$35,000 SETTLEMENT MADE TO AVOID ‘PROTRACTED LEGAL DISPUTE’
By Christian Kallen
In late October it was announced that the City of Healdsburg had reached a settlement with a local couple who challenged a required $20,000 inclusionary housing fee for a new house and ADU on their residential property. The settlement, for $35,000, puts a temporary end to a legal challenge of the City of Healdsburg’s inclusionary housing fee policy.
City Manager Jeff Kay said, “Regardless of the strength of our case, the alternative was to spend exponentially more money on a protracted legal dispute, which would have redirected funds away from housing programs for our community.”
But Kay said the settlement did not invalidate the city’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance as a tool for supporting the development of affordable housing for residents. “When projects are unable to provide affordable housing units, they are generally required to pay an in-lieu fee to support the City’s efforts to build those units. This policy framework has been validated repeatedly by California courts and is consistent with the approach taken by many other cities,” he said.
Family Matter
As reported earlier in the Tribune and elsewhere, the suit was brought in early September by the Pacific Legal Foundation of Sacramento and Seattle on behalf of Jessica Pilling and her husband Chris, owners of bikehealdsburg.com. They planned to build a new, 2,108-square-foot
➝ City Settles, 4
HEALDSBURG HEADED FOR DISTRICT ELECTION MODEL FOR CITY COUNCIL
By Christian Kallen
On Tuesday night, the five residents on the ballot for the Healdsburg City Council whiled away the afterdinner hours downtown, waiting for the results of the day’s general election. Although newcomer Heather Hannan-Kramer was nowhere to be found, Ariel Kelley and her extended family at Healdsburg Bar and Grill, and David Hagele and Ron Edwards with their entourages at the Elephant in the Room, had their own worries in mind.
It was after 8:30pm that the first results of the election came in from Sonoma County Registrar
of Voters, and the short read was that the three incumbents—Kelley (2,186 votes as of 2am the next morning), Hagele (2,095) and Edwards (2,219)— had been re-elected to the council seats. A cheer went up at the Elephant outside table, followed by a toast to Edwards, who early in the count had won the most votes of the three.
Repeating an adage of local political candidates, Hagele said, “Walk, knock, and win.” Edwards for the past two cycles has made it a point to knock on every door in Healdsburg, and once again it paid off. The other candidates all did their share of walking, but none approached Edwards’ diligence (or step-count).
Shortly thereafter Linda Cade, the fifth candidate and last place in the race (995 votes), dropped by as well. Hannan-Kramer (out of the running at 1,321) never did make it, presumably dealing with a parental
obligation for one or both of her two children.
The Shenkman Letter
But all candidates shared the awareness that this was the last election of its kind, a city-wide free-for-all where the top three finishers, or two depending on the year, could claim victory. In late September a letter had arrived by Certified Mail, addressed to City Clerk Raina Allan, from the law firm of Shenkman & Hughes—the dread “Shenkman Letter” that so many cities in California have received over the last few years.
Since 2016, the firm has sent letters to jurisdictions all over the state, demanding they adhere to a tight reading of the California Voting Rights Act of 2001, which requires elections to reflect the demographics of the jurisdiction that holds them. So a city like Healdsburg, which elects five
MOLTI AMICI DREAM ENDS WITH RUDE AWAKENING
ONCE-POPULAR DOWNTOWN DINING SPOT LOCKS ITS DOORS FOR GOOD
Staff Report
The news that the Ital -
ianesque Molti Amici on Healdsburg Avenue was the latest café to fail spread like olive oil through our fair city early this week, proving that Restaurant Roulette continues to “be a thing” in Healdsburg. The coming and going of popular local eateries (and an entrepreneur’s gamble in opening one)
council members as a city should instead elect them by district, and should instead divide up its 4.1 square miles of geography into five districts.
After the first few cities to contest Shenkman’s letter failed in the courts, at great legal expense, most cities acquiesced without a fight, though not without injury—Shenkman demands $30,000 to prevent a lawsuit, and usually gets it. As of a year ago the law firm had successfully extorted 151 jurisdictions in the state, and now it’s Healdsburg’s turn. It will be a lengthy and contentious process to carve Healdsburg into five districts, but it’s inevitable. The first public airing of this challenge will be at the next City Council meeting, on Nov. 18.
