend with four performances at the Raven Theater. The audience is seated on the stage for this intimate drama. The figurative curtain rises Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, until Sept. 15 only. 115 North St., Thursday is paywhat-you-can, otherwise tickets $25, $10 students at www.raventheater.org.
Ralph’s Rooftop
Bistro
Harmon Guest House concludes its summer “Elevated Eats” series with Healdsburg’s OG celebrity chef Ralph Tingle whipping up Chicken Thigh Paillard, Lamb Smashed Burger Sliders, Grilled Squid & Shishito Peppers among his other menu favorites (items priced separately). Thursday, Sept. 12, from 3-8pm at 227 Healdsburg Ave.
Dad Country Weekly appearances of singer-songwriters percolating just under the Hot 100, on Thursdays. Tonight, Sept. 12, hear Santa Clara Valley troubadour Margo Cilker. Next Thursday, Sept. 19, it’s Langhorne Slim, from Pennsylvania by way of Nashville. Shows often free, start at 6pm. www. littlesainthealdsburg. com/music.
Top-Shelf Covers
The Humdingers Band
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS
brings the party to Healdsburg on Friday, Sept. 13, starting at 7pm. Six-person band features two vocalists and experienced instrumentalists to deliver classic dance tunes, no cover. Coyote Sonoma, 44F Mill St. Farmers’ Markets Drop by the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market at North Street and Foss Creek on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 8:30am to noon, for the best local produce in the area. Also this week on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 9am to 12:30pm at the Healdsburg Plaza. Next week’s Tuesday, Sept. 24, market will be the final Tuesday Market of the year.
Art After Dark
“Pachanga & Art, After Dark” highlights the local art-grant recipients and celebrates Latin Heritage Month with lively pachanga music, art exhibitions, food for sale, crafts, dance, children’s activities, a car show and more. It will be free and family friendly, at Healdsburg Plaza and surrounding streets, Saturday, Sept. 14, from 5:30-9:30pm.
Guitar Jazz Israeli jazz-artist Roni Ben-Hur blends bebop with Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences in this 222 program, including trumpeter Freddie Hendrix, bassist Harvie S and Sylvia Cuenca on drums. Saturday, Sept. 14, 7pm. 222 Healdsburg Ave., www.the222.org.
Calistoga Vocalist
Elaine Jennings crosses the Mayacamas to sing obscure material from the Great American Songbook at Furthermore Wines on Saturday, Sept. 14, 5-8pm, no cover but good local
wine available for purchase.
Music usually Thursdays through Sundays at 358-B Healdsburg Ave.
Intuitive Jazz
Steve Rubardt (piano), Peter Barshay (bass) and Kevin Dillon (drums) explore “swinging and intuitive modern jazz” on Saturday night, Sept. 14, at Healdsburg Hotel’s Spirit Bar, 6-9pm. No cover, partial Dry Creek Kitchen menu available, 25 Matheson St.
Unclassified R&B
Calvin Arsenia claims his music is “unclassifiable” though some might call it Kansas City R&B. Find out Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 8pm. The next night Chicago bluesman Johnny Bergin blows in at
6pm. The “pub” frequently has music Fridays through Sundays, sometimes Tuesdays, maybe Thursdays— check out the Elephant, 177 Healdsburg Ave., www.elephantintheroompub.com.
City Council
On the agenda for this Monday, Sept. 16, meeting of the City Council are the Mill District development agreement, Climate Mobilization Strategy annual update, Reach for Home quarterly update and more. 6pm, 401 Gove St., in Council Chambers and online at facebook.com/ CityofHealdsburg.
Ongoing
Through Oct. 13: The Healdsburg Museum continues its newest
exhibition, “Trails to Fitch Mountain,” about the human and natural history of our local landmarks, the mountain and the river, until Oct. 13. Free admission, Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am to 4pm, 221 Matheson St.
Upcoming Sept. 27-29: Healdsburg International Short Film Festival returns to the Raven Theater for three days of riveting shorts, filmmaker meet-and-greets, and other cinematic interactions. Judges include musician Tom Waits, filmmaker Ellie Foumbi, actor Ed Begley Jr., writer Daedalus Howell and other luminaries. Passes and schedule at healdsburgfilm.com.
Sept. 28: Foss Creek Cleanup at the Healdsburg Community Center. Breakfast from the Rotary Club 8:309am, clean-up crews from 9-11am, awards and lunch provided by Healdsburg Kiwanis from 11:30am to 12:30pm. For more information, contact mharrigan@healdsburg.gov.