Other Races
The council members knew theirs wasn’t the
has almost become a betting game in town. Is it Risk? Blackjack? Craps? At the start, Molti Amici gave every indication of hitting Bingo. The location was much-loved by locals, having housed Ari Rosen’s Campo Fina for 10 years and A Divine Affair, a Ukrainian restaurant, prior to that. It was only a few steps off the Plaza, and featured not only a large stone pizza oven but a bocce court as well (both left over from Campo Fina).
Jonny Barr, the former SingleThread general manager who waxed enthusiastic over the opportunity to open his dream restaurant in Healdsburg—where in 2023 he vowed to live forever—enlisted other high-profile local foodies to help with the menu. Sean McGaughey and Melissa Yanc, alumni of the SingleThread universe as well, signed on as co-executive chefs at the new restaurant.
only race on the ballot. The highly-contested Measure O, to exclude the downtown area from the city’s long-standing Growth Management Ordinance to permit multi-unit housing, had lost by a firm 60-40 split. This despite a concentrated and expensive push by the city, including members of the council acting individually, to sell voters on the plan. Measure R , a school district bond initiative, was passing with 63% though only 55% was needed for the voters’ approval. It authorizes $49.5 million in bonds for school deferred maintenance, improvements and construction. At the same time, voters filled three seats on the Healdsburg Unified School District Board of Trustees—incumbent Rose McAllister, and former trustees Donna Del Rey and Judy Velasquez.
➝ City Council, 2
And the initial response was through the roof. However, the glow soon faded. McGaughey and Yanc quietly slipped away, to attend to their own projects at the Troubadour bakery across the street from the restaurant, and the Quail and Condor bakery farther down Healdsburg Avenue. Yelp reviews began to slip, with negative comments first about the indifferent service, then the food and the prices, and even Barr himself. While most diners gave it high marks, a persistent undercurrent of disappointment dragged the numbers down. Over the summer, Molti Amici scored a couple of status points in the form of a mention in the Michelin Guide’s list of recommended restaurants for 2024, as well as a Bib Gourmand designation for “good quality, good value cooking.”
➝ Molti Amici Dream, 7
Photo by Christian Kallen
GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT
THE WEEKEND
Museum Exhibit
The Healdsburg Mu -
seum’s Day of the Dead bilingual exhibition celebrates the holiday with an ofrenda (altar), art and traditional clothing from around Mexico. The exhibition is now open and runs through Sunday, Nov. 10, 11am to 4pm. Free admission.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
History Talks
The Museum Docents will present a special Veterans Day weekend “Healdsburg on the Home Front” History Talk on Friday, Nov. 8, from 1-2:30pm. Learn what life was like here and how locals responded. Hosted by and held at the Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson St.
Seniors Brunch
A Veterans Day brunch to honor those who served, from 11am to 12:30 pm at the Senior Center. Complimentary for 60 and over, at 133 Matheson St.
Final Game
Parents, friends and fans can demonstrate their support as the Healdsburg High Greyhounds end their eventful 2024 football season at Rec Park on Friday night with a game against the Sonoma Valley Dragons. The Dragons are leading the Redwood League with a 5-0 record; the Hounds are in the cellar with the opposite. But Healdsburg has shown some decided improvements this year, winning
ELECTION
➝ City Council, 1
Measure W, the countywide measure to continue the 1/8-cent sales tax to support library services, was right at the 67% margin it needed to pass.
Measure J, the countywide effort to control CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), was soundly defeated 85% to 15% following a full-court press campaign against it by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau and other business interests. Healdsburg was one of a half-dozen cities that voted its opposition to
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS
three games early in the season and losing last week by a single point (See story this issue). Everybody up for the kick-off at 7pm.
Prince Tribute
When Doves Cry is an eightpiece Prince tribute band, “performing the songs as Prince wrote them.” Doors at 6pm, music at 8pm, tickets $35, at Coyote Sonoma, 44F Mill St.
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
Fall in the Air
With the air crisp and autumn in full swing, it’s a good time for a visit to the Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market this Saturday morning. The market, featuring fresh seasonal produce, opens at 8:30am and goes till noon. Keep an eye out for pumpkin-spice desserts and crafts for gift ideas.
Smart Cycling
Learn how to improve bike-handling skills, safe lane positioning and other skills, and meet fellow cyclists in this Saturday 9am event at the Healdsburg Community Center, sponsored by Move! Healdsburg and the Sonoma County Bike Coalition. Registration at bikesonoma.org.
CD Premiere Catharsis is a jazz quartet led by Grammy Awardwinning trombonist Ryan Keberle that blends jazz with elements of chamber music, indie rock and South American folk. They will launch their new album on Saturday night at The 222, a show that’s sure to raise eyebrows and intrigue. Show starts at 7pm, tickets start at $35 and head up to $85, under 18 free. 222 Healdsburg Ave., the222.org.
the measure as well. Measure I, a countywide sales tax of 1/4-cent for childcare and health services, was comfortably above its 50% threshold with 61%.
But as these votes were slowly revealed and absorbed at Healdsburg Bar and Grill, the Kelley family festivities continued despite a studied aversion to looking at the big screens behind the bar that continued to drip out the national news, in red and white and blue and red, red, red, as if shying away from the outside world. It would come knocking on all our doors soon enough.
Get Kinky Jermaine, lead singer for the Kinky Brothers, shows up at the Elephant to do his hip-hop, loop, emcee thing for the Healdsburg crowd. Show at 8pm, 177 Healdsburg Ave., elephantintheroompub.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
Eclectic Guitar
Adam Lieb performs Sunday afternoon at Spicy Vines, a tasting room just outside the downtown core but walking distance to everything. The winery offers local wines of cabernet, chardonnay and a Best of Healdsburg-winning rosé. Music from 3-6pm, no cover, 441 Healdsburg Ave.
Chamber Trio
The AYA Piano Trio was formed in 2013 at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and has since performed across the U.S. on both recital and competition stages. The piano, violin and viola trio performs a classical repertoire, from Hayden to Ravel. Pre-concert discussion at 6:30pm, concert starts at 7pm. Tickets $35-$73, at 222 Healdsburg Ave, the222.org.
MONDAY, NOV. 11
Veterans Day Events
The Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary is hosting a free breakfast for veterans and
their families at Villa Chanticleer, with a guest speaker, at Villa Chanticleer starting at 8pm. Afterward, the American Legion Sotoyome Post 111 will hold a Veterans Day ceremony on the Plaza at 10am. A second ceremony will be held at the Windsor Town Green starting at 11am.
NEXT WEEK
Creative Canvas
Spend the afternoon immersed in creativity in this adults-only class offering a step-by-step painting experience, ideal for those looking to explore their artistic side. It’s Wednesday afternoon weekly, from 1-3pm, one of the adult
programs at Heartizens, 444 Moore Lane. $15 preregister, $20 drop-in at heartizens.org/for-adults.
City Meeting
The Planning Commission holds a regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, starting at 6pm. Many of the issues Healdsburg residents are concerned about come before the Planning Commission first, so it’s a good one to pay attention to. At Council Chambers, 401 Grove St. Post events on the Tribune’s online calendar at healdsburgtribune.com/ calendar and send special announWcements to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.
Photo by Rick Tang
CEREMONY Healdsburg’s American Legion post will hold Veterans Day ceremonies in the Healdsburg Plaza at 10am on Monday, Nov. 11, and at the Windsor Town Green at 11am.
Photos by Christian Kallen
A TOAST Candidate and mayor David Hagele (center) raises a glass for the election winners at the Elephant in the Room pub on Nov. 5, Election Day.
FAMILY AFFAIR On Election Night 2024, the Kelley clan at Healdsburg Bar & Grill included, from left, Matt Larson, candidate and councilmember Ariel Kelley, Sheila Angerer, Iréne Hodes, Dawnelise Rosen and Mack Kelley.
FIRST IN VOTES Councilman Ron Edwards gives the grin of victory at the Elephant in the Room, Nov. 5.
Housing Market Update, Fall 2024
SECOND-HOME SALES REMAIN STRONG DESPITE HIGH INTEREST RATES
By David Hargreaves
The housing market in Sonoma County in 2024 has been impacted by high interest rates that have kept some buyers out of the market, resulting in slower activity, especially at the higher end. However, with the Federal Reserve recently cutting interest rates, the future looks brighter as we move into the final quarter of this year.
Based on our business, which is a pretty good anecdotal barometer of the market (because our business is fairly geographically diverse across the county and also across all price points), we have seen a noticeable change over the past month as more buyers have come off the sidelines, perhaps buoyed by the expected rate decrease and seeing this as a signal that we have turned the corner on the cost of borrowing.