Sept. 28: Windsor Day begins with a parade at 10am, followed by a festival on the Town Green with live music (a Taylor Swift tribute), kids activities, food, drinks and more.
Post events on the Tribune’s online calendar at healdsburgtribune.com/ calendar and send special announcements to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.
Postcard From Black Rock City
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO UNPLUG FROM HEALDSBURG AND LIVE IN BIZARRO WORLD FOR 10 DAYS
By Simone Wilson
Not sure how exactly this happened, but it seems I’ve become a Burning Man person. I just crawled back to Healdsburg last week from my fourth Burn; my Prius is still caked in telltale white dust. Everyone has been asking me what it was like out there. I’ll try my best to explain.
the fancy camps with lots of amenities—but I didn’t come across any of them this year, and wasn’t really looking. So within a couple of days, I already felt high off the simple act of disconnecting.
The news cycle melted away. A steady flow of fascinating humans replaced my social-media feeds. Whatever was in front of me at any given moment came into rich focus.
It felt like new synapses began to form. I would run into an acquaintance or hear a name or find a flier that would lead me down another rabbit hole. Infinite such holes exist at Burning Man—probably in the outside world, too, but here they’re more obvious. Walk into any of the 1,500-plus theme camps dotting the Black Rock City grid, and one is swept into another mini-universe, filled with its own set of games and shticks and nooks.
The first step involved letting my phone die in the corner of my tent. Elon Musk’s Starlink internet hubs have made wifi more accessible at the Burn in recent years, especially in
Living for 10 days this summer in the popup desert community of ~70,000 that is Black Rock City, Nevada— a.k.a. Burning Man—felt like snipping the mental constructs that tie down my everyday reality and entering a brutalist dream world. It left me spiritually refreshed and physically spent.
For instance, at the camp I call home—a Western saloon named “Desperados”—we construct a Deadwood -esque outpost each year where we serve up whiskey and pickles, dance on the bar, throw people out the saloon doors and orchestrate other debauchery. In 2024, we also added an Old West-style courthouse
where townspeople could settle their disputes. The camp takes a ton of manual labor to build and tear down—amid a grueling whiteout dust storm this time, no less—but it’s an absolute riot, and one of my favorite (temporal) places on Earth. Other fun camps: the Dr. Bronner’s spa experience; a massive, gothic “Thunderdome” where fighters face off with foam weapons; Naked Heart, which hosts dozens of therapeutic workshops per day including breathwork, tantra and more; Golden Guy, an elaborate Tokyo street scene lined with hole-inthe-wall bars; and myriad more spaces to lounge, eat, dance and be merry. Traffic on the streets between camps consists of people on foot and bicycle, all dressed up in futuristic desert garb, as well as hundreds of art cars—or “mutant vehicles,” a la Mad Max—which take the form of anything from a yacht to a deep-sea creature to a sofa. One of the most freeing moves at the Burn is to hop onto an art car and see where it takes you. The other major zone of play is a vast, open area beyond the city grid, called “deep playa.” This is where Burning Man’s two most classic structures—a
➝ Postcard, 7
Photo courtesy of ronibenhur.com
GUITAR MAN Roni Ben-Hur returns for another Healdsburg gig at The 222 on Saturday, Sept. 14, with a multi-national repertoire.
GATEWAY The sun rises over Black Rock Desert on Friday, Aug. 23, two days before Burning Man 2024 begins.
Photo by Simone Wilson
STAGE
New Play Confronts the Human Enemy
‘THE GERMANS UPSTAIRS’ GETS FIRST STAGING AT HEALDSBURG’S RAVEN
By Harry Duke Former Windsor resident
Francine Schwartz has long remembered the stories her mother and grandmother told her about living in occupied France during World War II and of the German soldiers billeted in their home. For the last decade she has worked on a piece based on her family history and what began as a short piece of fiction developed into a fulllength play. That play, The Germans Upstairs, is now being presented by the Raven Players at the Raven Performing Arts Theater through Sept. 15.
Young Josette Politzer (Grace Elizabeth Warden) is furious with her mother Anna (Rickie Emilie Farah) for agreeing to house two German soldiers in their home. Anna tries to make Josette understand that she doesn’t really have a choice, and soon German Army Officer Viktor Schuler (Bohn Connor) and his Junior Officer Helmut Bauer (Dan Stryker) are ensconced in upstairs rooms.
The awkwardness of the situation is felt by all, and that awkwardness is compounded by the fact that the Politzers are Jewish. Viktor’s attempts to get acquainted with
the Politzers are initially rejected, but Anna is intrigued by the German’s intellect and manners.