If we dive into the numbers we can see that from January to September 2024, a total of 126 homes were sold in Healdsburg, which is down 5.3% from the same period in 2023. This is actually counter to what has happened across Sonoma as a whole, where sales are up 8% overall and 11% for homes that are over $1 million. It’s hard to explain why except
that perhaps many purchases in Healdsburg are often not primary homes, but more of a discretionary purchase, which we will get into in a little bit. With lower sales volumes inventory has increased by 40%, which is reflected in the time it takes to sell a home. That has also gone up nearly 30%, with average days on market rising from 63 days last year to 80 days in 2024. If we look at the higher-end market for homes over $2 million, then the average days on market is even higher, at 122 days. We can see this in homes like 728 University St., which originally came on for $10.5 million but after 9 months on the market is being taken off and rented. That being said, there are still very high-end homes selling, especially with a modern contemporary look, such as 383 Bridle Path in contract for close to $4 million. We also have a contemporary off-market home on Sunnyvale Drive which is for sale for $6.2 million, so there is still a market for super high-end homes, but they need to check all the boxes in this market.
Market Health
One of the key indicators for the health of the market, which shows the relative balance of power between sellers and buyers, is the months of inventory based on closed sales. This metric, showing months of available inventory, has
increased significantly from 4.9 months to 7.2 months, indicating that for the first time in a long time the market is no longer a seller’s market.
A deeper dive into the buyer demographics also reveals some interesting trends. Out of 129 total home sales in Healdsburg during this period, 66% of the purchases were made by non-owner occupiers, meaning they were either purchased as second homes or investment properties. It is easy to jump to
conclusions that all these sales of homes are being bought by people from the Bay Area. However, nearly 20% of them are from people who already live in Healdsburg or who have their primary residence here. Perhaps this is because Healdsburg residents understand how special Healdsburg is, so are happy to invest in real estate in this market!
Buy or Sell?
“Should I buy or sell?” This is the question I
always get asked, and it depends so much on individual circumstances. I think for a buyer who sees a property they love, now is a good time to buy, but they can afford to be choosy.
For those looking to sell, right now is probably not the best time except for a turnkey remodeled home, because we’ve just been through a presidential election, followed by Thanksgiving and then Christmas. We are marketing a few properties
off-market, and waiting to put them on in January.
As we move into 2025 with the elections behind us and interest rates coming down, I think next year will see a lot more buyers in the market, which could make it a good time for sellers to sell. They just need to realize prices have fallen back off their peak of 2022.
David Hargreaves is a partner in BruingtonHargreaves / W Real Estate.
Photo by Alan Sarpy
CURATED NEWS FROM BACK ISSUES OF THE HEALDSBURG TRIBUNE
100 years ago: November 6, 1924
CROWD AT PLAZA
HEARS VOTE NEWS
The Kiwanis Club met in regular session at the Hotel Plaza Tuesday evening, the regular noon session having been put back because of the occasion. The Kiwanians, together with many Healdsburg citizens who gathered in the hotel lobby, heard the returns from local, state and
national voting in the general election, and the news that President Coolidge had carried the country overwhelmingly was greeted by loud cheering. Indications of a victory for the Klamath conservation bill also were applauded by the Kiwanians. Returns from Healdsburg and vicinity and from Mendocino and Sonoma county were gathered for the club and the public by the Tribune while radio reports were received from other parts of the state and nation. Quite a crowd also gathered at the Tribune office, where radio and telephone reports of election progress were received.
FLASHBACKS
75 years ago: November 4, 1949
MOIR HOLDS WATER AS KEY TO CITY’S GROWTH
Robert Moir, North Coast Chamber of Commerce official, had nothing but encouragement to offer when outlining the future of Healdsburg following the completion of the Coyote Valley dam near Ukiah when he spoke to the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce Monday. He told members of that group that water, California’s major problem today, would be available at Healdsburg in quantities and at a low enough price to attract firms of noteworthy size.
He said even today he has “five firms” who are seeking areas in which to
expand their plants where water can be had in sufficient quantities and at a price that will make economic operation feasible. He estimated Healdsburg will be in that position in three years. He also mentioned that this area, land adjoining the Russian River, will be unique in that it will be the only place in California where water will be available in the quantities and at the low price predicted by engineers.
The Coyote Valley dam is one of two dams proposed by Army Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation of the Federal Government for the control of water in the Russian River. Another dam is proposed for Dry Creek. Both “would store water in the winter and release it in the summer in quantities to meet the demands of any
expansion in the foreseeable future,” Moir said. The water level and water flow of the river would be adequate to supply the needs of agriculture, industry and recreation, he said.
50 years ago:
November 14, 1974
A FIRST CLASS MARCHING BAND
“Last year Healdsburg High School had a band. This year Healdsburg High School has a marching band.” Is there a difference? Many HHS band members seem to think so. Last year, they spent their time playing in the classroom, then went to the football games and really “Messed up.” This year they have spent almost every morning and two nights a week down at the ball park,
playing and marching.
The marching band is made up of the members of Lewis Sbrana’s advanced band class, and interested members of his intermediate class. So far, the band has played at every home game, and they plan to keep up the record. Their first half-time show, during the Cardinal Newman game, was reminiscent of the twenties, thirties, and forties. The formations and script were bought for that program, but since then, all formations, scripts, and choice of music has been made by band members and Director Sbrana.
The Flashbackers are docents for the Healdsburg Museum, open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm, at 221 Matheson St.
LAWSUIT
family home, with an attached 759-square-foot accessory dwelling unit, on a portion of their quarter-acre property. The other half of the property includes a duplex, where the Pillings live and raise their three children.
They chose to subdivide when a change in state housing law, SB9, authorized the subdivision of small urban properties in the interest of increasing housing supply. They successfully subdivided their Lincoln Street property, and began the process of acquiring construction permits for the new housing, only to be hit with an unanticipated $40,000 inclusionary housing fee on top of the usual permitting costs.
However, Duiven invariably responded that he was unable to waive the inclusionary housing fees. “To not apply the Ordinance to your particular Project would result in inequitable treatment of applicants,” he said in a July 14, 2023 letter.
just over 25%, constituted the in-lieu housing fee.
The court filing of Sept. 5 outlines the arguments the Pillings made to the city’s Planning Department about these fees, passed by the city in 2021. They said they were not informed of the fees in their correspondence with the city, and it did not appear in the documents or web sources they had consulted.
In a series of letters to the Planning Department and Director Scott Duiven, they offered various scenarios in which they could avoid or reduce those fees, including continuing to stay in the duplex and renting out the home and ADU, or renting out one of the duplex units at below-market rates. This negotiation included their argument that “our household is eligible for affordable housing,” and therefore that “we are the demographic that the affordable housing ordinance seeks to assist…”
Pushing Back
The Pillings first took their case to the city’s Planning Commission on Feb. 13. The commission heard their plea and subsequently approved amending the city’s 2021 Inclusionary Housing Ordinance in light of SB9, which encouraged lot splits and exemption for single-family dwellings. The amendment also reduced the inclusionary housing fee for the Pillings from approximately $40,000 to half that. As the City Planning Department continued to insist that a fee was nonetheless necessary, on July 15, in the interest of getting the building permit, Jessica Pilling paid a total of $79,190 in fees to the city—of which $20,134,
Having paid the fee “under protest” in order to receive their construction permit, the Pillings sought an ally in the Pacific Legal Foundation (PCF) which brought suit in the Pillings’ name against the City of Healdsburg. The lawsuit was focused on the in-lieu policy itself, one of PCF’s frequent targets in litigation.
It didn’t take long for the City to read the writ on the wall. “Recognizing that the Pacific Legal Foundation is a well-funded legal advocacy organization with a history of aggressively challenging municipal policies, the City determined that it was prudent to settle this matter for $35,000,” Kay said.
Intriguingly, City Planning Director Scott Duiven said, “We will approach future projects consistent with this settlement, and do not intend to apply the housing in lieu fee for new units created under SB9.” That implies that, were the Pillings to apply for their
permit now, the question of an in-lieu fee would not come up. The settlement exceeded the amount the Pillings paid with their filing. The PCF is a nonprofit, and hence will only require a $5,000 attorney fee.
David Deerson, an attorney at PCF, said, “As a legal matter, the government cannot use land-use permitting to make people pay for problems they are not responsible for. As a policy matter, you can’t make housing more affordable by making it more expensive, which is what the affordable housing program paradoxically tries to do.”
The settlement resolves the issue only in this particular case, said City Attorney Samantha Zutler. “There won’t be any appeal because there is no ruling to appeal,” she said. “Both parties agreed to the settlement.”
Responded Deerson, “We are glad that the City recognizes that Ms. Pilling is entitled to a refund of this fee, but we are troubled that the policy remains in place.”
FRONT DESK Senior Planner Ellen McDowell and Development Services Technician Erica Christopherson review an application in the city’s Community Development Center, where all building projects begin their journey.
Photos by Christian Kallen
Photos courtesy of Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society
SCHOOL BAND A photo of the 1965 Healdsburg High School band, under the direction of Lew Sbrana. In 1974 the band began practicing at the playing field, and performed all season for the first time as a marching band. Sbrana had a lengthy career in local music organizations, finally retiring in 2022 at the age of 87.