Despite Anna being married (though separated) from her husband, their relationship grows, much to the consternation of Helmut and Josette. Viktor is torn between devotion to his country and his love for Anna. He knows she must flee to be safe. She resists his entreaties, fleeing to the country home of family friend Gaby (Kathy PingRogers). An attempt to reconnect is thwarted by Helmut. The war ends. Anna and Josette survive. But what of Viktor?
Director Steven David Martin chose to present the play “in the round” with the audience seated atop the Raven stage where they’re greeted by the striking images of the flags of the Nazi regime and the French Resistance on the stage floor. The actors make their entrances and exits from all sides. Such a setup usually presents two challenges: The actors must be blocked in such a way as to make the drama accessible to all sides of the house, and the actors must modulate their performances to account for the intimacy of the space. Martin mostly succeeds with the first, with the addition of a second level to the set providing an assist.
Farah gives a wellgrounded, very believable performance as Anna.
Connor, a gifted physical comedic performer, keeps most of those instincts in check though vocally there were moments when he appeared to be playing to the back of the house.
Warden’s performance as a petulant, foot-stomping teen was a bit onenote. While that may be a reflection of the writing, the performance might have played better with the
physicality toned down. Stryker did fine as the party-line-towing Helmut, while Ping-Rogers brought a calming presence to her scenes.
Schwartz’s script has gone through several revisions over the years, and may go through a few more after this mounting. It runs close to two and a half hours, including a brief intermission, with
numerous scenes taking place at a variety of locations—the house, German headquarters, a train station, the countryside, a hotel and more. The show would have flowed better with the drama more concentrated. What works for a film doesn’t necessarily work for the stage.
That being said, it’s still a solid evening of theater.
Kudos to the Raven
Players for mounting an original work, and kudos to the community members willing to take a chance on an unknown play.
‘The Germans Upstairs’ runs through Sept. 15 at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg. Thu–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $10–$25. (707) 433-6335. raventheater.org.
CONFLICT IS DRAMA German soldier Viktor Schuler (Bohn Connor) finds himself interested in Anna Politzer’s point of view (Rickie Emilie Farah), in the new play ‘The Germans Upstairs’ at Healdsburg’s Raven Theater.
Photography by Ray Mabry
Lavender Is Also a Mint
IT’S A FLOWER, IT’S A COLOR, IT’S TWO MINTS IN ONE
By Pierre Ratte
Sonoma County has iconic colors: brown and green hills in summer, and then blazes of wildflowers depending on the season. Lavender is one of those colors. Amazingly, lavender is in the mint family. Mint is known as a pick-me-up
SPLASH
➝ Car Wash, 1
while lavender is a relaxant despite coming from the same botanical family: Lamiaceae. The botanical name for the lavender pictured above is Lavandula stoechas , commonly called Spanish lavender. It is distinguished by its deep violet leaves, which form a pineapple-shaped flower. French lavender, Lavandula dentata, has a paler color; less purple, with a narrower flower. It’s a bit confusing to
learn that Spanish lavender is native to France, while French lavender is native to Spain! Spanish lavender prefers rocky and sandy soil found in France, while French lavender prefers limestone soils found in Spain. To make matters more confusing, “true lavender” is English lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia Except, of course, when it is grown in France, where some call it French lavender. Culinary lavender is
generally “true lavender,” or English lavender. Whatever the name and species, all lavenders appear to be of European origin and used early on for perfume and medicinal purposes. There are more than 45 species of lavender, each with its own scent and color.
Fun Facts: Lavender stems from the Latin word “lavare” meaning “to wash.” In Roman times, a pound of flowers sold for a month’s wages. Queen Elizabeth
liked lavender jam and tea. Though we associate lavender with French cooking, it was not referenced in recipes until the late 1900s. Americans purchase culinary lavender in herbes de Provence, but this is the U.S. version of the spice mix. Herbes de Provence en France does not include lavender; it is traditionally made with thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, oregano and marjoram.
A lavender wedding is
a quaint term describing a wedding of mixed sexual orientation. In the gilded age of Hollywood, lavender weddings concealed the homosexuality of one partner. If man and woman were both homosexual, the arrangement was referred to as a white wedding, since consummation would not take place. Taking things one step further into modern times, a throuple is a relationship or marriage between three people.
wants to keep the AC on so the car or truck will be cool when the shopping is done.
What’s the matter with that? As Stephanie Callimanis Turk, a member of the anti-idling subcommittee and a school district volunteer recently said, “Car exhaust releases particulate matter into the air, and inhaling it can aggravate asthma, decrease lung function and exacerbate cardiovascular problems.”
Quoting her husband,
That will leave the Healdsburg Splash Express as the signature location of Amaturo’s diminished Splash network, though he is planning another in Ukiah as well.
Amaturo is also an owner of the Jim Bone
Cotati—but he sold those locations to LUV Car Wash, and they will change their names by the end of the year. (LUV is a nationwide car wash and shampoo company with 18 locations in California alone.)
family physician C. Roger Turk, M.D., of Kaiser Permanente, she argued “minimizing exhaust fumes that our children may be exposed to at school is clearly beneficial for their health.” It’s also a waste of fuel: Every two minutes of idling uses about a mile’s worth of gas. With the city under pressure to reduce greenhouse gasses, enforcing an anti-idling ordinance can help Healdsburg meet its Net Zero goals. The signs have been installed at both campuses of Healdsburg Elementary (First Street and Fitch Mountain), the junior high
Auto Group of car lots in Santa Rosa, and of a collection of broadcast stations called Amaturo Sonoma Media Group (not to be confused with the Sonoma Media Group that owns the Press Democrat and other papers). Primary outlets include radio stations KZST, KSRO, the
and several other schools in the area, including St. John’s which has a particular problem at its Fitch Street pickup area.
“You know, when you walk by a person who’s sitting in their car idling, waiting to pick up a kid from school, and you come back 20 minutes later, and they’re still there with their car idling, it’s somewhat upsetting,” said Richard Cochrane, a Rotarian and member of Climate Action Healdsburg’s anti-idling group.
Cochrane, Stephanie Turk, Charlene Luks and, soon, more members plan to build momentum on the
River 97.7, Froggy 92.9 and five others.
When asked about the through-line in his diverse businesses, he said, “The true common aspect among the three is the human touch that is required within each industry to be accepted by and successful for our client base ... we
topic. It is hoped that simply raising awareness of the problem—especially among the younger generations, for which climate health is a predominant concern—can begin to change minds and behaviors.
But while the city ordinance forbids idling, there’s little expectation that people will go to jail for the offense any time soon.
“The police department has been engaged with community members regarding this issue, which is consistent with goals in our Climate Mobilization Strategy,” said Police Chief Matt Jenkins. However, he added,
Celebrate a life well lived
only succeed by satisfying our clients over and over again. Once we win their trust, we do all we can to maintain that trust.”
Amaturo’s children attended school in Healdsburg, and his wife, Dr. Susan Amaturo, has practiced as a dermatologist for decades here and in other cities. “Healdsburg is the jewel of Sonoma County,” he said, “perhaps all of the North Bay.”
“We currently do not have the staffing to proactively enforce this ordinance, so enforcement is generally complaint-based.” He said complaints can be made 24/7 at (707) 431-3377.
Besides, he said, “Education tends to be more impactful than enforcement, so a violation would generally result in warnings rather than a ticket.”
Which leaves education as the best avenue for raising awareness about the issue. And in this arena, said Cochrane, Stephanie Turk has been a leader.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the project, with conditions, at their Sept. 10 meeting. See this story online for more details of that meeting.
“She’s probably a bit too humble to take credit for it, but we’ve reached out to Geyserville Elementary, West Side School, the Healdsburg School, St. John’s and also Slater Junior High in Santa Rosa.” The Climate Action Club at Healdsburg High is also interested in playing a role, though it has not yet met for the new school year, said faculty sponsor and biology teacher Karen Wilkinson.
The EPA offers an Idle-Free Schools Toolkit, available at tinyurl.com/mdp2p9pm. To learn more about the Climate Action Network, visit climateactionhealdsburg.org.
COLOR OF RELAXATION This lavender bush sits off Chiquita Road near a geodesic dome. Home, sweet dome.
Photo by Pierre Ratte
Hungry Hounds Feast on St. Helena, 54-25
SECOND BLOWOUT SIGNALS
REVITALIZED HEALDSBURG VARSITY PROGRAM
By John Linker
After last week’s first win in three years, a mix of nerves, anxiety and hope filled the Rec Park grandstand to capacity. The anticipation was palpable. The crowd outside the snack bar was more of a tangle of humanity than a line, the student section emitted a low tremulous roar and the Greyhounds were drinking pre-game Gatorade like they were filming a commercial.
But less than a minute after Christian Camacho Ruiz’s kickoff for Healdsburg, the Greyhounds ended up with possession of the ball. And a few seconds later Areum Romero caught a 33-yard pass from Nova Perrill II to take a lead the Greyhounds were never to fully relinquish, and the crowd’s anxiety let up.