Frenzied Football Game Ends in Overtime Loss
GREYHOUNDS PUT UP DOGGED
BUT THE FALCONS WIN IN THE AIR
By John Linker
In what proved to be the most exciting and suspenseful game of the season so far, the Healdsburg Greyhounds lost to the Peregrine Falcons of Archie Williams High in overtime on Saturday afternoon in San Anselmo, 43-42.
In the day game, beneath a partly cloudy sky, the evenly matched teams played vigorously and aggressively to the last second of the three-hour contest, when the Falcons claimed victory.
First Half
The Falcons’ first drive of the game was stymied by a stout Healdsburg defense, until on a third-and-14 from 54 yards out, the Falcons pulled off a pass play to chalk up their first score. Nathaniel Rowland (six total tackles) blocked the extra point.
Healdsburg’s first drive included a number of runs from Frank Rea (103 yards rushing), but a penalty followed by an interception on the 22-yard line set up the next Falcons’ touchdown, a keeper by quarterback Ronan Foley. With 2:26 left in the first quarter, the Falcons led 13-0.
The Greyhounds returned to their strong running attack until they turned it over again with a fumble by Nova Perrill II after a 14-yard run (221 yards passing; 4 TDs). The Falcons eventually gave the ball to running back Nate Ryan for a large gain that led to another Foley keeper touchdown run, and with 9:53 left in the half the Falcons led 20-0. Because of the patient and level-headed Greyhounds coach, Criss Rosales, encouraged by the rambunctious diehard visiting crowd, Healdsburg never lost heart. After a combination of Perrill completions to both Hayden Mariani (79 yards receiving, 1 TD) and Areum Romero (110 yards receiving, 2 TDs) and Rea runs, Perrill ran for the Hounds’ first score of the game with 5:35 left in the half, 20-7.
Hounds began their next drive running down the clock with strong rushing plays by both Rea and Perrill. With 19 seconds left on the clock, Perrill found Romero in the corner of the end zone, closing out the half with a 20-14 score. At halftime, the visiting crowd from Healdsburg sensed exceptional possibilities.
Second Half
In the first drive of the third quarter, the Falcons recovered another Hounds’ fumble on the 50-yard line
that put them in position to score again—but led by the unflagging and tenacious play of the Hounds’ front four, the Falcons had to settle for a field goal. The Falcons recovered a surprise onside kick that led to their next touchdown, and though their extra point was blocked, their lead increased to 29-14. Again, with the resolve of coach Rosales and a determined Hounds’ team, Healdsburg was anything but deflated. Perrill quickly connected with a succession of two longyardage completions to Romero, the second for a touchdown, and with 2:07 left in the third quarter, the score was 29-21. In the fourth quarter,
the Falcons answered with their own series of run plays, the last one for a touchdown, and may have been feeling confident with a 35-21 lead. On Healdsburg’s next drive, however, a roughing-thepasser penalty saved the Hounds from another interception, and the drive ended with a rushing touchdown by Rea.
With 6:07 left on the clock, the score was 35-28 and the Hounds were feeling energized, so much so that they tried an unsuccessful onside kick of their own, permitting another Falcon drive with time running out. That drive was quickly stopped by the Hounds’ front four again, forcing the Falcons to punt
and giving Healdsburg a full 5 minutes to score.
And those 5 minutes of high school football included the most suspenseful play this season.
The Hounds moved down the field like some regiment from Lord of the Rings. It took seven series of downs, two of them fourth-down conversions, to get the ball to the Falcons’ 28-yard line. With 35 seconds left on the game clock on another fourth down, before a now-frenzied crowd, Max Morris made an impossible leap into the corner of the end zone to complete a Perrill pass and touchdown. With the extra point good, the game headed into overtime, 35-35.
Overtime
It took two just sets of downs before another corner pass, this time to Mariani, gave Healdsburg the lead for the first time in the game, 42-35. Admirable tackles in the backfield by Leo Kluse and Morris that pushed the Falcons back even farther from the goal line almost ensured a win.
Still, the Falcons kept their heads. Scrambling for his life and the game, Foley threw a rocket deep into the end zone to make the final touchdown and bring the game within one point, 42-41. Archie Williams coach Anthony Jackson decided to go for the win, attempting a two-point conversion instead of tying the game. Quarterback Foley escaped the advancing Hounds, and to borrow a baseball phrase, made a “walk-off” pass into the corner of the end zone for the conversion. That was it. The final score was 43-42 in favor of the Falcons, but in the end, both teams were winners. Reflecting later on the game, coach Rosales said, “The last three quarters showed what we could do when we play as a full team, not just the offense or the defense or special teams.”
This Friday night at 7pm at Rec Park, the Greyhounds host the undefeated, first-place Sonoma Valley Dragons in what will be their last game of the season.
Photos by Joe Rowland
NOT SO FAST Healdsburg’s Nate Rowland (54) takes down Archie Williams running back Nate Ryan (28) during the wild and crazy fourth quarter of the Nov. 2 game in San Anselmo.
PLOWING AHEAD Hayden Mariani (3) fights through the Falcons’ defenders during football action at Archie Williams High. The Hounds came back from behind, only to lose in overtime on a 2-point conversion.
PASS PLAY Healdsburg quarterback Nova Perrill II (10) targets Dillan Jocius (not seen) on a screen pass in the third quarter of the Nov. 2 game. Archie Williams won the close, hard-fought game, 43-42 in overtime.
Taking a Chance
CASTING LOTS, ROLLING THE DICE, ACCEPTING THE RESULTS
By Pierre Ratte
Dice. Gambling. Chance. A few things generally associated with less attractive endeavors, less constructive decision making, less than optimal outcomes. Why leave it to chance?
In times past, leaving decisions to chance was not unusual. Germanic tribes and ancient Roman and Hebrew cultures cast lots to make decisions. The practice is mentioned over 85 times in the Bible. In a famous instance, Judas’ replacement was chosen
CLOSURE
Those plaudits were almost immediately tar -
by lot. A less-appreciated underpinning of this practice is that all persons “in the room” accept the decision that is made by chance. Acceptance of a chance outcome, a priori, puts ego aside. It puts knowing the best way forward on hold, allowing a group to coalesce and remain bound despite outcome and consequence.
Casting votes is not casting lots, but the Founding Fathers saw wisdom in letting chance have its way in governing a nation “of the people, by the people, for the people” at a time when commonplace wisdom had the most able, most divine, ruler rule. Writing without the outcome of the
just found truth to the matter,” Barr told the Press Democrat in July. “Molti Amici will continue to be open and thrive”), the cat was out of the bag. The sudden closure,
2024 presidential election known, perhaps there is wisdom of the ancients and our forefathers contained in the underpinning of a chancy, dicey, process.
Fun Facts: “Of the people, by the people, for the people” was first spoken by President Lincoln on Nov. 19, 1863, in his Gettysburg Address. The address was given while this nation was divided by Civil War. In the first sentence are these words: “…a nation dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” And in the last sentence: “…shall not perish from the earth.” The Gettysburg Address has 10 sentences.
Chance, the name of Peter Sellers’ character in
atmosphere of SingleThread and the surge of attention that Healdsburg had been receiving from the national culinary press, thought he could make it work. However CEO and co-
the movie Being There, becomes Chauncey Gardner through a chance meeting with Shirley McClaine’s character, Eve Rand. Though naïve in the extreme, Chance’s advice resonates: “There are spring and summer, but there are also fall and winter. And then spring and summer again. As long as the roots are not severed, all is well and all will be well.”
Being There , based on a novel by Jerzy Kosinski published in 1971, was released in 1979 and grossed $30 million. In the last line of the movie, the president says, “Life is a state of mind,” as Chauncy Gardner walks on water and the credits run.
where he once vowed to live forever. (The Tribune was unable to contact either Barr or Cutrer directly.)
Though a green Health Department inspection sticker is still posted in the front window, the restau rant at 330 Healdsburg Ave. is dark, quiet and closed. Soon it will be for lease, at terms yet to be determined. And an opti mistic, perhaps more expe rienced or well-financed restaurateur will roll the
➝ Molti Amici Dream, 1
ROLL THE DICE One is a die, two is dice, no dice is no deal.
Photo by Pierre Ratte
CRIMES & CONCERNS REPORTED TO HEALDSBURG POLICE, OCT. 21-27
Residents & others are encouraged to call Police Dispatch when necessary at (707) 431-3377, operational 24/7
Monday, Oct. 21
• 6:24am The Reporting Party (RP) near Carl’s Jr. on Vine Street indicated that he heard screaming and a large object, such as a rock, hit something. Officers responded, but the subjects were gone on arrival and unable to be located.
9:59am An officer on Powell Avenue at Center Street stopped a vehicle for failing to stop at a red light. A 76-year-old (YO) woman was cited and released on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding petty theft.
11:54am A 63-YO man was stopped for a probation check at Chevron South on Healdsburg Avenue. He was cited and released on outstanding Sonoma County warrants regarding public intoxication, criminal threats, brandishing a weapon or firearm and possession of methamphetamine.