Unfortunately for the visitors, their star running back, Sam Beck, went down with a game-ending injury after only two series of St. Helena downs. Still, the Saints put a score on the board with 5:18 left in the first quarter though the extra point eluded them.
Although the Saints threatened with another running attack, the Hounds’ defense persevered, and thanks to Leo Kluse making a saving tackle the Hounds again were in good scoring position.
Two downs later, Perrill
again threw a spiraling beauty to Romero, making the score 13-6 at the end of the first quarter. But the Greyhounds’ passing attack was just beginning.
The Saints almost tied the game in the second quarter, bringing the score to 13-12 behind quarterback Troy Taber. But their extra point failed again, and the rest of the first half belonged to the Hounds.
If any anxiety was in the house, the Hounds were having none of it. The team played with unmatched confidence: The offensive line was snappy and strong, while the defensive line was tenacious and unforgiving. Coach Criss Rosales praised them both, saying, “Our line, on both sides, is the strongest part of our DNA. Our offensive line is led by Andy Duran, Isaiah Robles, Esteban Guzman and Milo Timmsen-Miller. These guys are the true foundation of our offense.”
Then agile Frank Rea, also known as “The Tank” (though at 5-feet-8-inches and 150 pounds, he’s built more like a Porsche), returned the kickoff over 30 yards, setting up the Hounds for success.
Within minutes, Perrill found Max Morris for a 36-yard touchdown pass, and with Comacho Ruiz’s extra point, Healdsburg led 20-12 five minutes before halftime.
But what a five minutes. The Saints took their running game on a longhaul journey downfield to score on a run by quarterback Troy Taber to close
the gap to 20-18. With only 2:39 left, the Hounds quickly got to work. Perrill began a stunning pass attack, with a completion to Rea for 38 yards, then to Hayden Mariani for a touchdown, making the score 27-18 with less than a minute left in the half.
But they weren’t done yet. Linebacker Dillan Jocius recovered a Saints fumble on the 26-yard-line, then Perrill found Frank Rea for the touchdown. In less than 60 seconds, the Hounds had scored two touchdowns to take a 34-18 lead into the half.
In the second half, the Hounds did what this year’s Hounds do best.
Smooth running by Rea on returns and pass receptions, along with Perrill’s pass accuracy—he completed 10 of 15 including six touchdowns for a “perfect” passer rating of 149.3—led to three more TDs before the final buzzer.
The Saints scored their last points near the end of the quarter, but they looked tired. Rea kept taking kickoffs for big returns, Alexander Harms kept grinding out the yards and the Greyhounds started the final quarter with a 48-25 lead, which turned out to be one TD short of the 54-25 final score.
The last time the Hounds Varsity football
Slow Start for Volleyball Squad
GIRLS HOPE TO GET BACK IN THE GAME FOR LEAGUE PLAY
By Caleb Knudsen
A lot of games, in fact the best games, are played because they’re fun. Volleyball is one of those: The fans in the stands can tell when a team is on a roll, because their enthusiasm is loud, proud and infectious. Which may be a longwinded way of saying there’s a lot more to the game than the perfect record, and that’s a good thing. Because, at least so
far in the young varsity volleyball season at Healdsburg High, the wins far outnumber the losses. In fact it was only last weekend, in a tournament in St. Helena, that the Greyhound girls got their first win, a 2-0 shutout over Ferndale of Humboldt County. They did
however lose the other three matches they played that day, Saturday Sept. 7. But at least it was a win— and if the volleyball team is burdened by a 1-11 record so far this year, new coach Jonathan Nuttall hopes the win helps turn the tide.
“I think getting that first win was a big weight off
team scored more than 50 points in a game was in 2016, another non-conference game against the Emery Spartans (62-0).
Perrill ended Friday night with an impressive eight total touchdowns (two on the run, six in the air), and broke school records for passing touchdowns (6) and for passing yards (257) in one game. Perhaps not since 1966 has there been such a performance by a Healdsburg quarterback.
Still, the team as a whole plays grounded, acts disciplined and performs like they love what they do. As Rosales put it, “These kids are a true representation of the original Greyhound football identity.” Only two games into the season, the Hounds are showing heart, joy and promise. Their next matchup is an afternoon outing in Walnut Creek on Saturday against the Berean Christian High Eagles, also 2-0, at 12:30pm. The sole bright light in last year’s Greyhounds season was their 42-42 tie against Berean Christian on Sept. 29, 2023. The next home game is Friday, Sept. 20, against Montgomery, 7pm at Rec Park. It will be the last nonleague game of the year, followed on Sept. 27 by a meeting with Mountain division rival San Rafael.
the team’s shoulders, and now that we have a full week of practice to prepare for our next tournament I’m hoping this will be a bit of a turning point for the team,” he said.
Nuttall takes partial responsibility for the team’s slow start. “I think the biggest contributor to the loss streak is that we just had a packed schedule to start the season,” he said. “I can tell you I won’t be scheduling this many back-to-back matches next year.”
He pointed out they had six matches before they had a single day of practice to make adjustments, with games three days a week against pretty stiff competition. These included a strong Montgomery team, perennial favorite Sonoma Academy, and back-to-back games last week in the East Gym against Santa Rosa and Fort Bragg.
Yet while they lost some seniors from last year’s team to graduation— including Addy Parmeter, Hadley Reuter, Mia Falberg and Laurel Heaney— a number of returning players should bring the team better results as the season progresses. These
include Ashley Behrens, Allie Espinoza, Hannah Sellards and libero Melissa Casas Gatica.
“The girls are still determined to make this a successful season, and believe they can make this into a successful season,” said Nuttall, the young and informal new coach for the Greyhound girls who was assistant coach at Rancho Cotate last year.
“The key factor I’m aiming to take advantage of this season is stellar defense, on and off the net,” he said. “With the right prep, I think we’ll be able to frustrate even the best hitters in the league.”
Taking a look at the changed rosters in the other Redwood League teams— and the move of last season’s champion Ukiah to the Oak League—Nuttall said, “I think there might be a big shakeup in league standings this year. Where we’ll fall 12 weeks from now I can’t say, but I see the potential for this team to surprise some people.”
Healdsburg’s next home volleyball match is Tuesday, Sept 17, against Elsie Allen. Redwood League play begins the following week.
Photo by Joe Rowland
D-LINE Healdsburg’s defensive line kept the St. Helena running game in check during the Sept. 6 matchup won by Healdsburg 54-25. From left, Christian Flores (15), Isaiah Robles (59) and John Wallace (44), ‘the strongest part of our DNA’ according to coach Criss Rosales.
Photo by Christian Kallen
STYMIED Returning Healdsburg middle blocker, Ashley Behrens, guards the net during a Sept. 4 match against Fort Bragg.
CRIME
EVIDENCE The result of a vehicle-crash investigation included two passed-out passengers, large bags of prime bud, significant amounts of cash and some meth.
A Plethora of Evidence
SLEEPY DRIVER, PASSENGER RUN INTO PLENTY OF TROUBLE
Staff Report
Early on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 8, Healdsburg Police officers responded to the area of First and Piper streets following a report of a vehicle that had crashed into the curb with its loud music still playing.
When officers arrived on scene shortly after 1:20am they found a white 2013 Audi A4 resting on the curb, and both the driver and the passenger passed out. Medical assistance was requested, and the suspects were roused for questioning.
Officers “determined that the driver may have been under the influence of a substance,” according to the police department’s social media post on Facebook.
An investigation and search of the vehicle followed, recovering a considerable amount of evidence that included 7.31 pounds of marijuana, 78.9 grams of methamphetamine and $822 in cash. The driver, Ryan Robert Roy-Downey, 35, of Covelo, and passenger Courtney Luscko Hamilton, 40, were both arrested on multiple charges of possession of drugs and paraphernalia with intent to sell. Downey was also charged with driving under the influence, and he is still in custody.
a $20,000 inclusionary zoning fee on top of the usual permitting costs.
“You can’t make housing
UNPLUG
➝ Postcard, 2
statue of a man, and a stunning wooden “temple” for mourning loved ones—are burned at week’s end, during two nights of catharsis. Deep playa is also where artists install their large, interactive sculptures. My brother Luke Wilson, who co-leads Desperados, helped build a freestanding treehouse of sorts this year with his colleagues from O2 Treehouse, a Petaluma-based startup. They fashioned a light-and-sound installation inside the treehouse that mimicked brain synapses.
This structure was a
more affordable by making it more expensive, but that’s what cities like Healdsburg do when they impose socalled ‘inclusionary fees’ on residential development,” said David Deerson, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. “Fortunately,
sanctuary from the dust and heat, where people could park their bikes and climb into another little world. Not too far away, a different group built a giant sunken pirate ship and sea serpent, emerging from the sand. Yet one more exceptional way to get lost in the labyrinth. I think also because most folks traversing Black Rock City are so open by nature, the whole premise being exploration, the potential for serendipity skyrockets. In fact, the theme this year was “Curious and Curiouser”—a nod to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland , which organizers describe as a “topsy-turvy world immune to the laws of common sense.” Sounds about right.
the Constitution prohibits the government from arbitrarily demanding property or money from developers, whether big firms or families like the Pillings.”