• 12:25pm An officer contacted a 43-YO man and a 44-YO man at the former location of Wicked Slush on Healdsburg Avenue. The 43-YO man was cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of probation and criminal trespass. The 44-YO man was cited and released on outstanding warrants regarding possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, deposit of debris into waterways and possession of methamphetamine.
• 3:04pm A vehicle on Foothill Drive at March Avenue was stopped for violating vehicle registration rules. A 38-YO woman was cited for possession of drug
paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, driving without a license and violation of probation.
3:41pm An unlicensed driver was cited on Healdsburg Avenue at Sherman Street.
5:57pm An officer contacted a 44-YO man at the former location of Wicked Slush on Healdsburg Avenue. He was cited on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding shoplifting.
• 6:09pm An officer contacted a 36-YO man at Russian River Trailer Park on Healdsburg Avenue. He was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine and violation of probation.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
• 8:57am The RP on Sparrow Court indicated that a person violated a restraining order by posting on the RP’s social media post. An officer responded and took a report.
9:53am The RP indicated that on Oct. 20 the RP accidentally dropped four credit cards at Quail & Condor on Healdsburg Avenue. Over $2,000 of fraudulent transactions were processed within an hour at the Dollar Tree, Safeway and RiteAid. An officer responded and took a report.
1:15pm An officer contacted a 40-YO man on Mill Street at East Street for a probation check. He was cited and released for violation of probation.
4:19pm A vehicle was stopped near Healdsburg Lumber Company on Healdsburg Avenue for speeding on a bridge. A 41-YO man was arrested for child abuse with possible great bodily injury or death, tranporting a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, possession of a destructive device and the manufacture, import or sale of any large-capacity magazine. He was transported to county jail. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant for his residence in Santa Rosa.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
12:35pm An officer stopped a vehicle on Hwy 101 at Old Redwood Highway for violating vehicle registration rules. A 41-YO man was cited for driving with a license suspended for driving under the influence (DUI) and for a Sonoma County misdemeanor warrant. A report was taken.
1:22pm An officer stopped a vehicle near the Raven Film Center on Center Street for having a defective windshield. A 25-YO man was cited and released for a misdemeanor Sonoma County warrant regarding DUI.
1:31pm A vehicle was stopped near Safeway on Vine Street for failure to yield to a pedestrian. A 61-YO man was cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.
2:39pm The RP at Lola’s on Healdsburg Avenue indicated that a man was publicly intoxicated in the picnic area. He yelled and threw things at women in the area. The RP was not willing to press charges but wanted him to leave the area. The man was advised of the complaint.
2:50pm The RP on Canyon Run believed that someone was stealing her mail. She spoke with her mailman, who agreed with her. The RP was advised to contact the Postmaster.
4:12pm The RP on University Street believed that her landlord stole her mail over the preceding two weeks. The RP was advised to contact the United States Postal Service.
4:50pm The RP went to the Healdsburg Police Department on Center Street to report that the RP was defrauded of $500 by someone who claimed to be an electric company. An officer met with the RP and took a report.
Thursday, Oct. 24
10:56pm The RP on Healdsburg Avenue at Powell Avenue heard a vehicle doing donuts and burning out. An officer responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.
Friday, Oct. 25
12:52pm The RP at Russian River Trailer Park on Healdsburg Avenue served a trespass letter to a woman who, after receiving the letter, said, “You better watch out. I will get you back.” The RP believed
the threats were valid. Officers responded, but the woman was gone on arrival. Subsequently the woman spoke with an officer who advised her of the trespass paperwork against her.
12:55pm The RP at Capital Lumber on Healdsburg Avenue stated that a truck tailgated her. An officer responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.
Saturday, Oct. 26
• 1:22pm The RP at Dry Creek Inn on Dry Creek Road indicated she was sexually harassed. She was assisted by a person from Reach For Home. While at the hotel, the front desk asked the RP how many keys she needed. Before the RP could respond, the man from Reach For Home said, “Two keys.” Later the man asked the RP if she would give him a key. The RP asked, “Why would I give you a key?” He said, “So that I can pop in and check on you.” In addition, the RP wanted to report the misuse of funds and a violation of the health and safety code. An officer responded. The RP was provided the incident number.
7:40pm The RP indicated a vehicle on Hwy 101 at
Photo by Christian Kallen
SHINE A LIGHT Healdsburg’s Police Station is located at 238 Center St.