The City of Healdsburg was quick to respond,
issuing a press release on Monday, Sept. 9. Calling the Pacific Legal Foundation “a legal organization known for challenging government policies,” City Manager Jeff Kay said, “This lawsuit is a challenge to inclusionary housing
They named it “Sonapse.”
policies, which are authorized under State law, and widely implemented across California …”
He added, “We believe Healdsburg’s inclusionary housing policy is essential to addressing the housing needs of our
community and is a sound and widely accepted approach to maintaining housing affordability and diversity.”
Since the lawsuit is pending litigation, Kay said not to expect any further comment at this time.
SANDRA JEAN MITCHELL HAGAN
October 14, 1944 – August 31, 2024
andra Jean Mitchell Hagan, beloved mom, grandma, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024. Born in Alturas, CA to Jed “Mitch” and Myrtle Mitchell, Sandy spent most of her life in Healdsburg, where she was a cherished community member. She graduated from Healdsburg High School in 1962. In 1964 she attended the American Hair Institute in New York, where she was a top student. She then went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Skip Ozanwich. Together, they welcomed their only child, Lance.
A talented and dedicated professional, Sandy opened a beauty shop, The Hair Craft, renowned for the best beehive hairstyle in town. Her career took a new direction when she and her second husband, Edward J. Hagan, founded Agora Development Services, a business dedicated to helping injured workers. Sandy and Ed shared many joyful years together until his passing in 2009.
In her later years, Sandy lived in Nice CA, where she made many loving friendships. She maintained strong connections with friends from school and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Healdsburg Animal Shelter, sponsoring it as often as she could. Her passions included her family, friends, dogs — Charlotte, Delilah, and Lucky, many beloved cats, and of course playing bingo, reflecting her vibrant and caring nature.
Sandy’s contributions to her community were recognized when she was awarded Woman of the Year in 1980 by the Healdsburg Boys and Girls Club. Her spirit was defined by her feisty, fun, kind, loving, and authentic demeanor.
Sandy is survived by her son Lance Ozanwich (Carolyn); her brother Marc Mitchell (Jackie); niece Taylor; nephew Kian; her grandchildren Andrew, Justin, Kayla, Kevin and many cousins.
Photo courtesy of Healdsburg Police Department
SANCTUARY Healdsburg native Luke Wilson, the writer’s brother, is part of the team that built this freestanding “treehouse” near the Burning Man temple this year.
Photo by Sarah Gold
STOLEN WALLETS, MISSING BUNNIES AND BREAKING INTO JAIL
Monday, August 26
10:09am The Reporting Party (RP) indicated that his wallet was stolen out of his vehicle on Parkland Farms Boulevard at Quarry Ridge Court. The RP’s Wells Fargo card was used at several locations in Redding, including 76, Costco, Walmart, Arco and Shell. The RP contacted his bank, but did not want to press charges. The RP was advised to contact the DMV about his identification and follow up with his insurance company to see if his belongings would be covered.
7:39pm A 25-year-old (YO) man was cited and released near Exchange Bank on Vine Street on outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
8:12pm A vehicle on Hwy 101 at Arata Lane was stopped for having an illegal license plate cover. A 30-YO man was cited and released on an outstanding Napa County warrant regarding driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.
10:35pm The RP at Healdsburg Gas Mart on Healdsburg Avenue indicated that a woman went into the store and asked the RP to have sex with her in the bathroom. She was with a man in a vehicle.
Officers responded and arrested a 28-YO woman for being under the influence of a controlled substance, public intoxication and violating probation. She was transported to county jail.
Tuesday, August 27
10:41am The RP on Front Street indicated that one of his bunnies was stolen from his yard. An officer responded and provided advice.
12:53pm The RP on Maxwell Street indicated that fraud occurred in one
of his investment accounts. An officer responded and took a report.
3:23pm A vehicle was stopped on Hwy 101 at Lytton Springs Road for traveling at 50 mph on the freeway and weaving in and out of lanes. A 60YO man was arrested for drunk driving and transported to county jail.
6:06pm The RP at Sonoma Millworks on Grove Street indicated that his employee locked herself in the business because a man was trying to enter the building. Officers responded and brought the man to a bus stop.
• 9:47pm A man who had been drinking caused a disturbance at Healdsburg Liquors on Center Street. Officers responded and advised the man not to return to the business.
Wednesday, August 28
12:28am A vehicle was stopped at Jerry’s Valero on Dry Creek Road for violating registration rules. A 37-YO woman was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, illegal possession of a controlled substance, and on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding welfare fraud and violating probation. She was transported to county jail.
3:15pm The RP indicated that domestic violence occurred on Saddle Draw on July 28. An officer responded to the suspect’s residence, but the suspect was gone on arrival and unable to be located. A card with the phone number for the police was left at the door and a report was taken.
5:13pm A vehicle was stopped on Hwy 101 at Westside Road for violating license plate rules. A 33YO man was cited and released for driving with a suspended license and violating probation.
7:11pm The RP at Oak Grove Apartments on Grove Street indicated that four juveniles were driving and walking around the complex. Officers responded and contacted the subjects in a
POLICE LOG
vehicle. A 20-YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and being a minor in possession of alcohol.
Thursday, August 29
7:15am The RP on Hudson Street at Harmon Street indicated that construction trucks started beeping at 6:30am, but they were not allowed to start until 7:30am. The RP was advised to call when it happened again.
• 2:32pm An officer contacted a 44-YO man near Jon Wright Feed Store on Mill Street. He was cited on outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding failure to appear in court, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.
• 4:52pm The RP on Terrace Boulevard indicated that when she was purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster, she received information to make a payment through PayPal, but fraud occurred and she lost $395. The RP contacted her bank. The information was documented, and she was provided an incident number.
• 5:08pm The RP on Foss Creek Court at West Grant Street believed a 39-YO man evicted on Aug. 27 was breaking into the apartment. He was around the property throughout the day, and a window for the apartment was open. The RP believed the man had been drinking, and was willing to press charges and file trespassing paperwork. When officers responded the man was uncooperative and combative. He was arrested for resisting arrest, vandalism, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. After medical clearance, he was transported to county jail.
Friday, August 30
11:54am The RP on Prince Avenue stated that her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend posted a video with the RP’s social security number (SSN) on Facebook. The RP was advised to flag
her SSN at FTC.gov.
• 1:41pm The RP on Hudson Street said a man chased staff down the street in an attempt to speak to his girlfriend on the premises. The RP advised he then parked halfway up the road. Subsequently, the man left. The RP planned to call back if the man returned.
2:11pm A hotspot device from the Healdsburg Regional Library on Piper Street was stolen from the RP in February. The device was valued at $230. An incident number was provided.
Saturday, August 31
• 9:32am The RP reported that a driver of a vehicle near John & Zeke’s on Healdsburg Avenue was possibly drunk. The vehicle ran into curbs and almost ran a red light. When officers responded, the driver was gone on arrival and unable to be located.
• 9:38am Joyriding occurred on Johnson Street. The RP stated her vehicle was missing. FLOCK license plate readers indicated that the vehicle had not left Healdsburg. Officers located the vehicle, which had no damage. The vehicle was returned to the owner, and an officer took a report.
11:13am The RP at Safeway on Vine Street indicated two
men were in an argument in front of the store. Both men solicited in the same area. An officer responded. The men separated.
• 11:53am Joyriding occurred on Johnson Street. The RP stated his vehicle, which was parked in front of his house, was missing. Flock license plate readers indicated that the vehicle had not left Healdsburg. Officers located the vehicle, which had no damage. The vehicle was returned to the owner, and an officer took a report.
4:15pm A stolen vehicle was recovered behind Safeway on Vine Street. The registered owner was contacted.
• 9:44pm A man was seen near John & Zeke’s on Healdsburg Avenue selling hot dogs without a permit. Officers gave advice about the situation.
Sunday, Sept. 1
2:08am A bike was stopped on Healdsburg Avenue at Alexander Valley Road for not driving in the righthand lane. A 45-YO man was cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a leaded cane or baton.
12:32pm A vehicle was stopped on Grove Street for a probation check. A
search was conducted and a 63-YO woman was cited for possession of methamphetamine and violating probation.
12:53pm The RP indicated multiple domestic violence incidents occurred at Healdsburg Corporation Yard on Westside Road. A 47-YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, false imprisonment, criminal threats, vandalism, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine and violating probation.
• 1:52pm Staff at River’s Edge Beach on Healdsburg Avenue stated a man parked his vehicle on the property to launch his
Photo by Christian Kallen
SHINE A LIGHT Healdsburg’s Police Station is located at 238 Center St.
